Planting ornamental millet: good tips and advice

Ornamental millet is a fast-growing grass, spectacular in many ways. Its foliage, which resembles that of corn, ranges from lime green to deep purple depending on the variety and the chosen exposure. Millet can reach a height of five feet in a short time if the conditions are right. The stems iridescent in the sun are adorned with very decorative dark ears, which, if not cut, will be a delicacy for birds in winter.

The difficulty of planting ornamental millet

Easy.

When to plant ornamental millet?

Spring.

Preparing to plant ornamental millet

Choose a plant that has not yet flowered so that it can develop perfectly. A plant that already has spikes will not grow when planted. The same goes for the root system, which should not be too developed: avoid plants whose roots come out of the pot.

Ground preparation :

• Clean the ground of its weeds.
• Dig deep and add chippings or coarse sand to drain the soil.
• Add potting soil and compost in poor soil.

Exposure

Sun or partial shade

Ground

Fresh, acidic, fertile.

Distance between 2 ornamental millets plants

From 30 cm to 1 m depending on the variety.

How to plant ornamental millet?

Ornamental millet will take on more intense and deeper colors in full sun. Exposure to partial shade is also tolerated.
Choose a well-sheltered location because the Millet needs heat to grow: below 16 °, it stops growing.

• Gently deposit the plant.
• Dig a planting hole in the previously prepared soil, deep and wide enough to contain the entire root ball.
• Install the plant there.
• Fill vacant spaces with soil.
• The collar must be flush with the ground.
• Firm lightly around the foot.
• Spread out a bed of compost and make a bowl to retain the irrigation water.

After planting ornamental millet

• Water at the base of the plant, filling the bowl well.

Millet appreciates fresh soil, watering should be regular and constant throughout the cultivation period.

• Add nettle manure to fortify the plant every two weeks. Renew the layer of compost every month.

Ornamental millet is an annual plant that disappears naturally once its vegetative cycle has been completed.