In Thailand, sorghum is mostly grown in rainfed area as a second crop after corn. It is considered a low value crop which gives a small return for farmers compared with other field crops. To add extra value to these crop, it is possible to have alternative use of them and hence increase the farm's income. In comparison, sorghum grain production provides a return of US $ 300 /ha whereas sorghum production for ornamental purposes gives US $ 32,200 /ha, over 100 times higher. The optimum time for cutting sorghum heads to produce ornamental flowers was studied in 1994 at Suphan Buri FCRC.

The trial consisted of 4 sorghum varieties, U-Thong 1, Late Hegari, Suphan Buri 1 and Suphan Buri 60 with different head cutting times of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 days after flowering (DAF). The cut sorghum heads were sun dried for 2 weeks and then dipped in a solution of 50% hydrogen peroxide (10 I) sodium silicate (10 g) and water (5 I) for 10 minutes. The heads were air dried for 3 days before being dyed with various colors as shown in picture. The aesthetic value and durability were scored using different classes. The 25 DAF heads scored highest in all varieties except Suphan Buri 60 which scored best at 30 DAF, though. At this time seed shattering was a problem and further research is necessary.

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