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Harvesting broomcorn (sorghum) #764712

Asked July 29, 2021, 7:47 PM EDT

I am growing broomcorn for the first time with the intent to make a broom. I have read as may articles as I could find but am confused about when to harvest? It sounds like there is a narrow window on when it is time to table it. This is from an article: Broomcorn is harvested for broom-use prior to seed maturity when the peduncles (the stem that supports the flowers and seeds) turn completely from yellow to pale green. Four to five days after this stage, the brush will become brittle and no longer be suitable for brooms. Harvesting at an earlier stage will result in weak fibers that are also unsuitable for broom making. When it is talking about yellow to green, i cannot tell because to me it is all looking green with a yellow green seed head and the stem is green. So will it turn yellow and then back to green? Doesn't make sense. I am attaching photos of my plants tonight.

Franklin County Ohio

Expert Response

I have never grown broom corn so this is new to me too. I read many articles like you did and found the same information as you quoted in your question about the peduncle turning from yellow to green. I also found another criteria: "Some farmers feel the best brush is harvested when the plant is in flower, or at most when the seed is only slightly formed." From your pictures, I can't tell if the yellow along the peduncle are flowers or seeds.

One site quoted a manual written in 1908: "Most successful growers say that the cutting should commence as soon as
the “blossoms” begin to fall. After the flowers have been fertilized and the seed “set,” the antlers, or male organs and male flowers, fall away, and this is called the dropping of the “blossom.” At this time the seed has just begun to form and it is in a merely rudimentary condition, and the brush at this period is not only the best color, but it is heavier…and more durable." 


Following is a link to the Farmers Museum website that had a few pictures: http://thefarmersmuseum.blogspot.com/2010/11/broom-corn-harvest.html

Hope this helps.

Pat - MGV Cuyahoga County Replied July 30, 2021, 4:14 PM EDT
Okay, thank you so much. That helps as I had not seen that article about the flowers dropping. I am keeping a close watch on it.

Kerri


On Fri, Jul 30, 2021 at 4:14 PM, Ask Extension
The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2021, 8:07 PM EDT

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