How to Grow Chloris
Chloris
Chloris gayana
grassChloris, also known as Rhodes grass, is a warm-season perennial grass native to Africa, valued for pasture and forage production. It's a drought-tolerant, salt-tolerant grass that establishes quickly and provides nutritious feed for livestock. The plant forms dense clumps with fine-textured foliage and distinctive finger-like seed heads.
Looking for a specific variety?
When should you plant Chloris in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Chloris timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Chloris
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Chloris
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Chloris dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-11; best in warm climates with temperatures above 60°F
Sign up free to see if Chloris grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Chloris timeline →Growth Stages
Germination
7-14 daysSeeds begin to sprout and develop first seedling leaves (cotyledons and true leaves).
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Ensure good light exposure. Maintain temperatures above 60°F.
Establishment
3-6 weeksSeedlings develop 3-5 true leaves and begin forming shallow root systems. Plants are still delicate and susceptible to drought.
Water regularly to maintain moist soil. Protect from traffic and grazing. Avoid fertilizer stress during this phase.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksYoung plants develop deep root systems and begin forming dense clumps with multiple tillers (shoots). Foliage becomes more robust.
Reduce watering frequency as drought tolerance increases. Apply balanced fertilizer if needed. Monitor for weeds.
Flowering & Seed Production
6-10 weeksPlants produce distinctive finger-like seed heads (inflorescences) with 5-20 spikes radiating from a central point. Seeds mature to light brown.
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to avoid excessive vegetative growth. Allow some heads to mature if seed collection desired. Graze or mow before heading for better forage quality.
Mature/Productive
Continuous (6-9 months in warm climates)Established plants form dense, productive pasture with continuous growth in warm season. Can be grazed or harvested repeatedly.
Maintain grazing management to prevent overuse. Apply fertilizer 2-3 times during growing season if intensive use. Monitor for pests and diseases in humid conditions.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Monitor for leaf damage; natural predators usually provide control. Use insecticides only if severe defoliation occurs.
-
Monitor for yellowing patches. Maintain adequate moisture and fertility. Use insecticides if populations exceed economic threshold.
-
More common in drought conditions; maintain adequate moisture. Use miticides only if severe stippling observed.
-
Rarely economically damaging; control mainly through grazing management and natural predators.
Uses
Livestock Forage
CulinaryChloris is extensively used as pasture and hay for cattle, sheep, goats, and other livestock. It provides nutritious, digestible feed that supports milk production and weight gain in grazing animals. [source]
Erosion Control & Soil Stabilization
HouseholdThe dense root system and clump-forming habit make Chloris excellent for stabilizing slopes, preventing erosion, and improving degraded soils. It's used in conservation agriculture and land reclamation projects. [source]
Animal Feed & Silage
CulinaryChloris can be cut and ensiled for use as winter feed or during dry seasons. Its high yield and nutritional content make it valuable for stored feed production in areas with distinct wet/dry seasons. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Cover
WildlifeDense Chloris pastures provide nesting habitat and cover for ground-nesting birds and small mammals. The grass also produces seed that supports wildlife during dry seasons. [source]
Drought Resistance & Sustainability
HouseholdChloris's exceptional drought tolerance makes it ideal for sustainable grazing systems in arid and semi-arid regions where water is limited. It reduces the need for supplemental irrigation and enables year-round grazing. [source]
Harvest Tips
Begin grazing or cutting 60-90 days after planting once plants are well-established and 6-8 inches tall. Maintain grazing height of 2-4 inches to promote regrowth. For hay/silage, cut at boot to early head stage for optimal nutritional quality. Can be harvested 5-8 times per growing season in optimal conditions. Best forage quality before heading; nutritional value declines as plants mature.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Chloris grass was named after Chloris, the Greek goddess of flowers and spring, referencing its productive and flowering characteristics.
- 🌱 Rhodes grass can survive extended droughts by going dormant and recovering when rains return; it's one of the most drought-tolerant cultivated grasses.
- 🌱 The distinctive finger-like seed heads of Chloris have 5-20 spikes radiating from a point, earning it comparisons to a hand or crown and making it instantly recognizable in pastures.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Chloris planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Chloris seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Chloris timeline →