Sorghum bicolor
Sorghum bicolor
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Pl. DEC1 — Sorghum bicolor
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IOverview
Overview
Sorghum bicolor, commonly known as sorghum, is an annual grass native to regions including Chad, Ethiopia, Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Sudan. This plant thrives in full sun with a preference for dry to moist conditions and can grow up to 5 meters tall with a spread of about 1 meter. Sorghum is known for its edible parts, which include the seed and stem, making it a versatile crop in many agricultural practices. Its adaptability to various soil types—ranging from light sandy to heavy clay—and hardiness zones 9-12 contribute to its widespread cultivation across its native range.
Quick answers
What is Sorghum bicolor?
Sorghum bicolor, commonly known as sorghum, is an annual grass native to regions including Chad, Ethiopia, Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, and Sudan. This plant thrives in full sun with a preference for dry to moist conditions and can grow up to 5 meters tall with a spread of about 1 meter.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sorghum bicolor thrives in full sun and can be grown in various soil types, from light sandy to heavy clay, though it prefers medium conditions. It requires dry to moist soil and is hardy in zones 9-12. The plant grows up to 5 meters tall with a spread of about 1 meter. For cultivation, sow seeds directly into the ground during the growing season. Harvest the edible parts by collecting both the seed and stem.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-12
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
5.0 m × 1 m
For first-time growers
How to grow Sorghum bicolor for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, full-sun garden spot for your beginner sorghum crop.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or seedlings, a trowel, and water.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in late spring after the last frost when soil is warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Amend heavy clay or sandy soils with compost.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds 1 inch deep, 6 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart. Transplant seedlings when they have two sets of true leaves.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide consistent watering, especially during dry spells. Fertilize once a month with compost tea or diluted liquid fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Cut stems near the base when seeds are fully mature and hard. Prune dead leaves to maintain plant health.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too deep, neglecting to fertilize.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:SeedStem
Edible uses: Colouring, Sweetener
Other uses:AdhesiveBiomassCraftingDyeFencingFire starterHairRoofingTanninWeaving material
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 23 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 23 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 7 native· 23 introduced
Europe2 regions
introduced (2)RussiaSpain
Asia3 regions
introduced (3)BangladeshCambodiaChina
Americas2 regions
introduced (2)BahamasBelize
Africa12 regions
native (7)ChadEthiopiaGambiaMaliMauritaniaNigerSudan
introduced (5)AngolaBurkina FasoBurundiCabo VerdeCameroon
Broader regions
introduced:Arkansas, Arizona, Amur, Borneo, Brazil North, Brazil South, California, Cayman Is., Central African Repu
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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