How to Grow Sorghum

A warm-season fruiting for the home garden across the warmer US.

Sorghum is a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Plant Sorghum in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the sorghum page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Sugar Drip, Sweet syrup sorghum (Baker Creek)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 15 cm (6 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 2 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 4 L per plant every 4 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Birds and Sorghum midge. In humid regions, Grain mould can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Sorghum is usually ready to harvest in about 4 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant sorghum where you garden.

See also: Sorghum in the plant library →

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