Sorghum bicolor
great millet
An upright plant with green strappy leaves. Flower spikes are covered in small, yellowish-green flowers, followed by pale, sometimes rusty coloured seeds. Seeds can ripen in the UK if given a long hot summer. Can be grown in the UK as a tender bedding plant. Cultivars of this plant are widely grown in warmer climates as a grain crop for human and animal feed
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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Orange Red | 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
Grows quickly in moist but well-drained soil, although it is tolerant of dry conditions. Requires a warm, sheltered position in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Bedding
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Cut down in autumn or spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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