Highlander
Setaria italica
3-6" pendulous heads give tapestry-like effect to arrangements.
Harvest
60-70d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
11–11
USDA hardiness
Height
5 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Highlander in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 grass →Zone Map
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Highlander · Zones 11–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | — | June – August | May – July | — |
| Zone 4 | — | June – July | April – June | — |
| Zone 5 | — | May – July | April – June | — |
| Zone 6 | — | May – July | April – June | — |
| Zone 7 | — | May – June | March – May | — |
| Zone 8 | — | April – June | March – May | — |
| Zone 9 | — | March – May | February – April | — |
| Zone 10 | — | March – April | January – March | — |
| Zone 11 | — | February – March | January – February | — |
Succession Planting
Highlander foxtail millet produces one seed head per stalk — one harvest per planting, full stop. You can work around that by staggering direct sowings every 14–18 days from late April through early June in zone 7, which spreads your harvest across several weeks rather than dumping it all at once. The last sowing should go in no later than the first week of June; Setaria italica needs 60–70 days to maturity, and you want those seed heads filling out before the nights start shortening in late August.
Don't push a midsummer sowing hoping for a fall crop. A planting that germinates in early July will be racing against cooling September nights before the seed sets cleanly — most years it just doesn't finish, and you've spent 60 days on stalks with half-formed heads.
Complete Growing Guide
Growing Highlander (Setaria italica) grass. Light: Full sun. Hardy in USDA zones 1 to 11. Days to maturity: 60. Difficulty: Moderate.
Harvesting
Highlander reaches harvest at 60 - 70 days from sowing per Johnny's Selected Seeds. Expect 3-6" at peak. As an annual, harvest continues until frost ends the season.
This is an ornamental variety — not grown for harvest. Enjoy in the garden landscape.
Storage & Preservation
Highlander grass should be stored in a cool, dry location at room temperature (65-70°F) with low humidity once fully dried. Keep harvested heads away from direct sunlight to preserve color. Shelf life is 6-12 months when properly dried. Preservation methods include: (1) Air drying by hanging bundles upside-down in a well-ventilated space for 2-3 weeks, (2) Silica gel drying for faster results while maintaining shape and color, and (3) Glycerin treatment to maintain suppleness and add longevity to arrangements. Store in airtight containers with desiccant packets to prevent moisture absorption.
History & Origin
Foxtail millet, scientific name Setaria italica, is an annual grass grown for human food. It is the second-most widely planted species of millet and the most grown millet species in Asia. The oldest evidence of foxtail millet cultivation was found along the ancient course of the Yellow River in Cishan, China, carbon dated to be from around 8,000 years before present.
Advantages
- +Distinctive pendulous heads create unique tapestry-like visual texture in arrangements
- +Moderate difficulty level makes it accessible for both beginner and experienced growers
- +60-70 day maturity allows multiple succession plantings within a single season
- +Compact 3-6 inch head size suits small spaces and container growing
- +Ornamental appeal adds aesthetic value beyond typical grass varieties
Considerations
- -Pendulous heads may shatter or drop seeds if handled too roughly during harvest
- -Moderate difficulty rating suggests inconsistent germination or growth challenges
- -Limited commercial availability makes sourcing seeds potentially difficult and expensive
Companion Plants
Clover, yarrow, and chamomile are the most useful neighbors here. Clover fixes nitrogen at the root level, which matters for a tall grass like Highlander that puts real energy into building a 5-foot stalk before it ever sets seed. Yarrow and chamomile pull in beneficial wasps and hoverflies — the kind that keep aphid pressure in check passively. Thyme planted along the border does similar insect work and stays low enough that it's not fighting Highlander for light. In our zone 7 Georgia gardens, getting that insect diversity established in April, before the canopy closes, is what actually moves the needle.
Black walnut is the one to keep clear of entirely. The compound juglone — present in roots, hulls, and leaf litter — suppresses germination and stunts grass growth; planting Highlander within 50 feet of an established walnut is a reliable way to get a poor stand and not know why. Crabgrass is less dramatic but genuinely aggravating: it competes for moisture and nutrients at the exact same shallow root depth as Highlander seedlings and gets there faster if you don't stay ahead of it.
Plant Together
Clover
Fixes nitrogen in soil, improving grass nutrition and overall lawn health
Dandelion
Deep taproot brings nutrients to surface, benefits grass root system
Plantain
Tolerates foot traffic well, complements grass in high-use areas
Yarrow
Improves soil structure and attracts beneficial insects for pest control
Chamomile
Natural fungicide properties help prevent grass diseases
Wild Strawberry
Low-growing ground cover that doesn't compete for light with grass
Thyme
Natural pest deterrent and drought-tolerant companion for grass edges
Violets
Early spring blooms provide nectar while grass is dormant
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Releases juglone toxin that inhibits grass growth and causes yellowing
Crabgrass
Aggressive competitor that crowds out desirable grass varieties
Moss
Indicates poor drainage and compacted soil, outcompetes weakened grass
Troubleshooting Highlander
What you'll see, why it happens, and what to do about it.
Seedlings emerge patchy or not at all — bare stretches in the bed despite good weather
Likely Causes
- Seed sown too deep (Setaria italica needs shallow placement, no more than ¼ inch)
- Soil crust forming over the seed bed after rain, blocking emergence
- Soil temperature below 65°F at sow time
What to Do
- 1.Re-sow at ¼ inch depth and tamp lightly — don't bury it and walk away
- 2.Break any surface crust gently with a rake or your fingers after rain events
- 3.Wait until soil temps hit 65–70°F consistently; in most of our region that's reliably mid-April, not March 1
Stalks lodging — plants leaning over or falling flat around week 7–8
Likely Causes
- Overcrowding with inadequate air movement, causing weak stem development
- Excessive nitrogen pushing fast, soft growth that can't support the heavy seed heads at 5 feet
What to Do
- 1.Thin plants to at least 6 inches apart by week 3 — it feels wasteful but the remaining plants will stand straighter
- 2.Run a perimeter line of twine around a dense planting if you're getting afternoon thunderstorms
- 3.Hold off on high-nitrogen fertilizers once seed heads start forming; a light side-dress of compost at establishment is plenty
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Highlander grass heads last in arrangements?▼
Is Highlander grass good for beginner growers?▼
When should I plant Highlander grass?▼
Can you grow Highlander grass in containers?▼
What makes Highlander grass unique for arrangements?▼
How do I harvest Highlander grass at the right time?▼
Growing Guides from Wind River Greens
Where to Buy Seeds
Sources & References
External authority sources used in compiling this guide.
- BreederJohnny's Selected Seeds
See the Methodology page for how this data is sourced, what's AI-assisted, and known limitations.