How to Grow Dwarf Broomcorn
Wikimedia Commons
Dwarf Broomcorn
Sorghum bicolor subsp. technicum
grassDwarf Broomcorn is a compact variety of sorghum grown specifically for producing broom bristles. This ornamental grain crop produces sturdy, fibrous seed heads that have been used for centuries to make natural brooms and brushes. The dwarf form reaches 3-4 feet tall, making it easier to harvest than standard broomcorn varieties.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Dwarf Broomcorn in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Dwarf Broomcorn timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Dwarf Broomcorn
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Dwarf Broomcorn
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Dwarf Broomcorn dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; prefers warm-season growing conditions
Sign up free to see if Dwarf Broomcorn grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Dwarf Broomcorn timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksSmall plants with 2-4 leaves, narrow upright growth
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once 3-4 inches tall. Protect from birds.
Vegetative
4-6 weeksRapid height growth, developing multiple leaves along the stem, reaching 1-2 feet
Maintain moderate moisture. Support tall plants if needed. Weed regularly to reduce competition. Begin monitoring for pests.
Flowering/Panicle Development
3-4 weeksSeed head emerges from the top of the plant; panicle begins to elongate and fill out
Reduce watering slightly as plants mature. Continue pest monitoring. Ensure adequate spacing for air circulation.
Seed Maturation
2-3 weeksSeed head fully develops with bristles turning golden-brown; plant reaches 3-4 feet tall at maturity
Cease supplemental watering. Monitor for seed head quality and color development. Allow plants to dry completely.
Harvest
At peak maturitySeed heads fully mature, bristles stiff and brown, ready for collection
Harvest when seed heads are completely dry and straw-like. Cut cleanly at base of head or strip carefully. Cure further in dry location.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Plant resistant varieties; use early-season planting; remove infested heads; encourage natural predators
-
Hand-pick on small plants; use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis); promote beneficial insects; neem oil as needed
-
Row covers for young plants; kaolin clay; neem oil; encourage ground-nesting beneficial insects
-
Netting around seed heads; scare tactics; plant densely to dilute damage
Uses
Traditional Broom Making
CraftThe primary use of broomcorn is creating natural bristles for brooms and brushes. The stiff, durable fibers have been used for broom-making for over 400 years and remain superior to synthetic alternatives for many applications. [source]
Decorative Arrangements
HouseholdDried broomcorn seed heads make attractive dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and fall decorations. Their golden-brown color and unique texture add rustic appeal to dried arrangements. [source]
Bird and Wildlife Food
WildlifeSeeds provide food for birds and wildlife. Leaving some mature heads in the field supports pollinators and beneficial insects while providing natural wildlife food sources. [source]
Grain and Flour
CulinaryWhile primarily a specialty crop for bristles, sorghum grain is edible and can be ground into flour or cooked whole as a nutritious grain. It is gluten-free and rich in antioxidants. [source]
Traditional Herbal Uses
MedicinalIn traditional medicine systems, sorghum is used for digestive support and as an anti-inflammatory agent. Modern research supports some traditional uses, particularly related to polyphenol content. [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 seed heads are fully mature and completely dry (typically late summer to early fall). Cut panicles from the plant using a sharp knife or secateurs, leaving 1-2 inches of stem attached. Strip seeds from bristles using a threshing method or flail. Cure dried heads in a warm, well-ventilated area for 2-3 weeks before processing into brooms. Quality bristles are stiff, uniform in length, and golden-brown in color.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Broomcorn was first cultivated in India and was introduced to North America in the 1700s. By the 1800s, broomcorn cultivation became a major crop in Oklahoma and the Midwest.
- 🌱 A single mature broomcorn plant can produce enough bristles to make an entire broom, with quality bristles reaching 10-20 inches long.
- 🌱 The name 'broomcorn' is somewhat of a misnomer—it is not corn at all, but a variety of sorghum (grain sorghum). The name comes from its use in making brooms.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Dwarf Broomcorn planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Dwarf Broomcorn seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Dwarf Broomcorn timeline →