Broomcorn Harvest
Broomcorn is a type of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) grown for its tassels, or seed heads, which are used to make natural brooms. As an annual plant, broomcorn is planted in the spring and harvested in the fall.
Each year, Husk Brooms partners with local Pittsburgh area farmers to help grow broomcorn domestically and sustainably.
Broomcorn grows tall stalks and is best planted in rows. It does not produce fruit, but instead sends all its energy to the seeded tassel head at the top. The tassel heads will start to show midway through the growing cycle and then take off quickly! A telling sign that it’s time to harvest is when the weight of the seeded tassels starts to drape or curve down. I like to harvest later in the year to ensure the tassel length grows as long as possible.
After the fresh broomcorn is cut, it's organized by tassel length (S, M, L, XL). Once grouped by size, they are bundled together with twine and hung upside down in the shed to dry for a couple of weeks. The weight of the seeds helps straighten the tassels.
When it’s time to harvest, the stalks are cut roughly 9” below the tassel head. Broomcorn naturally grows “knuckles” along the stalk (like bamboo) and the top knuckle closest to the tassel head (usually 9” or so) can easily snap, separating the tassel head from the stalk and making the harvesting process quicker.
After two weeks and when the fiber is dry, brush the seeds off the tassel heads using a metal comb.
You can save the seeds and plant them for next year’s growing season. Store the seeds in a dry, cool environment such as a brown paper bag in the basement.
After the seeds are removed, broomcorn can be used for broom making and botanical crafting.