Digitaria ischaemum
Digitaria ischaemum · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant digitaria ischaemum: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Poaceae (grasses)
- Form
- Annual grass
- Adult size
- 20 to 60 cm tall
- Flowering
- July to October
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Low hardiness, frost-sensitive
- Origin
- Warm and tropical zones of Asia and Africa
- Soil type
- Light, well-draining soils, tolerant of poor soils
Care
Light exposure
Place smooth crabgrass in full sun for optimal growth. It thrives in warm, sunny locations where it develops vigorously. Avoid overly shaded areas that would slow its growth.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season, especially during hot spells, to keep the soil slightly moist. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering in autumn as the plant slows down.
Soil and planting
Prefer well-draining and light soil to prevent root rot. Smooth crabgrass tolerates poor and sandy soils. Improve soil structure with compost or potting mix when planting if the soil is too compacted.
Trimming and cutting
Cut back the grass in late winter, before growth resumes in spring. Remove dead stems and dead foliage throughout the season to maintain its appearance. This grass can also be mowed to prevent unwanted seed dispersal.
Fertilizer
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring to support growth. Moderate feeding is sufficient, as this grass thrives in poor fertility conditions. Avoid excess nitrogen, which would promote loose development.
Diseases and pests
Smooth crabgrass is generally resistant to serious diseases. In very wet soil, watch for root rot. Good air circulation and adequate drainage prevent most fungal problems.
Did you know?
Smooth crabgrass is mainly known as a feared weed in corn and rice crops: it is one of the worst competing weeds in tropical farming environments. Despite this unflattering status, it grows with remarkable vitality and spreads rapidly, making it a classic example for study in agronomy to understand plant competition.
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.