How to Grow Milium Plants

Guide to Growing Millet Grass and Bowles’ Golden Grass

Milium are hardy perennial grasses that reach about 45 cm (18 inches) in height.

They carry golden and narrow leaves and flower from the end of spring until summer with feathery inflorescences.

These plants are ideal for drying and using in flower arranging.

Some of the common names for Milium include Millet Grass and Bowles' golden grass.

Milium effusum
Milium effusum photograph by wallygrom.

Milium
Milium picture by westher.

Flowers: Late spring through to summer.
Flower Details: Some species have golden flowers. Plants are grown for their attractive feathery inflorescences.
Foliage: Semi-evergreen. Narrow. Tufted.

Sow Outside: Cover seed. Start to middle of spring. Germination time: three weeks. Temperature: 60 to 75°F (15 to 24°C). Spacing 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm).
Sow Inside: No.
Requirements and care: Shade. Rich soil, moist soil. Regular watering. Occasional feed. Propagate: Self-seed or by dividing in the spring in cooler areas, or the autumn in warmer areas.

When planting grass seed it is best to sow outdoors. The seeds should be sown in the early months of spring, and lightly covered.

Ideally Millet grass seed should be spaced about 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 feet) apart, and grown in a moist and fertile soil.

It typically takes about three weeks to germinate, once the temperature has reaches about 15 degrees Centigrade (59°F).

Millet grass prefers to grow in shady areas of the garden.

Once established Millet grass and other Milium should be watered frequently and subjected to the occasional feed.

If you require more plants, and do not want the plants to self seed, then they can be propagated by division in the springtime.

I hope that you found this guide on how to grow Milium plants in your garden. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow Ribbon Grass, Tricholaena plant, Parnassia, and Briza plants.