Millet Care
Here are the main care requirements for growing millet.
Light
All cultivars ofPennisetum glaucumthrive in full sun.
The plant will tolerate partial shade, but won’t look as dramatic in its color.
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Soil
Ornamental millet is an easy-going plant.
Millet tolerateshigh salt, high or low soil pH, and it can be grown in infertile soil.
It can sustain itself in drier soils and drought.
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It does prefer good drainagemillet has some issues with becoming waterlogged.
Millet thrives with 1 inch of water per week through rainfall or irrigation.
It withstands dry weather and harsh sun.
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Higher temperatures result in faster growth and taller plants.
As long as the soil is kept evenly moist, high humidity is not required.
For the amount to use, follow product label instructions.
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Types of Millet
Some pearl millet types produce grain while others are purely ornamental.
It is fast-growing and will take only 60 days for the plant to go from seed to flower.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Aphidsandspider miteswill feed on ornamental millet.
Eradicate them with insecticidal soap.
Plants may be riddled withwireworms, which can be removed by hand, biological control, or insecticides.
Fungicides will help with these issues.
What Do Millet Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Ornamental millet flower plumes look like a cross between a purple or maroon cornstalk and cattail.
Some forms have white or cream inflorescences.
Deadheading Millet
Deadheading millet spikes will prevent seeds from forming and keep the plant in bloom longer.
Stop deadheading when you are ready to let the seedheads dry for your backyard birds.
Poor Growth
There are a couple of reasons why you may not have robust growth.
Another issue is weeds; pearl millet cannot compete with weeds for nutrients.
Weed control is important for better-growing pearl millet.
Pearl millet, in its early stages of development, is often used as animal feed for grazing.
It is not considered quality grazing feed when it is fully grown for many reasons.
Pennisetum glaucum.University of Wisconsin Horticulture Division of Extension.
Pearl Millet for Grain.University of Georgia Extension.
Pearl Millet Overview and Management.University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension.
