Sorghum is a genus of about 30 species of grasses raised for grain, native to tropical and subtropical regions of Eastern Africa, with one species native to Mexico. The plant is cultivated in Southern Europe, Central America, North America and Southern Asia.
Where does sorghum grow best?
Sorghum grows best where summers are quite warm , with daytime temperatures regularly topping 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Sandy soils in warm climates are especially good for growing sorghum because it withstands drought and flooding better than corn does.
Can you grow sorghum in NY?
What are the general practices for growing sorghum in new york state? Plant from late May to late June with a minimum soil temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Planting depth should be between 1 and 1.25 inches. A planting rate of about 60,000 seeds per acre should be used.
Is sorghum hard to grow?
Like corn, sorghum needs ground that gets full sun and has fertile, well-drained soil . Because sorghum is self-fertile, a large plot is not needed for pollination purposes. ... Sorghum needs soil temperature to reach at least 60°F. In the garden, plant sorghum by hand, 11⁄2 inches deep, in clumps of four seeds per hole.
How long does it take sorghum to emerge?
Emergence time can range from three to 14 days , depending largely on soil temperature, moisture, seeding depth and seedling vigor.
Does sorghum need a lot of water?
For high production, a medium-to- late maturing sorghum cultivar (maturity within 110 to 130 days) requires approximately 450 to 650 mm of water during a growing season (19,64). ... Early in the growing season, average daily water use is low. Approximately 1 to 2.5 mm/day could be enough to avoid water stress.
How much does it cost to plant an acre of sorghum?
“Seed costs for sorghum are $12 to $15 per acre compared with seed corn costs that are often over $100 per acre,” says Staggenborg. Still, sorghum needs inputs like nitrogen (N). The ratio of N needed to produce a bushel of grain is akin to corn's 1.2 pounds of N per bushel, says Staggenborg.
When should sorghum be planted?
Grain sorghum should be planted when soil temperatures reach 60 to 65°F. Generally this is 15 to 20 days after corn planting or between May 15 and early June .
How deep should sorghum be planted?
Sorghum should be planted one inch deep under most situations. Seeds should be placed to moisture, but no deeper than about one inch in heavy soils and about two inches in sandy soils.
Will sorghum reseed itself?
Yes it will reseed .
Is sorghum annual or perennial?
Sorghum originated in Africa and typically has been produced as an annual . As a grain it is one of the most important food crops on the planet.
How do you plant sorghum?
In the garden, plant sorghum by hand, 11⁄2 inches deep, in clumps of four seeds per hole . Space the holes 18 to 24 inches apart. Four seeds should yield about three uniform stalks and heads, enough to make a few dried arrangements if you're growing them for ornamental use.
Do ducks like sorghum?
It's easy to grow and the ducks love it . If it's really dry during the growing process, you'll see more grain sorghum and in really wet years you'll see the millet take over (it loves having its “feet” wet). We've experimented with having buckwheat in the blend.
Why is sorghum bad for you?
The biggest health risk of sorghum is tied to its potential as an allergen . Allergies associated with grasses and grass pollen are extremely common. Unfortunately, Sorghum is a grass and is known to produce an allergic reaction in some people.
Is sorghum healthier than corn?
The grain can be an ingredient in snack foods and baking and brewing products, and it sometimes is used as a meat extender. Sorghum contains slightly more calories than corn but fewer grams of fat .
How much moisture does sorghum need?
Although water needs decline slightly after booting, a sorghum crop still requires 2 to 3 inches of water every 10 days . Irrigating during heading and flowering generally produces an increase of 1,200 to 1,500 pounds per acre.
