Della Sorghum
Sorghum bicolor subsp. bicolor
Seeds per pack ~ 70.
Germination 85% Oct 2024 (Packed for 2025).
With a stalk height rising 0-11 ft. Della Sorghum is commonly grown throughout Africa as a grain as well as for syrup. Grown by growers at Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance (UCFA) in Maryland.
Origins and History
Della Sorghum is an heirloom sweet sorghum variety with roots in the American South, where sorghum cane was grown extensively in the 19th and early 20th centuries for syrup-making. Sweet sorghum varieties like Della were cultivated as a regional staple before the widespread availability of refined sugar, with families producing rich, dark syrups from the pressed stalks. Passed down through generations, Della retains its heritage as a dependable syrup cane, prized for both its flavor and resilience in hot climates.
Appearance and Characteristics
Della Sorghum grows as a tall, cane-like grass, often reaching 8–12 feet in height. The stalks are filled with sweet juice, while seed heads form at the top, producing clusters of small, round grains. It is a dual-purpose plant: the stalks are rich in sugar for syrup, while the seeds can be saved for replanting or used as livestock feed. Its robust growth habit and tolerance of heat and drought make it particularly well-suited for Southern and Midwestern climates.
Culinary Uses
The primary use of Della Sorghum is in syrup production. The stalks are harvested and pressed to release a sweet juice, which is then boiled down into a thick, amber-colored syrup with a rich, molasses-like flavor. This syrup has long been used in traditional Southern cooking, drizzled over biscuits, cornbread, or pancakes, and incorporated into baked goods. Beyond syrup, the grain can be ground into flour for gluten-free baking, or used whole in porridges and pilafs.
Growing Tips
Della Sorghum thrives in warm climates, performing best in USDA Zones 6–10. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, tolerating poor soils better than many other crops. Sow seeds directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed, when soil temperatures are at least 65°F. Seeds should be planted 1–1.5 inches deep, spaced 4–6 inches apart, in rows 24–36 inches apart. As a drought-tolerant crop, sorghum requires less water than corn, though consistent moisture during establishment ensures strong growth. Weeding early is important, as young sorghum seedlings compete poorly with weeds.
Harvesting Guidance
For syrup production, the stalks are harvested when seed heads mature and stalks reach peak sweetness, typically about 100–120 days after planting. The seed heads are usually removed before pressing the cane. Stalks are stripped of leaves, cut, and immediately processed to preserve sugar content. For grain use, allow seed heads to fully mature and dry on the plant before harvesting. The grains can then be threshed and cleaned for storage. Syrup should be stored in sealed containers, while grain must be kept in a cool, dry place to maintain viability for food or seed-saving.
'Della' is a mid-season sweet sorghum variety with good disease resistance. It also makes easily hand-threshed brown seed that is tasty and nutritious. Developed by Bob Harrison of Virginia Polytechnic Institute, it was released in December 1991. 'Della' matures about one week earlier than 'Dale' and about 6 days later than 'Sugar Drip'. Della is a backcross of 'Dale' — one of the modern sorghum-syrup-makers gold-standard varieties for excellent syrup quality — to an earlier maturing line. It is resistant to anthracnose and maize dwarf mosaic and is moderately susceptible to bacterial stripe.
'Della' is more prone to lodging (dipping over) compared to 'Dale' and is more variable in plant height. It is similar to 'Dale' in syrup quality. The biggest advantage of 'Della' is that it matures one week earlier than 'Dale' and thus would let you start cooking a little earlier in the fall. This was the very first seed crop produced by Ujamaa Seeds, in cooperation with our friends at Serenity Farm in Benedict, Maryland, so it is a sentimental favorite! It's also a darn-good dual-use sorghum!
