MILLET ‘Jap’ Seeds
Botanical Name: Panicum miliaceum
Fast-growing warm-season cereal.
Great for green manure, birdseed, or fodder.
Drought-tolerant and soil-improving.
Jap Millet is a warm-season cereal grass ideal for green manure, livestock fodder, or birdseed. It produces upright stems and golden seed heads, reaching up to 1 metre tall. Suitable for home gardens, pastures, or broadacre systems.
- Warm-season annual cereal grass with golden grain heads.
- Fast-growing and drought-tolerant once established.
- Improves soil structure and adds organic matter when dug in.
- Nutritious grain rich in carbohydrates and protein.
- Suitable for birdseed, green manure, or grain harvest.
- Grows well in most well-drained soils.
Plant Details
- Plant Type: Annual warm-season grass, grows up to 1 m
Sowing Information
- Sow When: Temperate: Oct–Dec | Subtropical: Sept–Jan | Tropical: All year (avoid peak wet season)
- Germination: 5–10 days
- Depth: 1–2 cm
- Position: Full sun
- Sow Where: Direct into beds or broadcast over large areas
- Soil Type: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
- Spacing: 20–30 cm rows or broadcast evenly
Growing Tips
- Sow after the last frost when soil has warmed.
- Water regularly during establishment; reduce once mature.
- Cut early for fodder or allow to fully mature for grain harvest.
- Let seed heads dry on the plant if saving seed or feeding birds.
Harvest
- Time to Maturity: 90–120 days
- Grain Harvest: When seed heads turn golden and dry
When to Sow Jap Millet in Your Climate
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Temperate | October–December | Sow after last frost. Great for grain or green manure. |
| Subtropical | September–January | Plant during warm months; irrigate if dry. |
| Tropical | All year (avoid peak wet season) | Sow during drier months to prevent fungal issues. |
| Cool | November–December | Wait until frost risk has passed and soil is warm. |
| Arid | September–December | Sow after frost; mulch and water to establish. |
Quick Growing Guide
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Germination Time | 5–10 days |
| Sowing Depth | 1–2 cm |
| Watering | Keep moist until established. Tolerates light drought once mature. |
| Growth Period | 90–120 days |
| Incorporation | Cut and dig in before seed set for green manure use. |