Panicum Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 23rd Oct 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Panicum plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Millet, Switchgrass, & Jungle Grass: Cultivation & Garden Use

Panicum plants are oriental grasses that carry leaves of 20 to 60 cm (8 to 24 inches)in length, and stems that range in height from 60 cm to 1.8 m in height (2 to 6 feet).

There are many types of Panicum that are grown in the garden. These may be hardy annuals, half hardy annuals or hardy perennial in nature.

Panicum flower in the summer either with tiny inflorescences or silky tassels. Some common names for Panicum include Switch Grass, Panic Grass and Broom Corn Millet.

em>Panicum virgatum – Switchgrass by Matt Lavin; creative commons.

Panicum grasses can be used to make brooms; bend the grass about 60 cm (2 feet) from the tip, and allow to dry out by hanging for about two weeks. The grass can now be cut and made into a broom.

How to Grow Switch Grass, Millet, and other Panicum Plants

It is best to grow Switch grass, Millet, and related Panicum plant species outdoors from seeds (or pre-purchase Panicum plants at a gardening center).

The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 3 mm (1/8th inch). Space at from 30 cm / 1 foot (small species) to 1.2 M / 4 feet apart (large varieties).

Switch grasses are able to grow in sunny or lightly parts of the garden and prefer to have a moist soil.

Proso Millet and Hedge Sparrow / Dunnock Prunella modularis by David Jones; creative commons.

Caring for Switch grass - Panicum

If you want more Switch grass (Panicum) then they can be propagated by dividing them in the spring. It is best to divide the grass about every three years to maintain vigor.

Common Questions

How many members does the Panicum genus contain?

There are approximately 400 species within the Panicum genus.

Do Panicum members make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Many Panicum species, known as switchgrasses, are excellent in landscapes for their hardiness, versatility, and ornamental value.

Which Panicum species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Panicum virgatum, commonly known as Switchgrass, is widely cultivated for its hardiness and attractive, airy seed heads.

Are Panicum plants fragrant?

Panicum plants are not typically known for their fragrance.

What is the perfect location to grow Panicum?

Switchgrass prefers full sun and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions, including poor soils.

Is Panicum invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Some Panicum species can be invasive in certain parts of the USA, primarily in disturbed areas or pastures.

How do I remove Panicum plants from my garden?

Small areas of switchgrass can be manually removed. For larger infestations, a systemic herbicide may be necessary.

Summary

The Panicum plant genus is part of the Poaceae family. It includes both perennial and annual grasses. This group, also known as Switchgrass, is appreciated for its vertical form, attractive seed heads, and often beautiful autumn color.

Most Panicum species prefer full sun and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, but they particularly thrive in well-drained soils. Planting can be done in spring. These grasses are useful in mixed borders, prairie-style plantings, or as architectural specimens.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Panicum plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Needlegrass and Anemanthele plants.