Digitaria ciliaris
Digitaria ciliaris · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant digitaria ciliaris: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Poaceae (grasses)
- Plant type
- Annual grass
- Mature size
- 30–60 cm in height
- Flowering
- July to October
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Cold-sensitive (annual)
- Origin
- Tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia
Care
Light
Digitaria thrives in full sun, which is the ideal condition for vigorous growth. It also tolerates partial shade, though with reduced density. Avoid constantly shaded areas.
Watering
Water regularly during active growth to keep the soil moist but well-drained. Reduce watering in autumn. Avoid waterlogging, which can promote rot.
Soil
Digitaria adapts to many soil types but prefers light, well-drained soil. It tolerates poor soils and even compacted situations, which explains its frequent presence in cultivated areas.
Pruning and cutting
As an annual, digitaria requires no structural pruning. You can mow or cut it back to control its development and limit unwanted spread if it propagates excessively.
Fertilizer
No fertilizer is generally necessary. In very poor soil, a balanced fertilizer can stimulate growth, but digitaria remains undemanding.
Diseases and pests
Generally robust, digitaria can be affected by grass rust or rot in very humid conditions. No major specific pests. Good air circulation reduces health risks.
Did you know?
Digitaria ciliaris is considered a formidable weed in tropical and subtropical crops, where it competes with food crops. Its name 'digitaria' comes from the Latin 'digitus' (finger), referring to the shape of its digitate inflorescences that resemble spread fingers. In Asia, it is sometimes called the 'poor man's herb' because it rapidly colonizes abandoned land.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Tufted hair grassDeschampsia cespitosa
- Wavy hair-grassAvenella flexuosa
- Purple moor-grassMolinia caerulea
- Reed canary-grassPhalaris arundinacea
- Common quaking grassBriza media
- Creeping soft-grassHolcus mollis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.