230 FIELD CROP PRODUCTION 



228. There are several varieties of sweet sorgos, which 

 may be divided into four groups, namely, Amber, Orange, 

 Sumac, and Gooseneck. The basis for this division is the 

 form of the head and the color and covering of the seed. 

 The members of the Amber group are earlier than the other 

 three, and are usually grown in the Northern States both 

 for sirup and for forage. The Ambers have loose, open 

 panicles, and the seeds are covered with black or deep red 

 glumes, giving to the seed and head a black appearance. 

 The Orange sorgos are from two to three weeks later in 

 maturing, and are distinguished from them by a medium 

 compact head and the yellow seeds projecting beyond the 

 dark red-black glumes. The Sumac or Redtop sorghums 

 have small red seeds projecting beyond the small glumes, 

 giving the head, which is short and compact, a red appear- 

 ance. They mature about the same time as the Orange 

 sorghums. The Gooseneck sorghums are so called be- 

 cause the stem that supports the head is often curved, 

 permitting the latter to hang downward. The stalks of 

 the sorghums of this group are rather large and full of 

 sweet juice, which, when boiled down or evaporated, 

 forms sorghum molasses. 



229. Cultural methods. — Sorghum plants grow slowly 

 at first, and for this reason they require a well-prepared 

 seed bed that is free from weeds. Unless the weeds are 

 destroyed before the crop is seeded, they are likely to 

 crowd and shade the young sorghum plants, with dis- 

 astrous results to the latter. Sorghums require warm 

 growing weather and are usually not planted until a week 

 or two after corn may be planted. When grown for 

 sirup, the seeds may be drilled in rows, three or three 

 and one-half feet apart. The amount of seed used should 

 be such as to give twice or three times as many plants per 



