Ornamental millet or African parple

African parple or ornamental millet is a cereal plant that is distinguished by a bright burgundy-bronze coloration of the stem, leaves and inflorescences of an ear. In a favorable environment, it grows up to 1.5 meters in height, has a dense bush with thick stems and elongated leaves, reminiscent of corn in shape.

In the climate of the middle lane, ornamental millet is grown as an annual. If for the winter the parpel is transplanted into a container and put away in a cool, lighted room, then the plant will delight the gardener for several years.

Parple propagates both by seeds and cuttings. Seeds for seedlings are sown in late March - early April on glass.

African parple loves sunny places and loamy, moderately moist soils, rich in humus. Seedlings are planted in open ground upon reaching 15 cm in height, after the end of the spring frost. Millet is planted in shallow holes, 2-3 pieces together. The holes are placed at a distance of 20 cm from each other.

When the plants reach a height of 40-50 cm, then they acquire their true bright color. The first ears-candles can be obtained already at the beginning of June, but the parple will bloom only in the middle of August, when its ears are covered with white-beige anthers, this is a very beautiful sight.

Ornamental millet looks great both as a single plant and in mixborders, it can also be used to create dry bouquets.

African parple, unpretentious, easy to care for, drought-resistant, to all other advantages, the plant retains its decorative appearance until frost.