How to Grow Broom Corn Plants

About Growing Broom Corn in Your Home Garden

As its name implies, the stalks of Broom Corn plants are used to make brooms. The tops grow in fan-shaped blooms. These grass-like plants are not true corn plants. And, growing broom corn does not produce ears of corn for consumption. Rather, it is not really a corn plant and is not a member of the maize family. It is an annual grass, classified among flowers as an ornamental plant.

Native to Central Africa, Broom Corn plants grow a single bamboo-like stem. The stems are not sturdy and bend easily in the wind and even a heavy rain. They are popular in fall for ornamental decorating projects. The dried stalks are often included in floral displays with pumpkins and gourds. They also look great by themselves, like dried flowers.

Did You Know: It takes one ton of Broom Corn to produce 80 to 100 brooms…… neither practical nor economical in today’s world.

Broom Corn Plant Specifications

Colors: Flowery tassels come in a variety of colors.

Days to Maturity: 90 – 110 days.

Plant Height: Eight to twelve feet tall.

Ideal Soil pH: 6.0 – 6.5.

Plant Hardiness Zones: 3 through 11.

Sunlight Needs: Full sun

Toxicity: No

Native To: Central Africa

Plant Type: Annual

Botanical Name: Zea Mays

Other Names: This plant is also called Millet or Guinea Corn.

Are Broom Corn Plants Edible?

Broom corn is not usually used for food for humans, pets, or farm animals.

However, it is related to sorghum and is sometimes used as a grain crop and for syrups.

The seeds are edible. Use them as a sprout for salads or ground into flour. Try this flour mor making breads and other baked goods. Also, the seeds can be popped. But, it’s not like popcorn.

Broom Corn Medicinal Uses

It is used as a diuretic.
Use it as a treatment of kidney ailments.
It also is used to treat urinary problems.

Annual Broom Corn Plant Propagation

Broom Corn plants are grown from seeds. They are grown very similar to Sweet Corn. Directly sow seeds into your garden, after the last frost, and when the soil has warmed. Germination is poor in cool soils.

Grow plants in rows three feet apart. The final spacing for plants is 6″ – 12″ apart. Planting in blocks (3 to 4 rows), helps to maximize pollination.

Leave a few plants in the garden to allow the seeds to reach full maturity. Then, collect the seeds for next year’s crop.

Days to Germination: 7 – 14 days.

How to Grow Annual Broom Corn Plants

Grow this Corn plants in full sun, in a rich soil that holds moisture, yet drains well.

These plants are heavy feeders. Mix plenty of compost and manure into your garden before planting. Fertilize once every 2 -3 weeks during the growing season.

Keep the soil well-watered. Water deeply to about 5 inches, as the roots grow deep.

To get a bushier plant with more stems, punch off the growing tip whe the main stem reachs about three feet.

Harvest plants when the stalks turn a tan-like brown. Dry plants upside down, to keep stalks straight. Dry plants for three or more weeks.

Plant Maturity: 110 days.

Ideal Soil pH: 6.0 – 8.0.

Should I Prune Broom Corn Plants?

Pruning broom corn plant sis not necessary. However, as mentioned previously, pinching off the growing tip when it reaches three feet results in more stems and a bushier plant.