Seed Savers Organic Williams Sorghum

This heirloom syrup sorghum towers over the garden at 7-9'-tall and produces seed heads with attractive red glumes (and an occasional black glume for added interest). The grain itself is red, plump, and easy to thresh. It was donated to Seed Savers Exchange by Wayne Hayes of Annville, Kentucky, in 2015. Wayne and his family have made syrup from this sorghum cane since 1948. Each plant produces 3-6 tillers.

• Organic
• From the Collection
• Syrup sorghum
• 3-6 tillers per plant

This variety works for:

• Grain
• Syrup
• Ornamental

Sorghum seed can be cooked and added to salads or combined with other grains and vegetables to form a warm and filling main dish or side.

Sweet sorghum syrup is very labor-intensive to produce, but is a staple along with biscuits is the southern United States. It is also used on pancakes, grits, and other hot cereals.

Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors ½-1" deep after danger of frost has passed. Sorghum can self-pollinate; ‘block’ plantings are not necessary for grain production. Thin seedlings to 8" apart. Excessive nitrogen reduces syrup quality.

• Direct Seed: 4" Apart
• Germination: 4-21 Days
• Rows Apart: 36-48"
• Light: Full Sun