Purple Majesty Ornamental Millet

Purple Majesty is a tall, upright ornamental millet grown for darkening foliage and prominent flower plumes. Its leaves emerge green and deepen toward burgundy-purple in full sun, while partial sun keeps more chartreuse tones; the narrow form adds a vertical accent to beds and large containers. [Ball Seed](https://info.ballseed.com/PlantInfo/?phid=091400001008544) lists a mature height of 48–60 inches and a spread of 8–12 inches. ## Growing Conditions Plant this warm-season annual after the soil has warmed. Full sun develops the deepest purple color; partial sun keeps more chartreuse in the leaves. [University of Wisconsin Extension](https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/ornamental-millet-pennisetum-glaucum/) recommends sunny conditions and light, well-drained soil for ornamental millet. ## Seasonal Interest Ball Seed lists late spring through autumn flowering. Upright stems and plume-like heads create vertical structure, and purple foliage contrasts with green or yellow companions. Plants also work in large mixed containers and as cut flowers. ## Maintenance Sow outdoors after frost danger has passed and soil is warm, or start seed indoors several weeks earlier. Keep seed beds moist until seedlings establish, then water as needed. Leaves may stay green early in the season before darkening as plants mature. This annual is grown from seed rather than overwintered as a hardy perennial.