[Syrupmakers] Newbie question on growing ranges

[bukowski at uiuc.edu]

Hi Dave,

I live in east central Illinois (cold zone 5) and have successfully grown the sorghum variety "Simon".  It is a short season variety that grew well here, and also made good syrup.  Yield is probably not as high as some of the longer season types, but I was happy with the syrup I got from it.  I might grow a little Dale this year just to see if I can get it to mature here.  I'll probably plant some Simon as well just so I have something to make syrup out of just in case.

John Bukowski
Potomac, IL



---- Original message ----
>Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:06:09 -0500
>From: "Dave" <davemv at verizon.net>  
>Subject: [Syrupmakers] Newbie question on growing ranges  
>To: <syrupmakers at syrupmakers.net>
>
>   I'm trying to find out if I am being realistic in
>   trying to grow sweet sorghum varieties in my area
>   (Maryland/Pennsylvania state line). I listed below 2
>   varieties that I found that might be. If any of you
>   know anything about these 2 or something that might
>   be more suitable it would be appreciated. Also don't
>   hesitate to tell me if I am wasting my time trying
>   in my locale.
>
>    
>
>                                                                                                                                      
>   Thanks in advance,
>
>                                                                                                                                           
>                                  Dave V.
>
>    
>
>    
>
>   Mennonite Sorghum heirloom from the Jamesport,
>   Missouri region. This old fashioned cane sorghum is
>   used for making a light-colored syrup on pancakes or
>   waffles. Stalks are tall and thick. The red-hulled
>   seed may be ground to make flour, especially for
>   pancakes.
>
>    
>
>   Black Amber Cane Sorghum 99 days. An Heirloom from
>   R.C. Mauldin of the Southwestern Seed Service Lab in
>   Waco, TX. Reintroduced by SESE in 1997. One of the
>   earliest sweet canes introduced to American
>   agriculture. It was supplanted by 'Redtop' which has
>   a higher yield. Used primarily as a syrup sorghum.
>   As a silage crop it has the hay and wild game
>   quality of 'Merit'. Makes a good intercrop with
>   beans and peas. Stalks range from 6-8', bearing
>   large shiny black seeds.
>
>    
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