Yellow foxtail
Setaria pumila · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant yellow foxtail: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, linear green-gray leaves
- Flowering
- Summer to autumn (July to October)
- Adult size
- 30 to 60 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Not very hardy, annual in temperate climate
- Origin
- Tropical and subtropical regions
- Soil type
- Well-drained soil, tolerant
Care
Watering
Keep the soil moderately moist during active growth, especially during dry periods. Gradually reduce watering as autumn approaches. Avoid excess water which would promote root rot.
Exposure
Place your glaucous foxtail in full sun for optimal growth and more colorful foliage. It also tolerates light partial shade, but with reduced vigor.
Pruning and cutting
No pruning is strictly necessary. You can cut back slightly at the end of summer to encourage a compact shape. Leave the spikelets in place to enjoy their autumn ornamental appeal.
Soil and substrate
Prefer well-drained soil rich in organic matter. This grass adapts to different soil types but dreads prolonged waterlogging. Adding compost at sowing helps with establishment.
Fertilizer
A moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient. In pots or poor soil, apply diluted liquid fertilizer every two months during growth. Avoid excess which would slow natural growth.
Diseases and pests
Glaucous foxtail is generally robust. Occasionally watch for aphids or spider mites in hot and dry conditions. Good drainage prevents rot. Ensure good air circulation if grown in groups.
Did you know?
Glaucous foxtail is a cosmopolitan grass, often considered a weed in crops, but appreciated by gardeners for the lightness of its ornamental panicles. Its name "pumila" means "small" in Latin, although it reaches a nice height. It is traditionally used in Asian gardens for its airy habit and graceful spikelets that sway in the slightest breeze.
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
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- 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.