Purple Majesty

Purple Majesty (Millet)

Millet is widely cultivated around the world. There are dozens, if not hundreds of varieties of millet. In China, millet is staple crop grown as a grain. It does especially well in the dry areas of China. In the United States, millet has been offered in health food stores as a grain for decades.

Now millet is also grown as an ornamental. One of our favorite varieties is Purple Majesty. We use the striking purple spikes in flower arrangements. If left out, the stalks will dry and birds will feast on the seeds. Gardeners treasure the seeds and often save them. However, in northern climates like Rhode Island, the seeds must be saved indoors as they will not germinate if frozen over winter.