Grass 'Broom Corn Mix'

Mixed Broom Corn (Sorghum bicolor)

Mixed Broom Corn is a striking and versatile addition to any garden, offering tall, sturdy stalks crowned with rich, textural seed heads in shades of black, deep red, and warm brown. These vibrant seed clusters bring a rustic, autumnal charm to garden beds, floral arrangements, and dried décor, creating height, movement, and a timeless, vintage appeal. Perfect for cottage-style gardens, pollinator patches, or dramatic seasonal displays, it blends beauty and utility with effortless grace.

Also known as Sorghum, Sweet Sorghum, or Whisk Broom Corn, this classic heirloom is beloved by birds, bees, and other pollinators, adding life and vitality to any planting. Traditionally used for handmade brooms, the durable stalks and abundant seeds make it equally practical and ornamental. With its architectural form, rich tones, and wildlife-friendly nature, Mixed Broom Corn is a must-grow for gardeners seeking bold structure, texture, and rustic elegance.

DETAILS:

QTY: 100

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

SEED DEPTH: 1/4"

GERMINATION: 7 - 14 days at 20 - 22°C 

HEIGHT: 72 - 96"

MATURITY: 85 - 110 Days

SPACING: 9

PINCH: No

HOW TO GROW:

Transplant (recommended): Sow seeds indoors 6 weeks before the last frost. Do not soak seeds prior to planting. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for 7–10 days before transplanting them after all danger of frost has passed.

Direct Seed (alternative): Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost date, once the soil has warmed. Plant seeds 3" apart. When plants are 4" tall, thin them to 8–12" or up to 24–36" apart, depending on your desired stalk thickness.

Pinching: Pinching is not necessary for sorghum.

Soil Preference and Watering: Sorghum is a heat-loving plant that thrives in full sun and a variety of soil types, but prefers well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist during germination and early growth. Once established, sorghum is very drought-tolerant.

Fertilizing: Sorghum is a heavy feeder. Amend the soil with compost before planting. For optimal growth, you can apply a balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks throughout the growing season.

Harvesting: Sorghum can be harvested for its sweet stalks or for its grain. To harvest grain, wait until the seed heads are fully mature and have turned a deep, rich colour. Cut the stalks and hang the heads to dry in a well-ventilated area. For syrup, harvest stalks when the seeds are in the dough stage but before they are fully mature.

Other Tips: Sorghum is wind-pollinated, but unlike corn, it produces its seeds on a single terminal head. Plant in dense blocks to help suppress weeds and maximize your yield.