🌾 Sorghum: Growing Guide
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at 15–40 °C (59–104 °F) in soil with a pH of 5.5–8.5. Space plants about 20 cm (7.9 in) apart. Expect 90–140 days.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Sorghum bicolor |
|---|---|
| Category | Grains |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 20 cm (7.9 in) |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8.5 |
| Comfortable temperature | 15–40 °C (59–104 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 90–140 days |
| Sowing depth | 3 cm (1.2 in) |
| Height | 100–400 cm (39–157 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Continental | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | |||||||||
| Oceanic | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | |||||||||
| Subtropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||
| Tropical | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | ||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Sow | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Sow | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: May · Plant out: Jun · Harvest: Jul–Aug.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Jun · Plant out: Jul · Harvest: Aug.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Jun · Plant out: Jul · Harvest: Aug.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Sow: Feb · Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Apr–Jun.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Sow: Jan, Jul · Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–Jun, Sep–Oct.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Sow: Mar, Sep · Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun, Oct.
Watering
Water about every 4 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Drought tolerant.
Growing tips
Drought tolerant. An African cereal. Sweet sorghum for syrup.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Sorghum: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Sow: May · Plant out: Jun · Harvest: Jul–Aug. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Sow: Jun · Plant out: Jul · Harvest: Aug. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Sow: Jun · Plant out: Jul · Harvest: Aug.
Sorghum: how often should I water it?
Water about every 4 days in summer and about every 10 days in winter. Drought tolerant.
Sorghum: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 20 cm (7.9 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 3 cm (1.2 in).
Sorghum: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 90–140 days.
Sorghum: which plants grow well with it?
Corn.
Sorghum: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Aphids, Stem borer.
Plan your garden
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