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Sorghum bicolor
Sorghum bicolor
Sorghum bicolor
Sorghum bicolor

Sorghum bicolor

TAXONOMY

FamilyPoaceae
GenusSorghum
Zone8

ABOUT

Sorghum bicolor, commonly known as sorghum, is a species of grass in the family Poaceae. It is native to Africa and is widely cultivated for its grain, which is used for food, animal fodder, and biofuel production. Sorghum is a drought-tolerant crop and can thrive in arid regions where other crops might fail.

ALSO KNOWN AS

Great Millet
Milium Compactum
Milium Sorgo
Panicum Frumentaceum
Panicum Sacchariferum
Rhodesian Sudan Grass
Agrostis nigricans
Andropogon besseri
Andropogon bicolor
Andropogon caffrorum
Andropogon compactus
Andropogon niger
Andropogon rubens
Andropogon saccharatrus
Andropogon saccharatus
Andropogon sorghum
Andropogon sorghum f. pallidus
Andropogon sorghum subsp. sativus
Andropogon sorghum subvar. badius
Andropogon sorghum subvar. fragilis
Andropogon sorghum subvar. japonicus
Andropogon sorghum subvar. leiostachyus
Andropogon sorghum subvar. lividus
Andropogon sorghum subvar. niger
Andropogon sorghum subvar. rubens
Andropogon sorghum subvar. splendidus
Andropogon sorghum var. abyssinicum
Andropogon sorghum var. aegyptiacus
Andropogon sorghum var. aethiops
Andropogon sorghum var. albofuscus
Andropogon sorghum var. ankolib
Andropogon sorghum var. arabicus
Andropogon sorghum var. bicarinatus
Andropogon sorghum var. bicolor
Andropogon sorghum var. burmanicus
Andropogon sorghum var. cafer
Andropogon sorghum var. campanus
Andropogon sorghum var. caudatus
Andropogon sorghum var. cernuus
Andropogon sorghum var. corymbosus
Andropogon sorghum var. dochna
Andropogon sorghum var. durra
Andropogon sorghum var. ehrenbergianus
Andropogon sorghum var. elegans
Andropogon sorghum var. eois
Andropogon sorghum var. fulvus
Andropogon sorghum var. glaberrimus
Andropogon sorghum var. globosus
Andropogon sorghum var. hians
Andropogon sorghum var. hirsutus
Andropogon sorghum var. hybridus
Andropogon sorghum var. irungu
Andropogon sorghum var. javanicus
Andropogon sorghum var. jucundus
Andropogon sorghum var. lasiorhachis
Andropogon sorghum var. leiostachyus
Andropogon sorghum var. leucospermus
Andropogon sorghum var. melanospermus
Andropogon sorghum var. miliiformis
Andropogon sorghum var. neesii
Andropogon sorghum var. nervosus
Andropogon sorghum var. nitidus
Andropogon sorghum var. obovatus
Andropogon sorghum var. ovatoellipticus
Andropogon sorghum var. ovulifer
Andropogon sorghum var. pulcher
Andropogon sorghum var. roxburghii
Andropogon sorghum var. rubens
Andropogon sorghum var. rubrocermuus
Andropogon sorghum var. rubrocernuus
Andropogon sorghum var. rufescens
Andropogon sorghum var. rugulosus
Andropogon sorghum var. saccharatus
Andropogon sorghum var. sativus
Andropogon sorghum var. schenkii
Andropogon sorghum var. schimperi
Andropogon sorghum var. splendidus
Andropogon sorghum var. subglabrescens
Andropogon sorghum var. subglobosus
Andropogon sorghum var. technicus
Andropogon sorghum var. truchmenorum
Andropogon sorghum var. usorum
Andropogon sorghum var. vulgaris
Andropogon sorghum var. wightii
Andropogon sorghum var. yemensis
Andropogon subglabrescens
Andropogon truchmenorum
Andropogon usorum
Andropogon vulgare
Andropogon vulgaris
Holcus albus
Holcus arduinoi
Holcus bicolor
Holcus cafer
Holcus caffrorum
Holcus cernuus
Holcus compactus
Holcus dochna
Holcus dora
Holcus duna
Holcus durra
Holcus ferrugineus
Holcus niger
Holcus nigerrimus
Holcus nigricans
Holcus pyramidalis
Holcus rubens
Holcus saccharatus
Holcus saccharatus var. technicus
Holcus sorghum
Holcus sorghum var. caffrorum
Holcus sorghum var. durra
Holcus sorghum var. saccharatus
Holcus sorghum var. technicus
Milium bicolor
Milium maximum
Milium nigricans
Milium sorghum
Panicum caffrorum
Rhaphis sorghum
Sorghum
Sorghum abyssinicum
Sorghum album
Sorghum ankolib
Sorghum ankolib var. glaberrimum
Sorghum anomalum
Sorghum arduinii
Sorghum basiplicatum
Sorghum basiplicatum f. eburneum
Sorghum basiplicatum f. jodolepis
Sorghum basiplicatum f. leucolepis
Sorghum basiplicatum var. atropaniculatum
Sorghum basiplicatum var. microcarpum
Sorghum basiplicatum var. pallescens
Sorghum basiplicatum var. paniculatellum
Sorghum basiplicatum var. pseudoanfetum
Sorghum basiplicatum var. rubellum
Sorghum basiplicatum var. rubrogeminum
Sorghum basiplicatum var. subflavescens
Sorghum basutorum
Sorghum bicolor f. bicolor
Sorghum bicolor subsp. bicolor
Sorghum bicolor var. arduini
Sorghum bicolor var. bicolor
Sorghum bicolor var. cafer
Sorghum bicolor var. caffrorum
Sorghum bicolor var. cernuum
Sorghum bicolor var. exaristatum
Sorghum bicolor var. miliiforme
Sorghum bicolor var. obovatum
Sorghum bicolor var. rotundulum
Sorghum bicolor var. saccharatum
Sorghum bicolor var. sikkimense
Sorghum bicolor var. subglabrescens
Sorghum bicolor var. subglobosum
Sorghum bicolor var. technicum
Sorghum caffrorum
Sorghum caffrorum var. albofuscum
Sorghum caffrorum var. bicarinatum
Sorghum caffrorum var. lasiorhachis
Sorghum caffrorum var. neesii
Sorghum campanum
Sorghum caudatum
Sorghum caudatum var. angolense
Sorghum caudatum var. aristatum
Sorghum caudatum var. caudatum
Sorghum caudatum var. coffeatum
Sorghum caudatum var. dicarpum
Sorghum caudatum var. hackelii
Sorghum caudatum var. purpureum
Sorghum centroplicatum
Sorghum centroplicatum var. alborubrum
Sorghum centroplicatum var. dubium
Sorghum centroplicatum var. ellipsoideum
Sorghum centroplicatum var. erythromelas
Sorghum centroplicatum var. faregg
Sorghum centroplicatum var. globosum
Sorghum centroplicatum var. incertum
Sorghum centroplicatum var. pallidocernuum
Sorghum centroplicatum var. perlarium
Sorghum centroplicatum var. pseudoneesii
Sorghum centroplicatum var. sabderatense
Sorghum centroplicatum var. subcarneum
Sorghum centroplicatum var. tricolor
Sorghum cernuum
Sorghum cernuum var. globosum
Sorghum cernuum var. truchmenorum
Sorghum cernuum var. yemense
Sorghum chinense
Sorghum commune
Sorghum compactum
Sorghum conspicuum
Sorghum coriaceum
Sorghum dochna
Sorghum dochna var. atrum
Sorghum dochna var. burmanicum
Sorghum dochna var. corymbosum
Sorghum dochna var. dochna
Sorghum dochna var. formosum
Sorghum dochna var. irungu
Sorghum dochna var. melliferum
Sorghum dochna var. obovatum
Sorghum dochna var. pulchrum
Sorghum dochna var. technicum
Sorghum dochna var. wightii
Sorghum doncha var. wightii
Sorghum dora
Sorghum dulcicaule
Sorghum dulcicaule var. griseo-lilacinum
Sorghum dura
Sorghum durra
Sorghum durra var. aegyptiacum
Sorghum durra var. elongatum
Sorghum durra var. eois
Sorghum durra var. erythrocarpum
Sorghum durra var. fiorii
Sorghum durra var. fuscum
Sorghum durra var. javanicum
Sorghum durra var. melanoleucum
Sorghum elegans
Sorghum eplicatum
Sorghum eplicatum f. dichrolepis
Sorghum eplicatum f. geminatum
Sorghum eplicatum f. laxum
Sorghum eplicatum var. cereum
Sorghum eplicatum var. erythrocarpum
Sorghum eplicatum var. fiorii
Sorghum eplicatum var. hackelii
Sorghum eplicatum var. heterochromum
Sorghum eplicatum var. melanoleucum
Sorghum eplicatum var. virescens
Sorghum exsertum
Sorghum gambicum
Sorghum giganteum
Sorghum glabrescens
Sorghum glycychylum
Sorghum guineense
Sorghum halepense var. saccharatum
Sorghum japonicum
Sorghum margaritiferum
Sorghum margaritiferum var. ovaliferum
Sorghum medioplicatum
Sorghum melaleucum
Sorghum melanocarpum
Sorghum mellitum
Sorghum membranaceum
Sorghum membranaceum var. baldratianum
Sorghum miliiforme
Sorghum miliiforme var. rotundulum
Sorghum miliiforme var. sikkimense
Sorghum nankinense
Sorghum negrosense
Sorghum nervosum
Sorghum nigericum
Sorghum nigricans
Sorghum nigricans var. angolense
Sorghum nigrum
Sorghum notabile
Sorghum pallidum
Sorghum papyrascens
Sorghum pyramidale
Sorghum rigidum
Sorghum rollii
Sorghum roxburghii
Sorghum roxburghii var. farinosum
Sorghum roxburghii var. fulvum
Sorghum roxburghii var. hians
Sorghum roxburghii var. hirsutum
Sorghum roxburghii var. jucundum
Sorghum roxburghii var. mutabile
Sorghum roxburghii var. nanum
Sorghum roxburghii var. parvum
Sorghum rubens
Sorghum saccharatum
Sorghum saccharatum var. atrum
Sorghum saccharatum var. bicolor
Sorghum saccharatum var. burmanicum
Sorghum saccharatum var. corymbosum
Sorghum saccharatum var. formosum
Sorghum saccharatum var. giganteum
Sorghum saccharatum var. irungu
Sorghum saccharatum var. melliferum
Sorghum saccharatum var. obovatum
Sorghum saccharatum var. papyraceum
Sorghum saccharatum var. pulchrum
Sorghum saccharatum var. rubens
Sorghum saccharatum var. technicum
Sorghum saccharatum var. vulgare
Sorghum saccharatum var. wightii
Sorghum sativum
Sorghum schimperi
Sorghum simulans
Sorghum sorghum
Sorghum splendidum
Sorghum subglabrescens
Sorghum subglabrescens var. arabicum
Sorghum subglabrescens var. microcarpum
Sorghum subglabrescens var. rubrocernuum
Sorghum subglabrescens var. rugulosum
Sorghum subglabrescens var. schimperi
Sorghum tataricum
Sorghum technicum
Sorghum thonizzi
Sorghum truchmenorum
Sorghum usorum
Sorghum vulgare
Sorghum vulgare subsp. bicolor
Sorghum vulgare var. angolense
Sorghum vulgare var. bicolor
Sorghum vulgare var. caffrorum
Sorghum vulgare var. caudatum
Sorghum vulgare var. cernuum
Sorghum vulgare var. durra
Sorghum vulgare var. nervosum
Sorghum vulgare var. nigricans
Sorghum vulgare var. roxburghii
Sorghum vulgare var. rubens
Sorghum vulgare var. saccharatum
Sorghum vulgare var. subglabrescens
Sorghum vulgare var. technicum
Sorghum vulgare var. vulgare

OVERVIEW

WaterMoist
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (6 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity60%
GDD1,500
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar

DETAILS

Care Instructions
Sorghum requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal growth. It thrives in warm temperatures and moderate humidity. Regular watering is necessary, but the soil should be allowed to dry out partially between waterings. Sorghum is relatively easy to care for but does require attention to soil and nutrient levels.
Harvest
Sorghum bicolor is typically ready for harvest about 100 days after planting. The optimal time to harvest is when the grains are hard and the moisture content is around 20-25%. Harvesting can be done manually by cutting the stalks with a sickle or mechanically using a combine harvester. It is important to ensure that the grains are fully mature to avoid losses in yield and quality. Post-harvest, the grains should be dried to a moisture content of around 12-14% to prevent spoilage during storage.
Soil
Sorghum prefers well-draining loamy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The soil should be rich in organic matter to support its nutrient needs. Good drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging, which can harm the plant.
Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended for sorghum. Fertilize the plant at the beginning of the growing season and again midway through the season to support its growth and development.
Repotting
Sorghum is typically grown outdoors and does not require repotting. However, if grown in containers, repotting may be necessary if the plant outgrows its pot. Repot in the early growing season, ensuring the new container has good drainage.
Propagation
Sorghum is propagated by seeds. Sow the seeds directly into the soil after the last frost date. Ensure the soil is warm and moist to encourage germination. Thin the seedlings to allow adequate space for growth.
Pruning
Pruning is not typically required for sorghum. However, removing any dead or damaged leaves can help maintain the plant's health and appearance.
Toxicity
Sorghum is not toxic to pets or humans. However, certain parts of the plant, such as the leaves and stems, can produce cyanogenic glycosides, which can be harmful if consumed in large quantities. Proper processing and cooking eliminate this risk.
Additional
Sorghum is a versatile crop with multiple uses, including food, fodder, and biofuel. It is also known for its drought tolerance, making it an important crop in arid and semi-arid regions. Regular monitoring for pests and diseases is recommended to ensure a healthy crop.
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How To Grow Sorghum bicolor | EarthOne