Setaria italica ‘Red Jewel’, also known as Foxtail Millet, is a striking ornamental grass grown for its rich burgundy foliage and long, arching bottlebrush seed heads. The dense, tactile plumes deepen from reddish purple to smoky bronze as they mature, bringing movement, height and dramatic late-season colour to the garden.
 
An excellent cut flower, the strong stems add unusual texture and graceful shape to fresh bouquets and autumn arrangements. The seed heads also dry beautifully for everlasting displays. Easy to grow in full sun, ‘Red Jewel’ is perfect for cutting gardens, ornamental borders and large containers.
 
When to Sow: March – May
 
HOW TO SOW:
Sow Indoors – Sow thinly onto moist, free-draining seed compost and cover lightly with approximately 2–3 mm of compost or vermiculite. Keep at 15–20°C until germination. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots and grow on in cooler conditions. Harden off carefully before planting outside after the danger of frost has passed.
Sow Direct – Sow into finely prepared soil from late April to May, once the risk of frost has passed and the soil has begun to warm. Sow approximately 3 cm deep and keep the soil moist during germination. Thin the seedlings to their final spacing once established.
 
Classification: Half-Hardy Annual
Expert Level: Easy to Grow
Germination Time: 7–21 Days
Site: Full Sun
Soil Type: Light, moderately fertile and well-drained soil
Soil Acidity: All Types
Moisture: Well-drained
 
Care: Water regularly while plants are establishing. Once established, the plants are reasonably drought tolerant, although consistent watering will encourage taller stems and fuller seed heads. Avoid excessive feeding, which can produce soft growth. Plants grown in full sun develop the strongest burgundy colouring and the best seed heads.
Use: Cut Flower Gardens, Dried Flowers, Ornamental Borders, Containers, Wildlife Gardens
Harvesting: For fresh arrangements, cut once the foxtail heads are fully formed but before the seed begins to shed. Remove the lower foliage and place the stems into deep, clean water. For dried arrangements, harvest fully developed seed heads on a dry day and hang them upside down in loose bunches somewhere warm, dark and well ventilated.
 
Days to Maturity: 60–70 Days
Vase Life: 10–14 Days; indefinitely when dried
Height: 90–120 cm
Plant Spacing: 30 cm