How to Grow Brown Top Broomcorn
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Brown Top Broomcorn
Sorghum bicolor subsp. technicum
grassBrown Top Broomcorn is a variety of grain sorghum cultivated specifically for broom and brush production. It produces tall, sturdy stalks (6-10 feet) topped with open, feathery seed heads that are harvested and processed into natural brooms and cleaning brushes. This heirloom crop was historically important in American agriculture and remains valued by artisans and sustainable farmers.
When should you plant Brown Top Broomcorn in your zone?
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Example Brown Top Broomcorn timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Brown Top Broomcorn
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Brown Top Broomcorn
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Brown Top Broomcorn dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 6-9; can be grown in zone 5 with careful timing
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds sprout within 7-10 days. Seedlings emerge with narrow, upright leaves. Growth is slow initially in cool weather.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Protect from heavy rain that may cause damping off. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once 2-3 inches tall.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksRapid stem and leaf development. Plants reach 2-4 feet tall with multiple leaves per node. Root system expands deeply.
Ensure adequate moisture and apply balanced fertilizer at 4-6 weeks. Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Monitor for pests.
Boot to Heading
3-4 weeksFlowering stems emerge from leaf sheaths. Panicle (seed head) begins to form and expand. Plants reach near-final height (6-10 feet).
Reduce nitrogen to avoid lodging and excessive vegetative growth. Ensure consistent watering as this is critical for panicle development. Scout for insects.
Anthesis & Grain Fill
3-4 weeksIndividual florets open and flower. Seeds develop and fill with grain. Broomcorn fibers (the panicle) mature and harden.
Maintain moderate moisture; don't overwater or panicles may rot. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizer. This stage determines final broom quality.
Maturity & Harvest
2-3 weeksSeeds fully mature and harden. Panicle fibers dry and become stiff, turning golden to brown. Leaves begin to senesce.
Reduce watering. Monitor for proper color development (varies by variety—brown top types show brown discoloration at seed head tips). Harvest when fibers are dry and brittle.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor panicles starting at heading. Hand-pick affected seed heads if infestations are light. Use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) sprays if needed. Remove crop residues after harvest.
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Scout seedlings and young plants. Adequate watering reduces susceptibility. Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil for severe infestations. Encourage natural predators.
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Monitor foliage for leaf damage. Use Bt sprays when larvae are small. Remove affected plant material. Maintain crop residue management.
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Use netting over small areas or reflective tape. Scare tactics (balloons, predator decoys) may help. Accept some loss as part of wildlife habitat.
Uses
Natural Broom & Brush Production
CraftBrown Top Broomcorn fibers are hand-processed and bound into brooms, whisk brooms, and brushes. The panicle fibers are naturally stiff and durable, making them ideal for sweeping and cleaning applications. [source]
Grain for Flour and Animal Feed
CulinaryWhile grown primarily for brooms, the grain can be ground into flour for specialty foods or used as nutritious livestock and poultry feed. [source]
Sustainable Cleaning Tools
HouseholdBroomcorn brooms are an eco-friendly, biodegradable alternative to synthetic plastic brooms, reducing plastic waste in homes and businesses. [source]
Wildlife Food & Habitat
WildlifeSeeds and mature plants provide food for birds and beneficial insects. Tall stalks offer shelter and nesting material for wildlife in agricultural landscapes. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalSorghum has been used in traditional medicine systems for various purposes, including anti-inflammatory and digestive support applications. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest when panicles are fully mature and fibers are dry and brittle—typically 120-150 days after planting, when the entire seed head has turned golden to brown depending on variety. Cut stems 18-24 inches below the panicle using a sharp sickle or knife. Bundle harvested broomcorn and hang in a well-ventilated, dry location (barn, shed) for 2-4 weeks to cure completely before processing into brooms. Avoid harvesting during rain or high humidity to prevent mold. Seeds can be saved from mature heads for replanting or feed.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Broomcorn was a major U.S. agricultural crop in the 19th and early 20th centuries, with Oklahoma becoming the 'Broomcorn Capital of the World.' Today, hand-processed broomcorn brooms are experiencing a revival among sustainable and artisanal producers.
- 🌱 The term 'broomcorn' is somewhat misleading—it is not a type of corn at all, but a grain sorghum variety selected for the size, shape, and quality of its panicle fibers rather than grain yield.
- 🌱 Brown Top Broomcorn is highly drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal inputs, making it an attractive crop for regenerative and low-input farming systems in semi-arid regions.
Gardening Terms
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