How Sorghum Grows

Growth Area

• Native to Africa and introduced to the United States in the 1850s, sorghum is a drought tolerant member of the grass family and grows in regions that are too hot and dry for healthy corn production. The waxy coating on the plant stems and leaves contributes to its resistance to dry conditions. A perennial crop, sorghum is grown as an annual and is harvested multiple times during the growing season.

Weeds

• Because of its slow growth rate, weeds quickly become a problem in sorghum fields, reducing yields, camouflaging insects and diseases and presenting challenges at harvest time. Two or three cultivations prior to planting will destroy any new weed seedlings, allowing the sorghum time to sprout before new weeds develop. Increased cultivation or herbicide use may be needed as weeds sprout during the growing season.

Planting

• Sorghum is planted using a commercial corn planter. Seeds are sown up to 2 inches deep, depending on soil conditions; dry, clay soils require less depth when seeding. Average daytime temperatures of 77 degrees Fahrenheit produce maximum sorghum yields. To ensure a healthy start, the soil temperature needs to reach a minimum of 63 degrees Fahrenheit before sowing seeds. Extended overnight temperatures of 55 degrees Fahrenheit or less can severely damage a sorghum crop. Once planted, sorghum matures in 90 to 120 days with the right conditions.

Growth Characteristics

• Sorghum stalks grow from 2 to 12 feet high, depending on the variety. The stalks stand tall and erect and are similar to corn in overall appearance. The edible grain seeds sprout along the stalk in the form a panicle, or a loose branching cluster. Each stalk produces more side shoots than top ones, providing for multiple seed heads along the stem. If the main panicle suffers damaged from heat or drought, the side shoots continue to produce clusters.