Sorghum nigrum – majestic ornamental grass with robust inflorescences

Sorghum nigrum, also known as ornamental or cereal grass, is a tall, annual plant with both decorative and practical uses. This plant is known for its robust, oval flower heads that age from green to dark brown, and its ribbon-like green leaves that add height and structure to borders and plantings. Sorghum nigrum is a striking plant that adds majestic drama to the garden and is also excellent for dried flowers.

Characteristics of Sorghum nigrum

• Growth habit: upright, tall and vigorous, suitable as a solitary or in groups

• Leaves: green, long and ribbon-like, provide a graceful accent to borders

• Inflorescences: oval, robust spikes that change colour from green to dark brown

• Use: ornamental grass, dried flower, structural garden plant

• Harvest: Flowers are decorative during the summer and excellent for drying.

Sorghum nigrum combines height, structure, and striking flower heads, making it a beautiful addition to both modern and classic gardens.

Benefits of Sorghum nigrum

1. Decorative and robust – tall plants with striking, plume-like inflorescences

2. Versatile – suitable for borders, planting beds and as cut or dried flowers

3. Long lasting – inflorescences are beautifully coloured and retain their structure even after drying

4. Dramatic height – adds vertical structure to the garden and makes borders more impressive

5. Suitable for all garden styles – fits in modern, natural and Mediterranean gardens

With these qualities, Sorghum nigrum is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It adds a majestic accent and can also serve a practical purpose as a cut or dried flower.

Cultivation and care

• Sowing: Sow indoors from March at 20–25 °C; sow directly outdoors from late April/May when the soil is warm.

• Location: full sun, well-drained and fertile soil

• Water and nutrition: Regular watering encourages healthy growth; light fertilization promotes robust flowering.

• Planting distance: approximately 30–40 cm, depending on the desired structure in borders

• Maintenance: little maintenance required; plant can be harvested and dried after frost

Sorghum nigrum grows quickly and vigorously and can add impressive height and structure to any garden with minimal care.

Use in the garden and as a cut flower

• Borders and planting areas – creates height and structure, excellent as a background plant

• Container growing – smaller varieties can be grown in large pots

• Dried flowers – flowers retain their colour and shape, ideal for home decoration or flower arrangements

• Cut flower – long stems and showy spikes make it an excellent choice for vases

• Combinations – can be beautifully combined with annuals such as Zinnia, Cosmos or Rudbeckia for a colourful effect

Thanks to its robustness, decorative value and versatility, Sorghum nigrum is a real must-have for ornamental and cut flower gardens.