Cockspur
Echinochloa crus-galli · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant cockspur: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Poaceae (grasses)
- Type
- Annual grass
- Adult size
- 30 to 100 cm tall
- Foliage
- Deciduous (annual)
- Flowering
- July to October
- Hardiness
- Annual, heat-loving
- Origin
- Tropical and subtropical regions of Asia
Care
Exposure
Cockspur thrives in full sun and tolerates shade poorly. Plant it in a well-open location to encourage rapid growth. This plant loves heat and sunny conditions.
Soil and preparation
This grass adapts to most soil types, even poor or compacted ones. However, it prefers moist and well-drained soil. Soil enriched with organic matter accelerates its growth.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Keep the soil slightly moist without causing waterlogging. In autumn, gradually reduce watering.
Fertilization
A balanced fertilizer application in spring is usually sufficient. If growth slows, add a nitrogen supplement in mid-summer. Avoid excess that would encourage overly vigorous growth.
Diseases and pests
Cockspur is generally robust. Monitor excessively humid conditions that could promote rot. Specific pests are rare in temperate climates.
Did you know?
Cockspur owes its curious name to the shape of its branched flower heads which resemble a rooster's foot. Highly prolific, this annual is considered an invasive weed in cereal crops worldwide, but some populations consume it as a traditional pseudo-cereal.
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.