How to Grow Cheyenne Broomcorn
Wikimedia Commons
Cheyenne Broomcorn
Sorghum bicolor subsp. technicum
grassCheyenne broomcorn is a sorghum variety cultivated specifically for its rigid, fine panicles used in traditional broom-making. The plant grows tall with sturdy stems and produces distinctive seed heads that have been harvested for centuries to craft brooms, brushes, and other household items. It is a drought-tolerant, warm-season crop that thrives in arid and semi-arid regions.
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Example Cheyenne Broomcorn timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Cheyenne 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 Cheyenne Broomcorn
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Cheyenne Broomcorn dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9, best in zones 6-8 for consistent yields
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Seedling
2-3 weeksYoung plants with 2-4 leaves, thin green shoots emerging from soil
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once 3-4 inches tall. Protect from birds.
Vegetative/Tillering
4-6 weeksPlants develop multiple tillers (side shoots), strong root systems, 12-24 inches tall with expanding leaf canopy
Apply balanced fertilizer if soil is poor. Ensure adequate spacing to prevent competition. Monitor for early pests.
Stem Elongation
4-6 weeksRapid height growth, plants reaching 4-8 feet tall with thick, rigid stems and full foliage
Reduce nitrogen to avoid excessive leaf growth that reduces fiber quality. Support tall varieties in windy areas if needed.
Panicle Development & Bloom
3-4 weeksSeed heads (panicles) emerge from boot stage and develop; fine, delicate branching structure appears
Minimal supplemental watering; water stress actually improves fiber quality and color. Monitor for webworms and other pests.
Maturity & Harvest Ready
2-3 weeksPanicles fully developed, straw-colored or reddish, seeds mature and hard, stems browning and drying
Allow complete desiccation in field. Harvest when panicles are fully dry and brittle for best broom-making fiber quality.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick affected panicles, use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), ensure proper crop rotation
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Monitor for populations, encourage natural predators, apply neem oil if severe
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Handpick, use pheromone traps, apply Bt spray in early infestations
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Netting over panicles, reflective tape, noise deterrents during seed maturation
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Choose resistant varieties, improve air circulation, remove infected plant debris, fungicide spray if available
Uses
Broom & Brush Making
CraftThe stiff, fine panicles are the traditional material for crafting corn brooms and cleaning brushes. Cheyenne broomcorn is prized for its uniform fiber length and strength, making it ideal for both commercial and hand-crafted brooms. [source]
Decorative & Craft Items
HouseholdDried panicles are used in dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and rustic home décor. The natural tan to reddish color adds texture to floral designs and craft projects. [source]
Seed & Grain Use
CulinaryWhile primarily a fiber crop, broomcorn seeds can be used as birdseed, livestock feed, or ground into flour for specialty baking when desired. [source]
Wildlife Food & Habitat
WildlifeSeeds and plant structure provide valuable food for birds and beneficial insects. The tall plants create habitat structure in agricultural systems. [source]
Sustainable & Heirloom Craft
HouseholdBroomcorn production represents a sustainable, low-input agricultural tradition being revived by homesteaders and artisans interested in heirloom skills and zero-waste living. [source]
Harvest Tips
Harvest panicles when completely dry and brittle, typically 130-150 days after planting. Cut panicles 6-8 inches below the seedhead with a sharp knife or sickle. Bundle loosely and cure for 2-4 weeks in a dry, well-ventilated space away from rain. Strip seeds from panicles before storing or using for broom-making. Peak quality fiber results when plants experience mild water stress during final growth stages.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Cheyenne broomcorn was a major cash crop in the American West during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with Oklahoma and Kansas being the primary production regions; broomcorn cultivation is now experiencing a revival among homesteaders and sustainable agriculture practitioners.
- 🌱 The name 'broomcorn' is misleading—it is actually a variety of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), not corn. The term arose because early European settlers used the panicles similarly to corn husks for household applications.
- 🌱 A single mature broomcorn plant can produce enough fiber material for one traditional broom, and the crop requires minimal inputs, making it attractive for small-scale and organic producers interested in traditional crafts and low-cost fiber production.
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