About
An upright plant with green strappy leaves. Cultivars of this plant are widely grown in warmer climates as a grain crop for human and animal feed. Can be grown in the UK as a tender bedding plant. Seeds can ripen in the UK if given a long hot summer. Flower spikes are covered in small, yellowish-green flowers, followed by pale, sometimes rusty coloured seeds.
About the genus
A large annual or sometimes perennial grass, native to Africa, with bushy brown-red flowerheads of edible, starchy grains. These are cultivated for human and animal feed as well as the production of ethanol
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesPrairie planting, borders, naturalistic schemes.
Care notes
CultivationGrows quickly in moist but well-drained soil, although it is tolerant of dry conditions. Requires a warm, sheltered position in full sun
PruningCut down in autumn or spring
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free