SKU: 87679685319
sweet sorghum seeds for planting

sweet sorghum seeds for planting Della Sorghum – UJAMAA SEEDS

Sale price$26.90 Regular price$29.89
Save 10%

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 13 - Jul 18

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

sweet sorghum seeds for planting Della Sorghum – UJAMAA SEEDSSorghum bicolor subsp. bicolor Seeds per pack ~ 70. Germination 86% Oct 2025 (Packed for 2026). Origins, Migration, and History of Domestication Della Sorghum traces its lineage to the ancient domestication of Sorghum bicolor in northeastern Africa, particularly in regions of present day Sudan and Ethiopia, where sorghum emerged over 5,000 years ago as a drought resilient staple grain. As pastoral and agrarian communities migrated across the African

 Sorghum bicolor subsp. bicolor  

Seeds per pack ~ 70. 

Germination 86% Oct 2025 (Packed for 2026). 

Origins, Migration, and History of Domestication
Della Sorghum traces its lineage to the ancient domestication of Sorghum bicolor in northeastern Africa, particularly in regions of present-day Sudan and Ethiopia, where sorghum emerged over 5,000 years ago as a drought-resilient staple grain. As pastoral and agrarian communities migrated across the African continent, sorghum diversified into numerous landraces adapted to local climates and cultural uses. Through trans-Saharan trade routes and later the forced migrations of the transatlantic slave trade, sorghum seeds traveled to the Americas, where African-descended farmers preserved and adapted them under new environmental conditions. Sorghum is commonly grown throughout Africa as a grain as well as for syrup.

Della Sorghum is an heirloom sweet sorghum variety with roots in the American South, where sorghum cane was grown extensively in the 19th and early 20th centuries for syrup-making. Sweet sorghum varieties like Della were cultivated as a regional staple before the widespread availability of refined sugar, with families producing rich, dark syrups from the pressed stalks. Passed down through generations, Della retains its heritage as a dependable syrup cane, prized for both its flavor and resilience in hot climates. With a stalk height rising up to 11 ft.

Developed by Bob Harrison of Virginia Polytechnic Institute, it was released in December 1991. 'Della' matures about one week earlier than 'Dale' and about 6 days later than 'Sugar Drip'. Della is a backcross of 'Dale' — one of the modern sorghum-syrup-makers gold-standard varieties for excellent syrup quality — to an earlier maturing line. It is resistant to anthracnose and maize dwarf mosaic and is moderately susceptible to bacterial stripe. Della Sorghum was the first seed crop produced by Ujamaa Seeds, in cooperation with our friends at Serenity Farm in Benedict, Maryland, so it is a sentimental favorite! It's also a darn-good dual-use sorghum! These seeds were grown on the Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance (UCFA) seed farming training site in Maryland. 

Appearance and Characteristics
Della Sorghum is a warm-season annual grain that typically grows 5–8 feet tall, with sturdy, upright stalks and broad, corn-like leaves. Its seed heads (panicles) are dense and slightly open, often displaying hues of reddish-brown to deep amber as they mature. The grains themselves are small, round, and firm, with a glossy finish. This variety is valued for its adaptability to heat and drought, as well as its ability to perform in marginal soils where other grains struggle. Like many heirloom sorghums, Della maintains genetic diversity, contributing to resilience against pests and environmental stress.

Culinary Uses
Della Sorghum is a versatile grain with deep cultural roots. The harvested grain can be milled into gluten-free flour for baking breads, flatbreads, and porridges, or cooked whole as a hearty grain similar to rice or barley. It can also be popped like popcorn for a nutritious snack. In some traditions, sorghum is used to produce syrups or fermented beverages. Its mild, slightly nutty flavor makes it adaptable across both savory and sweet dishes, aligning with traditional African, Southern U.S., and global grain-based cuisines.

Growing Tips and Sow Depth
Sorghum thrives in full sun and warm soil, making it ideal for USDA Zones 7–11, including regions like the Mid-Atlantic. Direct sow seeds after the last frost when soil temperatures reach at least 60°F (16°C). Plant seeds at a depth of ½ to 1 inch, spacing them 6–12 inches apart in rows spaced 18–36 inches apart. Della Sorghum is highly drought-tolerant once established but benefits from consistent moisture during early growth. It performs well in well-drained soils and does not require heavy fertilization, making it suitable for low-input and regenerative systems—an important trait for seed sovereignty and agroecological farming models.  'Della' is more prone to lodging (dipping over) compared to 'Dale' and is more variable in plant height. It is similar to 'Dale' in syrup quality. The biggest advantage of 'Della' is that it matures one week earlier than 'Dale' and thus would let you start cooking a little earlier in the fall.

Harvesting Guidance
Sorghum is typically ready for harvest 90–120 days after planting, when seed heads have fully matured and turned dry and firm, and grains are hard to the touch. Harvest by cutting the seed heads and allowing them to dry further in a well-ventilated area before threshing. Proper drying is essential to prevent mold and ensure long-term storage viability. Once threshed and cleaned, grains can be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. For seed saving, select the healthiest, most vigorous plants to maintain the integrity and resilience of the Della Sorghum lineage.

Harvesting Guidance

For syrup production, the stalks are harvested when seed heads mature and stalks reach peak sweetness, typically about 100–120 days after planting. The seed heads are usually removed before pressing the cane. Stalks are stripped of leaves, cut, and immediately processed to preserve sugar content. For grain use, allow seed heads to fully mature and dry on the plant before harvesting. The grains can then be threshed and cleaned for storage. Syrup should be stored in sealed containers, while grain must be kept in a cool, dry place to maintain viability for food or seed-saving.

SORGHUM GROWING GUIDE

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 87679685319

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell sweet sorghum seeds for planting

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.7 ★★★★★
Based on 1410 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
K
katie clenshaw
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
my dogs love these! their new constant companions!
When I first opened the box and saw these three octopuses, I thought they looked a little anemic, but looks can definitely be deceiving because my dogs love them. We try to be really careful about the toys we buy because one of my dogs swallowed a squeaker in the past and had to have surgery. Ever since then, we've been really mindful about what toys they have and making sure we're watching them when they play. I have to say these have been great. My dogs carry them everywhere. They take them outside, bring them back inside, and I've had to wash them multiple times because they are so loved and so well used. For some reason, my dog who is a constant chewer and destroyer of toys has not chewed through these. They feel relatively tough, especially considering how lightweight they are. They do have a squeaker inside, but they also have something crinkly in them that makes noise when the dogs are running around and playing with them. My dogs seem to love that. My dogs also look super cute running around with the octopus legs hanging out of their mouths. Fun product!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2026
S
Sabrina P.
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
Great toys for dogs
I received these octopus toys for my dog because he destroys stuffed toys almost immediately, and I liked that these were no stuffing. They ended up being a big hit right away. The squeakers kept him interested longer than most toys do, and he loves shaking the octopus legs around while playing. Since there’s no stuffing inside, I don’t have to worry about coming home to fluff all over the house, which has honestly been a huge plus. The toys are lightweight and easy for him to carry around, and they work well for toss and fetch too. I have a medium sized dog, but I could see these being fun for smaller or even larger dogs depending on how aggressive of a chewer they are. They seem decently durable for plush toys. Mine have held up better than expected considering how rough my dog can be with his toys. The stitching has stayed together pretty well so far. I also like that the pack comes with three because one is always getting hidden somewhere in the house. It’s nice having extras ready to go. These have definitely helped keep my dog entertained and busy, especially on days when we can’t spend as much time outside.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2026
A
Amazon Customer
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Durable Octopus Toys That Have Survived My Little Destroyer
Durable Octopus Toys That Have Survived My Little Destroyer These octopus dog toys have been a big hit with our Boston Terrier, who treats every toy like a personal mission to destroy it as quickly as possible. Surprisingly, these have held up really well so far. The toys arrived a little flattened and crinkled because they were packed into a fairly small box, but once opened they shaped up fine and still looked good. The material feels durable, and I like that there’s no stuffing inside to explode all over the house once the chewing begins. As expected, the squeakers only survived a few minutes, but honestly that’s normal in our house and not really a knock on the toy itself. The important part is the toys themselves have not been ripped apart yet, which is impressive for our aggressive little chewer. The colors are bright, the faces are funny, and the overall construction feels stronger than a lot of plush-style dog toys we’ve tried before. At the time of my review, these feel like a great value for a durable and entertaining 3-pack. Overall, a fun and surprisingly tough set of dog toys that have managed to survive longer than most in our house.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2026
S
SLee
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 4
No Foam, No Stuffing, No Mess. Just a Dog Toy that the Dog Loves
I received this product at no cost through the Amazon Vine program in exchange for my review. Our dog took to this right away, which is the most important review criterion as far as we are concerned. The crinkly noise is a big hit with him, consistent with similar toys we have given him in the past that he has gravitated toward. The standout practical feature for anyone tired of cleaning up after destructive chewers is the absence of foam or stuffing. If you have spent any time finding bits of foam or clumps of stuffing scattered under your furniture you will immediately appreciate this design choice. Less mess without sacrificing the sensory experience the dog is after. The long legs are also worth mentioning as a functional design element. Our dog clearly enjoys the feedback from shaking his toys and the legs deliver exactly that kind of satisfying resistance and movement. A well thought out toy that works for the dog and makes life a little easier for the owner. I do have a nagging concern about a generic/no name brand, but I do recognize that many if not all of the dog toys we have are also made in the same region and maybe even the same factory.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2026
M
M and K
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
Durable toy for rug of war and fetch
My dog has loved these so far. She is still 5 months old but already around 25-30lbs and can usually tear up her toys pretty quickly. These have held up to tug of war, chewing, and fetch. They're durable and keep her entertained. It squeaks well and the sound is loud enough for my dog to hear and she loves it. They're a good size for small to medium sized dogs. Even large dogs under 100lbs should be good for these. I personally think a 150lb cane corse would tear right through these but I can't be sure. Overall, great quality and value for money. It comes with three so if one does get lost or damaged you have others.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2026

recommand products