Coral Sorghum

A tall, beautiful, versitile sorghum! Pop the seeds like popcorn, boil them as a grain, or press them into a sweet syrup and for making mollasses. Coral Sorghum stands 10 feet tall and is braced well by branching roots with twice the strength of corn.

This delicious, all-purpose variety was gathered in Malakal, South Sudan, where many battles between the Sudan’s People’s Liberation Army and the Nuer White Army have been fought in the last few years. As part of their work to preserve endangered varieties from areas experiencing turmoil due to war and climate change, the Experimental Farm Network requested the seed from the USDA and shared with their network of growers across the US. While it has grown well in New York and Washington states, it tends to take a long season to mature, and should be planted as early as possible after the last danger of frost.

Days to maturity: 150+ (variable)

Seeds per pack: 90-100

Germination rate: 98% on 12/16/2021

Planting / harvesting notes

Direct seed 1/4" into well-drained soil once the danger of frost has passed. Thin to 8"-12" in row. Needs full sun and thrives in warm climates. Best to harvest cane for molasses when seed head has turned from the milk stage to soft dough and the external color from green to a purplish-red.

Seed keeping notes

While sorghum is generally self pollinating, people concerned with unwanted cross pollination should isolate various varieties of S. bicolor (including Johnson grass) by 990 feet. Alternatively, you can plant your different sorghums closer together and bag the plants' tassels when they emerge with weather resistant corn tassel bags, or with paper bags in drier climates. Allowing the seed heads to reach the hard dough stage is best when harvesting for seed.

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