Teff Eragrostis tef
Teff (Eragrostis tef) is an annual grass in the Poaceae family, native to Domesticated in the Ethiopian highlands. It grows 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) tall and 15–30 cm (6–12 in) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 15 cm (6 in) apart.
Plan Teff in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Teff at a glance
| Type | Annual grass |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Mature height | 60 cm–1.2 m (24 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Spacing | 15 cm (6 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | about 8–11 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 110 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: grain (flour for injera) |
| Native to | Domesticated in the Ethiopian highlands |
| Common in gardens of | 🇪🇹 Ethiopia, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Teff toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Gluten-free grain.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Teff
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Teff
- How far apart should I plant Teff?
- About 15 cm (6 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 15–30 cm (6–12 in).
- Does Teff need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Teff need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Teff?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Teff flower?
- About 8–11 weeks after planting, for 3–4 weeks.
- Is Teff poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Gluten-free grain.
- What grows well with Teff?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Teff. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
Notes and assumptions
- Tiny seeds (about 2,500 to the gram); tolerates waterlogged vertisols better than most cereals.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Fountain grass Pennisetum alopecuroides
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- Clumping bamboo Fargesia murielae
- Maiden grass (miscanthus) Miscanthus sinensis
- Golden bamboo Phyllostachys aurea
- Switchgrass Panicum virgatum
- Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium