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Multi Colored Broom Ornamental Corn Seeds

Sorghum bicolor

5.00 (1 reviews)
  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS
  • REVIEWS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: After the last spring frost, plant the seeds 1" deep. Thin them to 3-6" apart in rows 3' apart.

Growing: Though broom corn tolerates drought and poor soil well, the best brooms grow with adequate moisture and fairly high temperatures. For making brooms or other purposes that require straight straws, the stalk will need to be bent 20-24" from the top to allow the brooms to hang straight down.

Harvesting: When the entire broom turns from pale yellow to light green, it is ready to harvest. If the broom begins to take on a red color, it is past the optimum stage for harvesting.

Seed Saving: Save seed from as many plants as possible to promote genetic diversity. As soon as the stalks start to dry, the brooms can be cut and the seed removed by running your hands down the stems. Dry the seeds for several weeks out of direct sunlight. A good test to determine whether the seeds have completely dried is to hit one with a hammer. If it shatters, it is ready to store; if it just looks flattened, continue drying. Store in a cool, dark place for up to four years.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Sorghum bicolor

Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Warm Season

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Seeds per Ounce: 1,150

Planting Method: Direct Sow

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 96 Inches

Color: Red, Brown

Multi Colored Broom Ornamental Corn Seeds 5.0
Review By seed grower

well packaged

Seeds arrived well packaged.Should be high germination rate. Super pleased.

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~100 Seeds) $3.48 -+
1 Oz Mylar (~1,150 Seeds) $8.93 -+
1/4 Lb Mylar (113g) $19.29 -+
1 Lb Mylar (454g) $60.00 -+
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DESCRIPTION

This high yielding and easy to grow grain has been used for many years in broom making. The colorful fan-shaped seed heads come in a mix of gold, red, bronze, and purple. It does not produce the usual ears of traditional corn. The cut and dried mature straw can be used for a variety of crafts and dried arrangements, as well as brooms. Birds love the seeds too.
Technically a species of sorghum, broom corn has been used for making brooms since the Dark Ages. Historians record that Benjamin Franklin first brought this unusual plant to the United States in the early 1700s. Though various states produced great amounts of this plant for centuries, production has now nearly ceased because of the high amount of labor required for this crop.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: After the last spring frost, plant the seeds 1" deep. Thin them to 3-6" apart in rows 3' apart.

Growing: Though broom corn tolerates drought and poor soil well, the best brooms grow with adequate moisture and fairly high temperatures. For making brooms or other purposes that require straight straws, the stalk will need to be bent 20-24" from the top to allow the brooms to hang straight down.

Harvesting: When the entire broom turns from pale yellow to light green, it is ready to harvest. If the broom begins to take on a red color, it is past the optimum stage for harvesting.

Seed Saving: Save seed from as many plants as possible to promote genetic diversity. As soon as the stalks start to dry, the brooms can be cut and the seed removed by running your hands down the stems. Dry the seeds for several weeks out of direct sunlight. A good test to determine whether the seeds have completely dried is to hit one with a hammer. If it shatters, it is ready to store; if it just looks flattened, continue drying. Store in a cool, dark place for up to four years.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Sorghum bicolor

Type: Open Pollinated, Heirloom, Warm Season

USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Seeds per Ounce: 1,150

Planting Method: Direct Sow

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 96 Inches

Color: Red, Brown

Reviews

5.00
Global Rating: 5.00 from 1 reviews
5.0

Review By seed grower

well packaged

Seeds arrived well packaged.Should be high germination rate. Super pleased.