Setaria verticillata
Setaria verticillata · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant setaria verticillata: 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
- 30 to 80 cm tall
- Flowering
- July to September
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Non-hardy (annual)
- Origin
- Tropical and temperate regions of Asia
- Soil type
- Undemanding, tolerates dry and poor soils
Care
Light exposure
Place your foxtail millet in full sun for optimal growth. It tolerates partial shade as well, but will flower less densely. Sunny exposure strengthens its vigor and structure.
Soil and planting
This grass adapts to most soils, even poor or dry ones. It is not demanding in terms of organic matter. Prefer good drainage to prevent root asphyxiation in case of prolonged wet soil.
Watering
Water moderately during the active growing period, particularly in case of drought. Once established, foxtail millet is drought-resistant. Avoid excess water which can promote rot.
Fertilizing
A balanced fertilizer application in spring is generally sufficient. Foxtail millet does not require intensive fertilization. Too much nitrogen can promote disorderly vegetative growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning and cutting
Cut back faded stems in late autumn or before winter to reduce self-seeding. This annual grass does not require maintenance pruning during the season. The characteristic spikelets can be harvested for dried flower arrangements.
Diseases and pests
Foxtail millet is generally little affected by diseases. In prolonged humid conditions, watch for powdery mildew or root rot. Good air circulation and adequate drainage prevent most problems.
Did you know?
Foxtail millet gets its common name from its spikelets arranged in characteristic whorls (spirals) along the stem. It is known in agronomy as an invasive weedy plant in cereal crops, but it is receiving growing interest from landscapers for its ornamental qualities and elegant lightness in flower compositions.
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.