How to Grow Sordan
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Sordan
Sorghum bicolor subsp. bicolor
grassSordan is a hybrid grain sorghum developed by crossing sorghum with sudangrass, combining the drought tolerance and nutritional value of sorghum with improved forage quality. It is primarily grown as a forage crop for livestock feed, producing tall stalks with abundant leaves and nutritious grain. This warm-season annual grass is valued for its ability to thrive in marginal soils and hot, dry climates.
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Example Sordan timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Sordan
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 Sordan
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Sordan dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-10, tolerates zones 3b-4b with proper timing
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Get my Sordan timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds germinate within 7-10 days in warm soil. Seedlings emerge with narrow leaves and a single shoot.
Ensure soil temperature is at least 60°F (ideally 70°F+) before planting. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings if planted too densely.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksRapid leaf and stem development. Plants grow taller, developing 8-12 leaves and establishing strong root systems. Tillers (side shoots) may form.
Apply balanced fertilizer once plants are 6-8 inches tall. Monitor for early weed competition and suppress weeds. Water regularly if rainfall is insufficient.
Boot to Heading
2-3 weeksFlower head develops within the leaf sheath and emerges at the top of the plant. Plant reaches 4-8 feet in height depending on variety.
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excess vegetative growth. Monitor soil moisture. Watch for pest activity as plants are more susceptible during this transition.
Flowering to Grain Fill
3-4 weeksHead emerges fully with flowers opening and pollen shed occurring. Grains begin to develop and fill with carbohydrates and protein.
Maintain consistent moisture during grain fill for maximum yield. Minimize handling of plants to avoid damaging developing grain. Monitor for birds and insect pests.
Maturity & Harvest Ready
2-3 weeksGrains harden and dry down. Plants begin to senesce. Leaves yellow and stalks become straw-like. Ready for harvest when grain moisture is 15-20%.
Delay harvest if seeking forage quality; harvest sooner for better nutritional value. Allow plants to fully dry if possible for easier threshing.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor early growth; use resistant varieties if available. Remove heavily infested plants. Apply insecticidal soap for severe infestations.
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Scout regularly during vegetative growth. Hand-pick small infestations. Use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) sprays if populations exceed economic threshold.
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Select resistant varieties. Scout heads during flowering. Consider early harvest if populations are high.
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Manage tall grass borders. Use baited traps. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap for moderate populations.
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and
Use disease-resistant varieties. Rotate crops. Remove severely affected plants. Apply fungicide if warranted.
Uses
Livestock Feed & Forage
CulinarySordan is primarily used as a high-quality forage crop for cattle, horses, sheep, and other livestock. It provides excellent digestibility and protein content when harvested at the right growth stage. [source]
Grain for Animal Feed
CulinaryMatured Sordan grains can be used as a nutritious grain supplement in livestock rations, providing carbohydrates and protein. [source]
Cover Crop & Soil Improvement
HouseholdSordan's deep root system and residue help break up compacted soil, improve organic matter, and suppress weeds when used as a cover crop or in rotation systems. [source]
Drought-Tolerant Biomass Production
CulinaryIts exceptional drought tolerance makes Sordan valuable in arid and semi-arid regions where other forage crops fail, providing reliable biomass for feeding, biofuel, or composting. [source]
Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat
WildlifeStanding Sordan fields provide nesting, cover, and food sources for various wildlife species and birds, particularly when left partially unharvested. [source]
Harvest Tips
For forage: Harvest at soft dough to early dough stage (60-80 days) when grain moisture is 30-40% for best quality. Mow or chop the entire plant. For grain: Harvest when heads are fully mature and grains are hard (120+ days, grain moisture 15-20%). Use a combine harvester or thresh by hand. Ensure adequate drying to prevent mold.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Sordan is a hybrid of two plant species: grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor bicolor) and sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor sudanense), combining the best traits of both parents for superior forage production.
- 🌱 Sordan produces allelopathic compounds (including compounds related to dhurrin) that can suppress the growth of competing weeds, reducing herbicide needs and improving stand establishment.
- 🌱 This crop can produce 8-12 tons of dry matter per acre under good growing conditions, making it one of the most productive forage crops per unit of water used in hot climates.
Gardening Terms
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