Seeds, Sorghum, Korjaj

Sorghum, Koraj (Broomcorn Type)
(Sorghum bicolor)

Koraj Sorghum is a traditional broomcorn-type sorghum grown for its tall stalks and long, fibrous seed heads used in natural broom making and crafts. A striking warm-season annual, it also functions as a windbreak, biomass crop, and wildlife-supporting grain. Adaptable and drought-tolerant, sorghum is a valuable addition to diversified homesteads and regenerative garden systems.

Key Characteristics

• Traditional Broomcorn Variety
  Produces long, straight seed heads with durable fibers historically used for hand-crafted brooms. Stalks grow tall and strong, making this variety useful for traditional homestead crafts and fiber production.
• Drought-Tolerant & Heat-Loving
  Sorghum thrives in hot, dry conditions where other grains struggle. Deep roots allow it to remain productive in lower-moisture soils, making it suitable for marginal land and dryland systems.
• Wildlife & Fodder Value
  Mature seed heads provide grain for poultry and can attract seed-eating birds. Stalk residue can be used as mulch or livestock bedding, contributing biomass back to the system.
• Structural & Seasonal Interest
  Tall plants (often 6–10 feet) create vertical structure in annual gardens. Can function as a seasonal windbreak, privacy screen, or backdrop planting in diversified systems.

Product Details

• Botanical Name: Sorghum bicolor
• Native Range: Africa (widely cultivated worldwide)
• Plant Life Cycle: Annual
• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Medium-dry to medium, well-drained
• Mature Height: 6–10 feet
• Bloom Time: July–August
• Bloom Color: Reddish to bronze seed heads
• Days to Maturity: ~100–110 days
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Grown as an annual in zones 3–10

Direct sow after danger of frost when soil temperatures reach at least 65°F. Space adequately to allow strong stalk development. Sorghum benefits from moderate fertility but does not require rich soils. Harvest broomcorn heads when seeds reach the soft dough stage for fiber use, or allow to fully mature for grain and wildlife feed. In permaculture systems, integrate as a summer biomass crop, windbreak, or craft plant.

Koraj Sorghum combines tradition, resilience, and multi-use value—an excellent grain and fiber crop for practical homesteads.

These seeds come from the Appalachian Seed Growers Collective, a regional network of farmers dedicated to growing and sharing seeds adapted to the Southern Appalachian climate and rooted in seed sovereignty and crop diversity. These varieties have been grown and saved in place by local growers to thrive in your garden while supporting resilient, locally-grown food systems.