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Grain sorghum
Also known as: Durra, Jowar, Indian Millet, Pampas Rice, Egyptian Millet, Great millet, Common wild sorghum, Broom millet, Forage sorghum, Sudangrass, Milo
The grain of grain sorghum is utilized for human consumption, animal feed, and ethanol manufacturing. It is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical countries, originating in Africa. The grain is used to make liquor, animal feed, and bio-based ethanol, among other things.
Scientific classification
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Annual, Perennial
Lifespan
2 cm to 5 cm
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
4 cm to 10 cm
Flower Size
Yellow, Gold
Fruit Color
Yellow, Red, Brown, Gold
Flower Color
Green
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Deciduous
Leaf type
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Summer, Fall
Growth Season
Rapid
Growth Rate

Images of Grain sorghum

Distribution of Grain sorghum

Distribution Map
Grain sorghum is native to North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. It has been introduced and is now cultivated in many regions across the globe, including parts of every continent except Antarctica. This wide distribution indicates its adaptability to various climates and environments. Its status as a cultivated species further signifies its integration into agricultural practices worldwide.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Cultivated Beds
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Culture

Garden Use
Grain sorghum is a popular grain prized for its use in ethanol production, and for animal feed and human consumption. It is an essential plant in agricultural fields and smaller food-producing gardens. Plant it with mung beans, crimson clover, flax, guar, and buckwheat to maximize crop yield or add color and texture to the area.
Symbolism
Renewal of kinship, ancestors and gods, Cereal crop staple
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Weed Control

Grain sorghum, commonly known as grain sorghum, hails from Africa. The features that classify this plant as a potential weed include its sturdy structure and the ability to adjust to varying climates. Its rapid growth rate and hearty drought resistance make it tough to get rid of once it gets established, potentially engulfing other more delicate garden plants. Grain sorghum's harmfulness shines through as it can stunt the growth of other plants due to competition for nutrients, sun, and space. If you choose to grow this plant in your garden, be attentive to its rapid growth and spreading habits. Regular monitoring and pruning can help keep it in check. The primary method grain sorghum uses to spread is through its seeds. Wind, water, and animals can help distribute these small seeds over large distances, enabling grain sorghum to propagate even in new environments.
How to Control It
The best season to manage grain sorghum as a potential weed is before it reaches the seeding stage. For controlling the growth when cultivating grain sorghum, it's crucial to limit its spread before it matures and disseminates seeds.
  1. Hand pulling: Remove young grain sorghum plants by grasping them at the base and pulling gently to get the entire root out. Do this when the soil is moist to make pulling easier.
  2. Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around cultivated grain sorghum plants to suppress weed growth. Use straw, wood chips, or compost to a depth of at least 4 inches.
  3. Dense planting: Sow grain sorghum seeds closely to create a dense crop canopy that shades the soil, hindering the growth of unwanted plants. Monitor to maintain good air circulation.
  4. Crop rotation: Rotate grain sorghum with other crops to break the life cycle of weeds and improve soil health.
  5. Biological control: Introduce natural predators or pathogens specific to the weed species within grain sorghum fields to maintain ecological balance and reduce the weed population.
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Quickly Identify Grain sorghum

1
Upright stature up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall, with robust stems.
2
Dense panicles of small florets, colors ranging from white to red.
3
Edible seeds with diverse colors: white, red, brown, yellow, purple-brown.
4
Leaf blades up to 39 inches long, dark green on top, dull underneath.
5
Smooth, glossy stem up to 15 feet tall, occasionally reddish or purple.
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Care Guide for Grain sorghum

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Garden Soil
Soil Type
Water: Grain sorghum originates from arid regions and demonstrates high drought tolerance, requiring weekly watering without soil saturation. With a deep root system, grain sorghum thrives in areas with variable rainfall, showcasing efficient water use to produce grain even in limited conditions.
Fertilize: Grain sorghum thrives with high phosphorus fertilizers for improved root and grain growth. Apply during planting and growth stages based on soil tests, avoiding over-fertilization. Adjust application frequency seasonally, using less in dormancy and more during active growth. Follow label instructions for safety.
Propagation: Grain sorghum propagates easily by spring sowing. Monitor for successful propagation indicators like new growth and robust roots. It's essential to use well-drained soil and maintain consistent moisture levels for optimal development.
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