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Mennonite Sorghum seed heads and canes with pancakes and sorghum syrup on a white background.
A close-up of Mennonite Sorghum canes, seeds and seed heads on a wood background.
Dried Mennonite Sorghum stalks with seeds on a concrete background.
Mennonite Sorghum growing at the Baker Creek farm with the autumn blue sky as backdrop.
Mennonite Sorghum seed heads and canes with pancakes and sorghum syrup on a white background.
A close-up of Mennonite Sorghum canes, seeds and seed heads on a wood background.
Dried Mennonite Sorghum stalks with seeds on a concrete background.
Mennonite Sorghum growing at the Baker Creek farm with the autumn blue sky as backdrop.

Sorghum Seeds,
Mennonite

4.98 ReviewsSKU: #SR104
Price
Regular price $3.50
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Min. 150 seeds

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Description

A truly historic variety with deep roots in the Ozarks, Mennonite sorghum has been passed down through generations. In the early 2000s, Jere received seeds from his brother-in-law’s parents, who got them directly from Mennonite growers. Still popular among Mennonite communities, especially in Jamesport, Missouri, this variety is a living link to agricultural tradition. Towering 7 to 9 feet tall, the plants are a dusty green with red-tinged stalks and dark amber-brown seed plumes that shimmer at maturity. Traditionally prized for syrup and molasses, they also produce fine reddish-brown grain, ideal for gluten-free flour or hearty whole-grain dishes. A beautiful and useful piece of American food history.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Sorghum bicolor
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
Full sun
Days to Germinate
4–10
Days to Maturity
95
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
8–12 in.
Ideal Temperature
60–90°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Direct sow Mennonite sorghum into the garden three to four weeks after your last spring frost date, once the weather has really warmed and soil holds steadily at 60 to 65 degrees F. Plant the seed 1/4 inch deep and one inch apart, thinning the stand to 8 to 12 inches in the row, and expect sprouts in 4 to 10 days. This Ozark variety needs about 95 days to mature, and sorghum demands hot summer weather. Average soil and average moisture are all it asks.

How to Sow and Plant

  • Sow seeds directly into soil three to four weeks after the last frost date or when soil has warmed up to 60-65 degrees consistently.
  • Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, one inch apart.
  • Thin to four to six inches apart in the rows.
  • Seeds germinate in 4-10 days.

How to Grow

  • Straw mulch can be used, but sorghum grows quickly and usually shades out and out-competes weeds.
  • Sorghum is drought tolerant, but if leaves begin to curl in super dry conditions, give the plants a drink.
  • This is a care-free plant; it does not take much except heat to thrive.
  • Expect your plants to grow from 8 to 12 feet high.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • Sorghum demands hot summer weather. Northern growers should look for short-season varieties.

How to Save Seeds

  • Sorghum is wind-pollinated, but it will not cross with anything except other sorghum varieties. It is wise to grow just one variety a year to avoid contamination. Caging techniques may also be employed to avoid crossing varieties.
  • Allow seeds to dry on the plants.
  • They can be handpicked or harvested by cutting off the flower heads and placing them in a bag. To release the seeds from the chaff, use a rubber mallet or step firmly on the bag to crush the heads.
  • Seeds will remain viable for up to 5 years.

FAQ

How tall do Mennonite sorghum plants get?

They tower 7 to 9 feet tall, with dusty green foliage, red-tinged stalks, and dark amber-brown seed plumes that shimmer at maturity.

What can I do with the harvest?

This variety was traditionally prized for syrup and molasses, and it also produces a fine reddish-brown grain that works well for gluten-free flour or hearty whole-grain dishes.

Does it need rich soil or frequent watering?

No. It requires only average soil and moisture and takes heat and drought in stride. If the leaves start to curl during super dry spells, give the plants a drink.

Customer reviews

4.9 / 5 8 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Thrives in heat: Takes poor soil, drought and 100 degree heat in stride.

  • Towering canes: Stalks reach 8 to 9 feet with big seed heads.

  • Syrup from the stalks: Crushed and boiled canes give a sweet, flavorful syrup.

  • Reliable germination: Nearly every seed comes up, even in neglected ground.

  • Heads up: Birds, rodents and chickens strip the seed heads; protect them.

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