7 Secrets Of Amish Rainbow Broom Corn: Cultivating The Heirloom Fiber That Just Changed Hands
The "Botanical Inter Org Broom Corn Amish Rainbow" query leads to one of the most vibrant and historically significant heirloom seeds available today: the Organic Amish Rainbow Blend Broom Corn. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the story of this striking plant is more relevant than ever, especially following the major news that its primary distributor, Botanical Interests, was acquired by the rapidly expanding online gardening platform, Epic Gardening. This plant is not just an ornamental grass; it is a heritage grain, a natural fiber, and a stunning piece of agricultural history now poised for a new wave of popularity among modern gardeners and DIY enthusiasts.
This deep dive explores the *Sorghum bicolor* variety known as 'Amish Rainbow,' tracing its journey from traditional Amish farms to modern garden beds, and reveals the secrets to cultivating its dazzling, multi-colored seed heads for crafts, floral design, and even natural dyeing projects.
The Heritage and Botanical Profile of Amish Rainbow Broom Corn
The name 'Amish Rainbow' is a direct nod to the plant's dual heritage. "Amish" refers to the traditional farming communities who preserved this open-pollinated variety for generations, primarily using its stiff, fibrous seed heads to craft high-quality, durable brooms. "Rainbow" describes the spectacular array of colors the mature seed heads develop, ranging from deep reds and oranges to black, gold, and bronze.
This plant is not a true corn (*Zea mays*), but rather a type of Sorghum (*Sorghum bicolor*), an annual grass native to Africa. It is specifically cultivated for its long, straight fibers—the "brush"—that grow at the top of the stalk, rather than for the grain, which is typically smaller and less palatable than standard grain sorghum. The stalks themselves can reach impressive heights of 6 to 15 feet, making them a dramatic backdrop in any garden.
Key Profile Details:
- Botanical Name: Sorghum bicolor (sometimes listed as Sorghum vulgare)
- Common Names: Broom Corn, Broom Sorghum, Indian Millet
- Type: Annual Grass, Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
- Primary Use: Fiber for Broom Making, Ornamental Grass, Dried Floral Material (Everlastings)
- Height: 6–15 feet (1.8–4.5 meters)
- Sun Exposure: Full Sun
- Seed Distributor (Current): Botanical Interests (now an Epic Gardening company)
- Unique Feature: Richly colored, shiny seed heads in red, orange, black, and gold.
Cultivation Secrets: Growing the Perfect Rainbow Brush
Growing 'Amish Rainbow' broom corn is straightforward, but achieving the best quality brush for crafting requires a few expert tips. It is a warm-season crop, thriving in conditions similar to sweet corn, but with exceptional drought tolerance once established.
Optimal Planting and Care
Broom corn is best direct-sown after the danger of frost has passed, typically when soil temperatures reach at least 65°F (18°C). In many regions, this is mid-to-late May. Unlike sweet corn, which often requires a specific planting pattern for pollination, broom corn is wind-pollinated and can be planted in blocks or rows.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, average soil. Excessively rich soil can lead to overly tall stalks that are susceptible to lodging (falling over).
- Spacing: Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep, thinning seedlings to 6–12 inches apart. Closer spacing (6 inches) encourages longer, finer fibers, ideal for broom making.
- Water: Water regularly until established. It is highly drought-tolerant but will produce a better crop with consistent moisture during the initial growth phase and during the head formation.
- Fertilization: Generally, minimal fertilizer is needed. A side-dressing of nitrogen when the plants are knee-high can be beneficial, but avoid over-fertilizing.
Pest and Disease Management
As a type of *Sorghum*, the plant shares vulnerabilities with other grasses. Common pests include aphids, sorghum midge, and American bollworm. Diseases to watch for are sorghum leaf blight, head smut, downy mildew, and anthracnose. Good air circulation through proper spacing and crop rotation are the best preventative measures for a healthy harvest.
The Art of Harvesting for Maximum Color and Fiber
The timing of the harvest is the most critical factor for utilizing the 'Amish Rainbow' variety. The seed heads can be harvested at any stage, but the color intensity and fiber quality will vary significantly.
1. For Maximum Color (Ornamental/Bird Feed): Wait until the seeds are fully mature and hard. This is when the vibrant reds, oranges, and deep blacks of the anthocyanidins and other pigments are fully developed. The stalks are often ready around the Harvest Moon (late September to October).
2. For Superior Fiber (Broom Making): Harvest when the seeds are in the "milk" or soft-dough stage, before they fully harden. This ensures the fiber remains flexible and durable. The seeds are then "stripped" or threshed off the brush before drying.
3. The "Crooking" Technique: For traditional broom making, the stalks must be bent or "crooked" to create a manageable length for the brush to hang down. This involves sharply bending the stalk about 12–18 inches below the head while the plant is still green and letting it dry in that position for a few days before cutting.
Beyond Brooms: Unique Uses for the Amish Rainbow Sorghum
While traditional Amish brooms (including the famous flat-bottomed broom) are the plant’s namesake use, the beautiful colors and texture of the 'Amish Rainbow' blend make it a highly valuable material for modern crafters and artists.
1. Modern Floral Design and Everlastings
The long, dramatic tassels are a favorite among farmer-florists. They add a rustic, architectural element to both fresh and dried arrangements. They are a staple in fall decor, wreaths, and large-scale installations, often paired with sunflowers, dried grasses, and gourds. The intense, naturally dried colors make it an excellent, long-lasting everlasting flower.
2. The Secret Life as a Natural Dye Source
A surprising and highly valuable use of the *Sorghum bicolor* species is its potential as a natural dye. The stalks and leaf sheaths, particularly from the red varieties within the 'Amish Rainbow' blend, are rich in apigeninidin and other anthocyanidins. These pigments can be extracted to produce beautiful, rusty brick-red, orange, and deep brown colors on natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool. This makes the plant a fascinating entity for sustainable textile artists and fiber enthusiasts.
3. Sustainable Seed Sourcing and Heirloom Preservation
As an heirloom and open-pollinated seed, the 'Amish Rainbow' is a key part of the global seed saving movement. The acquisition of Botanical Interests by Epic Gardening in 2024 highlights a growing trend where heritage seed preservation is being integrated into larger, digitally-focused gardening platforms, ensuring these valuable varieties remain available to the next generation of gardeners focused on sustainability and food security.
By choosing 'Amish Rainbow' broom corn, you are not just growing an ornamental grass; you are participating in a multi-generational tradition of craft, agriculture, and natural resource stewardship.
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