Red Broom Corn

Red Broom Corn grows a mesmerizing display of red hues against the sky! Standing tall at 8-12 feet, Red Broom Corn stands out with its deep red, tasseled seed heads, creating an impressive focal point in your garden or landscape. This variety is not only visually appealing but also highly practical; the strong, sturdy stems can be harvested and used to make traditional brooms, adding a rustic, handcrafted touch to your home. Red Broom Corn is known for its resilience and adaptability, thriving in a variety of growing conditions and climates. Beyond its ornamental and functional uses, Red Broom Corn is easy to grow, making it a rewarding choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Use Red Broom Corn to create beautiful decorative brooms, wreaths, or ornamental displays for your home, barn, or business for Autumn or Halloween!

Also Known As: Sorghum, Great Millet, Guinea Corn, Durra, Imphee, Jowar, Milo, Sorghum Bicolor, Decorative Broom Corn, Red Sorghum, Red Whisk Corn, Millet Broom Corn, Scarlet Sorghum, Red Tassel Sorghum, Craft Broom Corn, Red Brush Sorghum, Red Millet Corn.

Plant Name:	Broom Corn, Red
Latin Name:	Sorghum bicolor
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Harvest:	100
Plant Height:	6 - 16 Feet
Spread:	2 - 3 Feet
Bloom Diameter:	12 - 18 Inches
Growth Habit:	Upright
USDA Zones:	2-12
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2025

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 6-8 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots. If the soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage. Optionally, form rows of soil beds 4-6 inches high and at least 2 feet apart. This formation of ridges will help with drainage, ensure good airflow, and make harvesting for cut flowers easier.

Planting:

Broom corn are best direct-sown because they don’t transplant well. Plant broom corn outdoors in spring when soil temperatures warm to at least 60F. To plant, make holes 1/2 inch deep and spaced 6 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 1-3 seeds per hole, planting 2-3 seeds if choosing to thin to the strongest plant. When thinning, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/2 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	6 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	2-3 feet

Care During the Season:

Watering: Water the plants deeply, soaking the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches, once a week. If there is no rainfall, water 2 times a week. Sandy soils may need to be watered more often than heavy clay soils.

Weeding: Keeping plants weed-free improves production. If plowing or hoeing, do not dig deeper than 1 inch to prevent from cutting the feeder roots.

Fertilizing: Once seedlings are established, 3-4 weeks after planting, you may optionally apply 2 tablespoons of a complete fertilizer around each hole, or 1-2 pounds per 100 square feet, without letting the fertilizer touch the plants. Optionally, apply again mid-season in nutrient-poor soil. Water plants after fertilizing.

Insecticides: Insecticides may be used to protect plants. Bt-based insecticides and sulfur are organic options that can be used for prevention. Sulfur also has fungicidal properties and helps in controlling many diseases. Before using a pesticide, read the label and follow cautions, warnings and directions.

Diseases: If spots or mold appear, treat plants with an approved fungicide. Neem oil, sulfur, and other fungicides may be used. When using fungicides always follow label directions.

Harvesting:

Broom corn are ready to harvest when the seed heads have fully formed and are firm to the touch, about 100-120 days after planting. Cut the stalks at the base and hang them upside down to dry if you plan to use them for crafts or decoration.