{"product_id":"nerum-boer-sorghum","title":"Nerum Boer Sorghum","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-value='{\"1\":2,\"2\":\"Lactuca sativa\"}' data-sheets-userformat='{\"2\":45571,\"3\":{\"1\":0},\"4\":{\"1\":2,\"2\":15374745},\"12\":0,\"15\":\"Arial\",\"16\":12,\"18\":1}'\u003eSorghum bicolor subsp. bicolor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApproximately ~ 70 seeds per packet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGermination 77% Jan 2026 Packed for 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigins, Migration, and History of Domestication\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eNerum Boer Sorghum, a traditional heirloom form of \u003ci\u003eSorghum bicolor\u003c\/i\u003e subsp. \u003ci\u003ebicolor\u003c\/i\u003e, traces its origins to the ancient sorghum-growing regions of northeastern Africa, particularly Sudan and surrounding parts of the Nile Valley and Sahel. Sorghum is considered one of the world’s oldest cultivated grains, with evidence of domestication dating back more than 5,000 years in Africa. Sudan became an important center of sorghum diversification due to its varied climates, seasonal rainfall patterns, and long history of farming communities selecting plants for drought tolerance, grain production, stalk sweetness, and adaptation to local soils. Through centuries of trade, migration, and cultural exchange across Africa and into the Middle East, numerous regional sorghum landraces developed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eNerum Boer Sorghum represents this long tradition of farmer-led seed selection and preservation. Like many Sudanese heirloom sorghums, it was likely maintained through generations of seed saving by small-scale farmers. Sorghum later spread globally through trade routes and the movement of African peoples, eventually becoming an important crop in parts of Asia, the Americas, and the Caribbean. Our seeds for this sorghum variety are sourced from Experimental Farm Network.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eAppearance and Characteristics\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eAccording to our friends at Experimental Farm Network (EFN), where we sourced our seed stock this variety is \u003cspan\u003efrom the Shilluk people Malakal, South Sudan.\u003c\/span\u003e EFN notes that \"\u003cspan\u003eNerum Boer can be considered the fraternal twin of 'Coral', similar in most every way except for its brown seeds ('Coral' is purple).\"\u003c\/span\u003e Nerum Boer Sorghum is typically a tall, upright grain sorghum with strong cane-like stalks and broad green leaves adapted to hot climates. Plants commonly grow between 6 and 12 feet tall depending on rainfall, soil fertility, and growing conditions. The seed heads are often dense and somewhat compact, carrying small rounded grains that may range in color from tan and bronze to reddish-brown. Like many African heirloom sorghums, this variety is valued for its hardiness and ability to thrive under drought and high heat conditions. The deep root system helps the plant tolerate dry weather better than many modern cereal crops. Sorghum’s sturdy stalks also make it useful as a windbreak and for erosion control in diversified farming systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eUses\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eSudanese heirloom sorghums such as Nerum Boer have historically served multiple purposes within farming communities. The grain can be ground into flour for flatbreads, porridges, and traditional grain dishes. Sorghum is naturally gluten-free and remains an important staple food across much of Africa. The grain may also be cooked whole, fermented, or used in traditional beverages. In addition to human consumption, the stalks and leaves are commonly used as livestock fodder, especially during dry seasons when pasture grasses become limited. Some traditional sorghums are also used for broom-making, thatching, syrup production, or biomass. Because of its resilience, sorghum remains highly valued in sustainable agriculture and food security initiatives in arid and semi-arid regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrowing Tips and Sow Depth\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eNerum Boer Sorghum grows best in full sun and warm weather, thriving in temperatures between 75°F and 95°F. It performs well in a wide range of soils but prefers fertile, well-drained ground with moderate organic matter. Sorghum is especially valued for its drought tolerance once established, though consistent moisture during early growth improves germination and stand development. In Maryland and similar climates, seeds should be planted after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures reach at least 65°F. Sow seeds approximately ½ to 1 inch deep in rows spaced 24 to 36 inches apart. Thin seedlings to allow roughly 6 to 10 inches between plants. Sorghum benefits from good air circulation and moderate fertility but generally requires fewer inputs than corn. Because tall plants may become top-heavy in rich soils, avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHarvesting Guidance\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eNerum Boer Sorghum is generally harvested when the seed heads have fully matured and dried on the stalk. Grain heads typically change color and become firm as they ripen, while the stalks begin drying down. Depending on climate and growing conditions, harvest usually occurs 90 to 120 days after planting. Seed heads can be cut by hand and further dried in a sheltered, well-ventilated location before threshing. Once thoroughly dry, the grain can be rubbed or beaten free from the seed heads and cleaned through winnowing or screening. Properly dried sorghum stores well for long periods when kept in cool, dry conditions. Gardeners saving seed should select healthy plants with strong stalks and desirable grain characteristics to preserve the traditional qualities of this heirloom Sudanese sorghum.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EFN","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51132154609897,"sku":"05-05-014","price":4.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0617\/6938\/4169\/files\/NerumBoerSorghum.jpg?v=1779977340","url":"https:\/\/ujamaaseeds.com\/products\/nerum-boer-sorghum","provider":"UJAMAA SEEDS","version":"1.0","type":"link"}