![]() True to its name, brooms can be created from the sprays, like the ones commonly seen in historical references of the Shakers of the 19th century. Plant a minimum of four rows for pollination, in rows spaced 16" inches apart in a full sun location. Plant two weeks after your last frost in spring to give ample time for the seed sprays to fully develop. Sorghum is also traditionally harvested for making syrup and the stalks for making molasses. Sorghum is heat loving and drought tolerant as it evolved in the semi-arid landscapes of Sub Saharan Africa. Notably this variety produces longer, 16" to 20" inch, sprays of Broom Corn and is wildly popular for fall ornamental decorations, especially for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Sorghum has a multiplicity of uses from traditional methods of inter-planting between pole beans and peas, as a feed crop for poultry, small animal fodder, as a "screen" between other crops to help prevent pollination between corn crops (including sweet corns), as hunting blinds and, in the floral industry, for filler greens used both fresh and dried. This variety produces elongated heads that hold their seed well once dried. PACKET: 100 seeds, sows 50'.Sorghum Primero Mix, commonly known as Broom Corn, features an array of stunning autumn colors including bronze, deep purple/black, rust, burgundy and golden/wheat that form on upright 5' to 7' foot stalks that produce 8 to 10 broom sprays per stalk. Corn will generally mature earlier farther south, later farther north, all environmental conditions being equal. DAYS TO MATURITY: Maturity was recorded at our farm in Maine (Lat. Historians record that Benjamin Franklin first brought. Broomcorn looks gorgeous in a vase, and lovely in a bouquet. Technically a species of sorghum, broom corn has been used for making brooms since the Dark Ages. ![]() Broomcorn is beautiful when tucked in the branches of a Christmas tree, with the seed heads colorful and dangling through the evergreen boughs. ![]() Periodic test-popping will tell you when the kernels are dry enough to store, either on the cob or shelled. Broomcorn is an interesting and colorful addition to cornucopias, wreaths and garlands. The ideal moisture content for popcorn is 13–14.5%. After husking, spread out the ears in a dry, airy place and allow to "cure" for several weeks. Popcorn should be harvested when kernels are fully mature (hard and glossy) or they won't pop well. If necessary, bring husked ears under cover to complete drying. HARVEST: Ears can be picked when the kernels are hard and glossy, and the husk has mostly dried down. To control raccoons, an electric fence with 3 strands placed at 3–4" normally provides adequate control. Consult your local Extension office for Integrated Pest Management program information. They will not be a problem in stable humus conditions. Wireworms in the roots result from an excess of organic matter that hasn't broken down, such as sod and tilled-in mulch. The best approach to borer control is prompt plowing in or removal and composting of cornstalks after harvest. DISEASES AND PESTS: Corn borers and earworms can be controlled with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Successive plantings can be made through early summer most growers prefer to extend the season by planting a few varieties of different maturities. Arrange in blocks of at least 4 rows for proper pollination, which is needed for well-filled ears. In fact, broomcorn was the sorghum type that was first cultivated and utilized in America and Europe, previous to all the other cultivated sorghums introduced later directly or indirectly from Africa (Doggett 1988 Franklin 1757 ). Sow ¾–1" deep, 6–7" apart (or 2 seeds every 9", thinning to 1 plant), rows 30–36" apart. Broomcorn is a specialized type of sorghum grown mainly outside Africa. PLANTING: Plant early to ensure maturity of kernels for a good, dry ripeness. ![]() SCIENTIFIC NAME: Zea mays CULTURE: Ornamental and field corn can be planted in temperatures slightly cooler than sweet corn, which does best when soil temperatures are at least 60☏ (16☌).
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