Proso Millet — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Panicum miliaceum |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 5–10 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 12.8–32.2 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 60–90 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 10.2–15.2 |
| Mature height (cm) | 61–121.9 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 15.2–25.4 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 4–10 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Drill or broadcast seed 1/2 in deep at roughly 20–25 lb per acre in home-scale rows and thin to 4–6 in; proso millet germinates quickly in warm soil and produces an open panicle of seed in just 60 days, making it practical even in short-season gardens above zone 4. Harvest entire stalks when the lower seeds are hard and the panicle begins to droop; hang bundles upside-down over a tarp for 2 weeks to finish drying. Thresh by beating bundles against the inside of a barrel and winnow outdoors; the hull is loose and comes free with light rubbing in warm water. Proso millet is gluten-free and has the lowest water requirement of any grain crop.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0