Sorghum halepense Seeds | Sorghum Grass
LATIN NAME: Sorghum halepense
COMMON NAME: Sorghum Grass, Johnson Grass
Plant Profile
Sorghum Grass (Sorghum halepense) is a grass in the grass family, native to Mediterranean region and warm parts of Asia, while it has spread widely across warm regions of the world. At maturity it stands about Two metres. Not many plants ask so little and repay so much.
Science & Biotechnology
Like other members of the grass family, Sorghum halepense draws steady attention from botanists and plant breeders, who value the genus both as a subject of research and as a source of garden-worthy material. Sorghum grass has a real and distinguished place in research. In practice, its long garden history means the grower inherits a plant of known and dependable habits.
Uses & Benefits
Sorghum Grass works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Ecologically, sorghum grass is a vigorous plant of warm fields and the roadsides. Its large, branching seed heads feed birds and small animals through autumn, and its tall, leafy growth gives a fine cover and a shelter to small creatures, while its rhizomatous spread helps to bind soil on disturbed ground. To raise sorghum grass, sow seeds in pots of moist, open soil in a warm, sunny place, keep them gently watered, and grow little grasses on in the sun. Once it has its roots down, it more or less looks after itself.
Sorghum is a gluten-free, drought-proof grain rich in polyphenols, feeding half a billion people and yielding syrup, forage and biofuel.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Sorghum Grass, and the process is uncomplicated. Broadcast the seed thinly over a fine, free-draining compost, sieve a little more compost on top, and water with a fine rose. A cool, moist period before sowing helps the seeds wake evenly — a few weeks in damp medium in the refrigerator is the usual approach. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Within its genus it stands out for garden reliability. A cool, moist period before sowing prepares the seed well; care after that is routine.
Related Reading
Readers interested in Sorghum Grass frequently explore these as well: