Panicum miliaceum Violaceum - seeds

The Common Violet Millet is a beautiful form with violet flowering of Panicum miliaceum, an annual grass cultivated as a secondary cereal for its edible seeds. The plant has upright stems with narrow, fairly dark green leaves. The 'Violaceum' variety is interesting for its large trailing violet or purple panicles in late summer. This grass likes the sun, but has very few soil and watering requirements. It finds its place in wild, natural or contemporary style gardens.

The common millet is an annual herbaceous plant in the Poaceae family, like many grasses. Cultivated since prehistoric times, it is probably native to India and temperate Asia. It is a particularly low-maintenance "cereal", probably one of the least water-demanding. This plant grows in clumps of leafy stems that fan out like a fountain. When mature, it reaches a height of about 90 cm (35in), sometimes up to 1.20 m (4ft) depending on growing conditions. Its base produces upright, rough, woody and hairy stems, adorned with long narrow, dark green leaves. Flowering occurs more or less early in summer, depending on the sowing date. The inflorescence is a fairly dense, highly branched, trailing panicle that can reach 30 cm (12in) in length. After wind pollination, small seeds enveloped in a violet film form. They are dispersed by the wind and ensure the plant's perpetuity, both in the garden and in nature.

The Common 'Violet' Millet can be grown in any fresh and well-drained soil. This grass is appreciated for its beautiful decorative inflorescences. Just like Sorghum, it accompanies perennial and light annual plants, such as toadflaxes, penstemons, field daisies, Aster cordifolius etc. Plant it with all the right cut flowers (dahlias, amaranths, large-flowered roses) to create beautiful bouquets. Also consider pairing it with Briza Media for the grace of its spikelets in floral compositions.

In the Kitchen:

The violet millet panicles should be harvested when the seeds are dark purple in colour. When cooked, they can be used as a side cereal, in pastries, or added to salads, soups, and desserts. They are also used in the diet of poultry and wild birds.

Common millet is gluten-free. The grains, along with their husks, are rich in dietary fibre and B-group vitamins. They also contain minerals such as manganese, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron.