Want to make your own brooms? This plant, a member of the sorghum family and not a true corn, is the source of natural straw fibers for brooms. Large, splayed seedheads form at the top of tall, corn-like stalks. Cut the stalks and seedheads when mature for use in dried arrangements and crafts. There are more than 20 varieties in this mixture. The colors are red, black, brown, and natural.

50 seeds

PLANTING

Sorghum vulgare

Germination:7-10 days

Germination Temperature:Optimum soil temperatures 65-70F.

Seed Sowing Depth: 1/8-1/2 deep

Sowing Outdoors:After the last frost when the soil reaches at least 60F. Sow 4-6 apart, thin to 10-12 apart.

How much does a packet plant:25-30foot single row.

Harvest: When the seeds are fully mature with hard glossy seeds. Cut stalks and allow them to dry out.

Tips: Add manure (in the fall) or rich compost a few weeks before planting. Add a high nitrogen fertilizer 6 weeks after planting. Keep well weeded, especially when they are seedlings and well-watered.