How to Grow Broom Corn

Broom corn is not truly a corn plant but a grass-like, sorghum plant that creates large, fan-shaped blooms. This corn is used in the production of natural-bristled brooms or in decorative bouquets. The broom corn plant is also used in many craft projects.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Broom corn seed
• Garden tools

1. Obtain broom corn seeds. These seeds can be purchased at most county co-op locations or anywhere that seed is sold.

2. Using a hoe or furrowing tools, create a 1-inch furrow in rich soil the length of the row.

3. Two weeks after the last frost, plant each broom corn kernel 1-inch deep. Cover with soil and allow the plant to receive full sun until maturation.

4. Water each furrow thoroughly and deeply. Broom corn requires frequent watering to produce good results.

Tips & Warnings

• Water broom corn very well at 1-inch a week intervals penetrating to a depth of about 6 inches. It is always best to water deeply and less frequently.
• Water plants in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Remove any diseased or discolored plants immediately.
• Corn earworm caterpillars can infest broom corn. Placing a small amount of mineral oil at the very tips of the plant will prevent the moths from laying their eggs there.