Sorghum nigrum Seeds - Black millet

Sorghum nigrum, better known as black sorgho or black millet, is a spectacular annual grass with maize-like foliage that is widely grown in warmer climates for its edible seeds. In our gardens, sorghum is appreciated for its tall, elegant growth habit and its large, decorative plumes that turn from green to bronze, to brown and almost black. They make for an eye-catching backdrop for beds. Create magnificent fresh or dry bouquets with their large inflorescences. This plant, native to Africa, likes warm, loose, deep soil and is a great water saver.

Sorghum is a short-lived annual or perennial herbaceous plant, generally grown as an annual in our climates. This tall cereal belongs to the family Poaceae. Cultivated nowadays in all tropical and subtropical regions of the world, it probably originated in Ethiopia, from where it spread throughout Africa. In France, more than 60,000 hectares located mainly in the plains of the South-west, are used to grow it as an alternative to corn which requires much more water.

The fibrous root system of Sorghum nigrum is very extensive and goes deep into the soil to draw moisture. It is also capable of storing water during periods of drought and goes dormant until the rains return. Within a few months, the plant will reach a minimum height of 1.80 m and a width of 35 cm. The plant's root system emits sturdy, upright culms or stems with 10 to 14 long and 5 to 8 cm wide, flat, linear leaves which resemble those of maize. The leaves are arranged alternately on opposite sides of the stem. The leaf blade is coated with silica (the material that makes up the sand) which reduces transpiration and therefore water loss from the foliage. This is an adaptation to heat and drought. Flowering takes place in summer, from July to September, in the form of a large, branched, oval or globular terminal panicle, measuring 4 to 50 cm long and 2 to 20 cm wide. The opulent blooms darken in colour over time, making this plant very attractive. The seeds can be collected and sown the following spring.

Sorghum is used to create splendid, short-lived backdrops. It can be planted at the back of perennial or low-lying shrub beds, or in the centre of a large bed in the middle of a small garden. Combine this amazing grass with pink or white pampas grass, tall miscanthus, Pennisetum and foxtail amaranth, for example. You can sow a few love-in-a-mist, California poppies and cosmos to add a dynamic and colourful touch to scenes. Sorghum seeds are edible and are highly appreciated by birds at the end of summer. You can also give its large plumes to the inhabitants of the hen house... In a vase, compose an astonishing bouquet with cattail (Typha), Chinese lantern (Physalis franchettii), large sedums and dahlias, for example.