M61 Perennial Sorghum

2Sorghum bicolor

Approximately ~ 70 seeds per packet

Germination: 91%  Packed for 2025

Many folks grow M61 Perennial as an annual, Under the right conditions it can be grown as a perennial, because our friend Nate Kleinman of the Experimental Farm Network has successfully grown this variety as a perennial in New Jersey. M61 Perennial Sorghum is believed to have been selected from an interspecific hybrid between Sorghum bicolor and Sorghum halepense. Some plants have plump, light-orange, easy to thresh grain, while others have a more tightly clasping glume and may be optimally used for cover crop and/or compost biomass production. 

Sorghum bicolor, commonly known simply as sorghum, is a versatile cereal grain plant that is cultivated for food, fodder, and biofuel. It is a drought-tolerant crop, making it especially valuable in arid and semi-arid regions. Sorghum is native to Africa and has been cultivated for thousands of years.

Sorghum plants typically grow between 2 to 4 meters (6 to 13 feet) tall. The plant has a thick, cane-like stem that can store water, aiding its drought resistance. The leaves are long and narrow, similar to corn (maize) leaves, with a waxy coating that reduces water loss. Sorghum produces a large, open, branched flower head (panicle) that can vary in color from white to deep red, depending on the variety. The seeds are small, round, and vary in color from white, yellow, red, brown, to black.

Growing Tips:

Sorghum thrives in warm climates and needs a temperature range of 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) for optimal growth. It is highly tolerant of heat and can survive in temperatures up to 40°C (104°F). It is drought-resistant but requires 400 to 600 mm (16 to 24 inches) of rainfall during its growing season. However, it can survive with less water due to its efficient water usage.

Soil Requirements: Sorghum grows well in a variety of soils, from sandy loams to heavy clay soils. However, it prefers well-drained, loamy soils with good organic matter. The ideal soil pH for sorghum is between 6.0 and 7.5, although it can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soils. Before planting, till the soil to a fine texture, ensuring good soil-to-seed contact. Incorporating organic matter or compost can enhance soil fertility.

Planting: Sow sorghum seeds after the last frost date when the soil temperature reaches at least 18°C (65°F). Use a seed rate of approximately 8 to 12 kg per hectare (7 to 10 pounds per acre) for grain sorghum. Adjust the rate depending on the variety and intended use (grain, fodder, etc.). Space rows 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36 inches) apart with a seed spacing of 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) within the row. Plant the seeds 2 to 5 cm (0.8 to 2 inches) deep, depending on soil moisture and type.

Fertilization: Sorghum has moderate nutrient requirements. Apply nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) based on soil tests. A general recommendation is to apply 50 to 100 kg of nitrogen per hectare, with proportional amounts of phosphorus and potassium. Split nitrogen applications, with one-third applied at planting and the remainder during early growth stages.

Watering & Weed Control: While sorghum is drought-tolerant, regular watering during the early stages of growth is beneficial. Reduce watering as the plant matures, especially in regions with low rainfall. Keep the field weed-free during the early growth stages. Use pre-emergence herbicides if necessary, and practice mechanical weeding or inter-row cultivation to manage weeds. Sorghum is a resilient crop that can be grown in various environments, making it a valuable addition to agricultural systems, especially in regions facing water scarcity.

Pest and Disease Management: Common pests include aphids, armyworms, and sorghum midge. Monitor the crop regularly and apply insecticides as needed. Sorghum can be affected by fungal diseases such as anthracnose and grain mold. Use disease-resistant varieties and practice crop rotation to minimize disease pressure.

Harvesting: Harvest when the grain is hard and has reached physiological maturity, typically when the moisture content is around 20-25%. Dry the grain to 12-14% moisture for safe storage. Harvest forage sorghum when the plants are at the soft dough stage for optimal nutritional content. Rotate sorghum with legumes or other non-cereal crops to improve soil health and reduce pest and disease buildup.