Sorghum nigrum
black millet
A tall, upright, annual plant with green, strappy leaves. Flower spikes are covered in small greenish-brown flowers, ageing to dark brown. Can be grown in the UK as a bedding plant, providing height and structure in bedding displays
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Bronze Brown | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Bronze Brown | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green Bronze Brown | Green | ||
| Winter | Brown |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Poaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
A large annual or sometimes perennial grass, native to Africa, with bushy brown-red flowerheads of edible, starchy grains. These are cultivated for human and animal feed as well as the production of ethanol
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained soil in full sun. If sown indoors, harden off before planting outside, after the risk of frosts has passed
Propagation
Propagate by seed. Sow indoors in early spring or direct sow in late spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Bedding
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Cut down and remove in autumn or spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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