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An arrangement of Black African Sorghum in a pot from Africa with a black wooden spoon full of seed on a white background.
A close-up of Black African Sorghum seeds and stems on a white background.
Black African Sorghum in a black wooden spoon surrounded by stems full of seed on white.
Black African Sorghum growing in the Cabin Garden at Baker Creek.
An arrangement of Black African Sorghum in a pot from Africa with a black wooden spoon full of seed on a white background.
A close-up of Black African Sorghum seeds and stems on a white background.
Black African Sorghum in a black wooden spoon surrounded by stems full of seed on white.
Black African Sorghum growing in the Cabin Garden at Baker Creek.

Sorghum Seeds,
Black African

SKU: #SR125
Price
Regular price $3.50
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Min. 150 seeds

FREE U.S. SHIPPING2-YEAR GUARANTEE

Description

Sorghum is one of Africa’s greatest contributions to the world’s staple crops. Black African sorghum is a milo type sorghum, grown mainly for grain.  While sorghum is often used for syrup or animal feed, it is also an incredibly versatile grain, high in antioxidants and nutrients, that can be popped, used for cereal, in recipes, or made into gluten-free flour!

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Sorghum bicolor
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
4–10
Days to Maturity
100–120
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
8–12 in.
Ideal Temperature
60–90°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Black African is a milo type grown for grain, and at 100 to 120 days it is the slowest finisher of the sorghums we carry, so plant it at the first safe opening: three to four weeks after your last frost date, once soil has warmed to a steady 60 to 65 degrees F. Place the seeds 1/4 inch deep and one inch apart, thinning to 8 to 12 inches in the row after they germinate in 4 to 10 days. Grain needs heat to fill out, so this one wants a long, hot summer; northern growers should look for a short-season sorghum instead.

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

What kind of sorghum is Black African?

It is a milo type sorghum, grown mainly for grain. Sorghum is one of Africa’s greatest contributions to the world’s staple crops.

How can I use the grain?

It is a versatile grain that can be popped, used for cereal, cooked in recipes, or made into gluten-free flour.

How do I thresh the seed heads?

Allow the seed to dry on the plants, then handpick it or cut off the flower heads and place 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.

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