How To Grow Millet Seeds

HISTORY

An ancient grass first cultivated along the Yellow River in China about 6500–5500 BC. Millet has been grown in India since antiquity.

USES

• Cover cropping, hay or pasture
• Landscape grass
• Filler in cut flower arrangements
• Chickens love the small white seeds!

• Direct sow seeds after all chance of frost has passed.
• Start indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost and transplant out after last frost date.
• Ideal germination temperature is 65-70 F.
• Sow seeds 1/8-1/4 inch deep.
• Space seeds 1-2 inches apart or broadcast at 15/20 lbs per acre.
• Seeds germinate in 7-14 days.

• Provide full sun.
• Requires well-drained soil
• It is tolerant of average soil, but consider an addition of compost to the growing plot as millet will really thrive in a richer soil.
• It has average moisture requirements, so rainfall will typically suffice. Do water if the soil dries between periods of rain.
• Plants reach an average of 2- 5 feet tall and can be integrated into a landscape design, or grown in a pasture, field, or raised bed.

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

• A relatively pest- and disease-free plant.
• Weed competition can be tricky with millet.
• Plant into a clean seed bed and apply a layer of straw mulch if possible.

• Self pollinating.
• Produces seed in 75-90 days.
• Allow plants to brown uniformly.
• Cut stalks with dried seed heads, bundle together and hang upside down in a dry, warm location with a tarp below to catch seeds.
• Rub seeds free and place in an airtight container.
• Store in a cool, dark, dry place.