176 



Effective Farming 



The amber sorghums (Fig. 73) have loose open panicles 

 usually black in color, and the seeds are reddish yellow, but 



are nearly covered with black, 

 shiny glumes. The varieties 

 of this group are the earliest 

 maturing of the sweet sorghums 

 and are used extensively for 

 forage in northern sections. 



The orange sorghums have 

 a rather compact head and the 

 reddish-yellow seeds project 

 from the glumes farther than 

 in the amber varieties, thus 

 making the heads of a lighter- 

 red color. The plants mature 

 about two weeks later than the 

 amber sorghums. (Fig. 74.) 



The sumac, or 

 red top, sorghums 

 have small red seeds 

 that project beyond 



the glumes and give the head a red appearance. 

 They mature about the same time as the orange 

 varieties. 



In the gooseneck sorghums the head is borne in a 

 curved stem that bends downward. The heads at 

 maturity are almost black in color and the plants 

 mature about a week or ten days later than those 

 of the orange or sumac varieties. 



Cultural methods. When sorghum is grown for 

 sirup, the seeds are usually planted in rows three 

 or three and one-half feet apart and from four to 

 six inches apart in the rows. When grown for 

 forage the method of sowing will vary with the purpose for 

 which it is to be used. It may be broadcasted, drilled in 



FIG. 73. Amber sorghum. 



FIG. 74. 

 Orange 

 sorghum. 



