About
This tall, upright, annual plant with green, strappy leaves. Flower spikes are covered in small greenish-brown flowers, ageing to dark brown. Can be grown in the UK as a bedding plant, providing height and structure in bedding displays.
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
CultivationGrow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. If sown indoors, harden off before planting outside, after the risk of frosts has passed
PruningCut down and remove in autumn or spring
PropagationPropagate by seed. Sow indoors in early spring or direct sow in late spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free