How to Grow Napier Elephant Grass 'Mott'
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Napier Elephant Grass 'Mott'
Pennisetum purpureum cv. 'Mott'
grassMott is a compact cultivar of Napier grass developed specifically for small-scale and subsistence farmers. It grows as a productive perennial bunch grass that produces nutritious fodder for livestock with improved palatability and reduced height compared to standard Napier grass. This variety is widely used in tropical and subtropical regions for animal feed and erosion control.
When should you plant Napier Elephant Grass 'Mott' in your zone?
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Example Napier Elephant Grass 'Mott' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Napier Elephant Grass 'Mott'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Napier Elephant Grass 'Mott'
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives best in USDA zones 9b-11, tolerates zone 9a with winter protection
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Get my Napier Elephant Grass 'Mott' timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment (Planting to rooting)
2-4 weeksFreshly planted tillers begin developing roots and new shoots. Plant shows minimal above-ground growth initially.
Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Provide light shade during first 2-3 weeks if planting in extreme heat. Avoid heavy disturbance.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksNew shoots emerge and plant develops a dense canopy of leaves. Height increases steadily; plant establishes multiple tillers forming a productive bunch.
Apply nitrogen fertilizer in 2-3 split doses during growing season. Water regularly during dry periods. Remove any dead or diseased leaves. Thin competing weeds.
Pre-flowering/Maturity
1-2 weeksPlant reaches optimal harvest height (3-5 feet for Mott). Leaf-to-stem ratio peaks. Some flowering stems may appear but are not yet fully extended.
Monitor readiness to harvest (usually when plant reaches 24-30 inches tall for Mott). Delay harvest slightly if you prefer more flowering material. This is the prime cutting window.
Post-harvest Regrowth
3-5 weeks to next harvestAfter cutting, the plant rapidly regenerates new tillers and shoots from the remaining stubble and root system.
Apply balanced fertilizer (especially nitrogen and potassium) after cutting to promote vigorous regrowth. Water well if conditions are dry. Ensure 4-6 inches of stubble remains to support regrowth.
Dormancy (Cool season)
2-4 months (varies by region)In cooler zones, growth slows dramatically or stops during winter months. Foliage may brown or die back.
In zone 9a, cut plant back to 6-12 inches before winter to reduce disease risk and encourage spring regrowth. In warmer zones, light pruning may be sufficient. Protect with mulch if temperatures drop below 32°F.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove affected stems; use integrated pest management with biological controls; resistant varieties like Mott have some tolerance; maintain plant vigor through proper nutrition
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Monitor for infestations; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap in early stages; encourage natural predators
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Prune affected foliage; use horticultural oil sprays; maintain plant health to reduce susceptibility
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Manual removal of affected leaves; insecticidal sprays as needed; cultural practices like mulching reduce habitat
Uses
Livestock Fodder & Animal Feed
CulinaryMott elephant grass is primarily cultivated as high-quality forage for cattle, goats, sheep, and other livestock. It provides excellent nutrition when harvested at the right stage, with good protein content and palatability. [source]
Soil Conservation & Erosion Control
HouseholdThe deep root system and dense growth habit of Mott grass effectively prevents soil erosion on slopes and degraded lands. It stabilizes soil structure and can rehabilitate marginal or sloping agricultural areas. [source]
Traditional Animal Health
MedicinalIn traditional practices, Napier grass is used to support livestock health and digestion due to its fiber content and nutrient profile. Fresh forage is believed to have beneficial properties for ruminant gut health. [source]
Biogas & Biomass Production
HouseholdThe high biomass yield of Mott elephant grass makes it suitable for anaerobic digestion to produce biogas as a renewable energy source. Agricultural waste and trimmings can be converted to methane. [source]
Craft & Thatching Material
CraftDried stems and leaves of elephant grass can be used traditionally for thatching roofs, weaving baskets, or making crafts in rural communities. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest Mott elephant grass when plants reach 24-30 inches tall (typically 45-60 days after previous cutting). Cut stems 4-6 inches above ground to allow for regrowth. For forage quality, harvest at the pre-flowering stage when leaf-to-stem ratio is highest. Can harvest 4-6 times per year in optimal conditions. Cut in early morning after dew dries for better nutrient content. Handle fresh material carefully to prevent bruising and nutrient loss.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The 'Mott' cultivar was specifically bred in Kenya to be more productive and manageable on small farms, with stems 30-40% shorter than standard Napier grass, making harvesting easier and safer
- 🌱 Napier elephant grass is named for its use as feed for elephants and can produce over 20 tons of dry matter per hectare annually under good management—making it one of the most productive forage grasses in the tropics
- 🌱 Mott grass can regenerate and be harvested multiple times per year without replanting; a single planting can remain productive for 8-10+ years with proper maintenance, providing long-term soil and income stability
Gardening Terms
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