Broom Corn for Brooms

[Sylvie]

I'd like to grow broom corn for brooms but need some guidance.

For those that have grown it and made brooms, what is the best variety? I see multi-colored broom corn for sale and not sure if it is purely ornamental or utilitarian. I want to be certain of ordering the corn for brooms before I commit money and room.

I'd appreciate a name of a proven seed supplier.

Also, any details about the growing, harvesting and processing of it for brooms. Thanks.

 

[vfem]

I'm bumping you up, but this concept is completely foreign to me. :/

 

[digitS']

I've grown broom corn from Johnny's.

My interest was using it as a dried ornamental, not for brooms. It was a little too "robust" for what I was looking for.

The plants were robust, also. I've grown field corn and it reminded me of that. This isn't your tender, sweetcorn-type plant. Give them lots of what they need (nitrogen and water), then stand back and let them grow. At least, that was my experience.

Steve

Edit: Sylvie, Fedco, gives you some advice on using red broom corn for brooms.

 

[Sylvie]

Thanks Steve! Those seem to be what I'm looking for. All the catalogs that I have do not describe it that way. I knew I'd be asking for trouble if I went ahead and ordered from mine.

I've heard that the seed is good for the chickens. Did you feed it to them?

 

[digitS']

I have not fed broom corn to the chicks, Sylvie.

Fox tail millet is in the garden every year. The chickens like that but so do the finches . . . .

My job has been to harvest it before the finches do or it is just - - nothing!

That might work out for you since Fedco says that you are supposed to "comb out" the seed. I mean, the finches can strip the millet in a matter of a couple days :/.

Steve