Also known as Abyssinian Love Grass · Abyssinian Lovegrass · Annual Bunch Grass
Teff (Eragrostis tef) is a tiny, nutrient-rich ancient grain cultivated for its edible seeds, primarily used for flour in Ethiopia.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best growth and seed production.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, allowing slight drying between waterings during active growth.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Thrives in warm temperatures, with optimal growth between 20°C and 30°C. It is frost-sensitive.
Low
25% intensity
Not a heavy feeder; a light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water teff regularly, especially during its establishment and active growth phases. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
In hotter climates or during dry spells, increased watering may be necessary to maintain consistent soil moisture for optimal growth and grain development.
Pruning is generally not required for teff. It is typically grown as an annual grain crop. If managing for seed production or biomass, no specific pruning is done.
Focus on providing optimal growing conditions to encourage healthy, upright growth.
Teff is primarily propagated by seed. Sow seeds directly into well-prepared soil after the last frost. Teff germinates readily in warm soil. For larger-scale cultivation, commercial seed varieties are readily available.
No other propagation methods are typically used.
Teff is an annual grass and is not typically grown in containers requiring repotting. It is cultivated directly in the ground as a grain crop.
Therefore, repotting is not applicable to the standard cultivation practices for this plant.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Teff (Eragrostis tef)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Eragrostis |
| Species | Eragrostis tef |
Similar in genus Eragrostis
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
