How to Grow Sorghum Broomcorn

Sorghum Broomcorn

Sorghum bicolor var. technicum

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Broomcorn is a tall-growing variety of sorghum cultivated specifically for its long, stiff, fine panicle bristles used to make brooms and brushes. It produces characteristic upright, feathery seed heads that can reach 12-18 inches in length. This grain crop thrives in warm climates and requires minimal inputs while producing a dual harvest of both grain and brush material.

Looking for a specific variety?

Evergreen Black Hull White Red Bristle Dwarf Broomcorn Dwarf Black Hull White Tall Broomcorn

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 8+ hours daily

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Water: Moderate water needs; drought-tolerant once established. Requires consistent moisture during germination and early growth (first 6 weeks); reduce watering as plants mature. Prefers 15-20 inches of annual rainfall.

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Spacing: 6-12 inches between plants in rows; rows 24-36 inches apart inches

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Days to maturity: 120-150 days

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Planting depth: 1-1.5 inches

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost or aged manure Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) Phosphorus for root development

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 6-9; frost-sensitive, requires warm soil and air temperatures

5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

2-3 weeks

Small grass-like shoots emerge with 2-4 leaves. Plants are 4-8 inches tall with minimal root development.

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once 3-4 inches tall. Protect from birds and rodents.

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Rapid height gain with 6-10 leaves per plant. Plants reach 4-6 feet tall. Stems thicken and develop strong root systems.

Maintain consistent watering schedule. Apply balanced fertilizer mid-stage if soil is poor. Monitor for weeds and control with shallow cultivation.

Panicle Formation & Boot Stage

3-4 weeks

Seed head begins forming within the leaf sheath (boot stage). Plants may reach 8-10+ feet tall depending on variety.

Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to prevent lodging. Ensure adequate potassium for strong stems. Water deeply but less frequently.

Heading & Flowering

2-3 weeks

Panicle emerges and extends fully, showing delicate, fine bristles. Flowers are small and arranged along the rachis.

This is the critical stage for brush quality. Avoid overhead watering to prevent bristle damage. Drought stress at this point improves brush quality and color.

Grain Development & Maturity

3-4 weeks

Seeds mature at the base of the panicle while bristles harden and dry. Bristles turn golden or reddish-brown depending on variety.

Minimize water and fertilizer. Allow plants to dry down naturally. Bristles must be completely dry and stiff before harvest.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Cowpeas Legume cover crops Marigolds Sunflowers

Avoid planting near:

Other grain sorghum varieties (cross-pollination risk) Heavy nitrogen-fixing legumes in close proximity Allelopathic plants

Common Pests

Plant resistant varieties; time planting to avoid peak midge emergence; remove crop residues promptly; use pyrethrin or neem oil if severe
Monitor for stunted growth and wilting; use reflective mulches; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators
Hand-pick affected leaves; spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); use pheromone traps; encourage beneficial insects
Neem oil spray; kaolin clay barriers; promote natural predators; remove nearby grassy weeds
Plant disease-resistant varieties; practice crop rotation; remove infected heads before spore release; avoid overhead watering

Uses

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Broom and brush making

Craft

The long, fine, flexible bristles are the primary product, hand-tied or mechanically bound into traditional brooms, whisk brooms, and specialty brushes. High-quality broomcorn bristles are prized for their strength, uniformity, and durability. [source]

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Grain and animal feed

Culinary

Mature seeds are harvested and used as nutritious livestock feed (cattle, poultry, swine) or ground into flour for human consumption in some cultures. High in carbohydrates and protein. [source]

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Natural cleaning tool

Household

Handcrafted brooms made from broomcorn bristles are environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic brooms and are increasingly popular in sustainable and zero-waste households. [source]

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Wildlife food source

Wildlife

Unharvested or volunteer broomcorn plants provide seed for songbirds, gamebirds, and other wildlife, making them valuable for wildlife habitat plantings. [source]

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Traditional herbal use

Medicinal

In some traditional medicine systems, sorghum is used in preparations to support respiratory health and digestion, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

For best broom quality, harvest when bristles are completely dry, mature, and golden (typically 130-145 days after planting). Cut panicles 12-18 inches below the head with a sharp knife or specialized broomcorn cutter. Bundle immediately to prevent bristle breakage and curling. Allow bundles to dry further in a cool, dry location for 2-4 weeks before use or storage. Harvest grain by cutting entire plants and threshing, or allow mature grain to dry on standing plants before combine harvesting.

Fun Facts

🌱 Broomcorn has been cultivated in the United States since the early 1800s and was once a significant cash crop; Oklahoma and Kansas were historically the top broomcorn-producing states.
🌱 The bristles can grow up to 18 inches long and contain a natural wax coating that makes them water-resistant and ideal for sweeping wet or damp surfaces.
🌱 A single broomcorn panicle can make one complete broom, and traditional broom-making is experiencing a renaissance among artisans and sustainable living enthusiasts.

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