Annual grass with a with showy purplish-green pendulous flower-heads. The seeds are a must for birds and the flowers are very useful in flower arrangements.
Prefers acidic or neutral soils, clayey and well drained.
Direct sowing. Temperatures 15ºC night/20ºC day. Surface sow and cover with a thin layer of soil. Maintain the humidity until germination is completed.
 Calendar| I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X | XI | XII | |
| Sow indoors | ||||||||||||
| Sow outdoors | ||||||||||||
| Flowering | 
| Attracts Wildlife | Seed eating birds | 
|---|---|
| Average germination (%) | 7-15 | 
| Flower colour | Purple | 
| Hardiness | Drought resistant, Hardy | 
| Life cycle | Annual | 
| Plant use | Cottage garden, Cut flower, Grass | 
| Planting distance | 20 cm | 
| Seeds per gram | 200 | 
| Soil - Moisture | Well-drained | 
| Soil - Ph | Acid, Neutral | 
| Soil - Type | Clay, Fertile | 
| Sunlight - Exposure | Sun |