FRENCH MILLET Seeds
Botanical Name: Panicum milaceum
Description:
French Millet is a fast-growing, annual clumping grass renowned for its edible seeds. It thrives in soils of low fertility, making it an excellent choice for those looking to improve soil structure and organic matter. This versatile crop can be combined with legumes like mung bean or cowpen, which help fix nitrogen in the soil. Commonly grown for birdseed, it also serves as a gluten-free grain suitable for various culinary uses.
Plant Details:
- Plant Type: Annual warm-season crop; frost-sensitive
- Plant Height: 1 m tall
Sowing Information:
- Sow When:
- Temperate: October – February
- Cold: April – June
- Arid: April – July
- Sub-Tropical: October – February
- Tropical: September – April
- Germinate best at 18-28°C soil temperature.
- Germination: 3 – 4 days
- Depth: 3 – 4 cm deep
- Position: Full sun; sow directly where it is to grow, cover the seed, and firm down.
- Soil Type: Tolerates a wide range of soils, pH 5.5 – 6.5
- Spacing: Broadcast seed; packet covers approximately 10 m²
Green Manure:
- Dig or slash it in when flowers are fully formed. If slashed 20 cm or above, it will regrow for a second cut. Cut very low to the ground if regrowth is undesirable.
