Panicum miliaceum (French White Millet) is an annual food crop that is native to China and has been in cultivation for over ten thousand years. French White Millet is renowned for its 60-day harvest, drought resistance, high source of protein and as a non-gluten grain substitute. Also, popular as fodder for livestock or in bird seed and has some traditional medicinal applications.
Suitable for Temperate (Summer), Dry and Sub-Tropical climates.
Panicum miliaceum has many other common names that are used around the world. Not only is it called French White Millet, but it’s also referred to as Broom Millet, Hog Millet, Panicum Millet, European Millet, Red Millet and commercially in the United States as Proso Millet.
It is one of the few Millet varieties that aren’t grown on the continent of Africa.
Growth
Panicum miliaceum is an annual staple food crop that grows to a height of around 1 metre (3 feet) by a width of 20cm (8 inches). French White Millet adapts to poor soils and is also productive through dry seasons. It is mostly grown in regions where low rainfall and hot summers would usually produce low yields with most other grain crops.
Ideally, the best time to sow French White Millet is late in Spring or early in the Summer. Obtaining soil temperatures that range between 18°C to 24°C (65°F and 75°F) is optimal for germination and avoids any chance of a late frost damaging any young seedlings. A sandy, well-draining soil is preferred as the roots do not tolerate being moist for long periods.
When the ideal conditions are provided, French White Millet can be ready for harvest in just 60-70 days.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
FAMILY:
Poaceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate, Dry, Sub Tropical.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10 to 30°C / 50 to 86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Most soil types, prefers loamy.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 1 metre (3 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 20 cm (8 inches)
pH:
5.5-6.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Annual.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Wind.
MATURITY:
60-70 days
GERMINATION RATES:
75-90%
GERMINATION TIME:
5-10 days at 15 to 25°C / 59 to 77°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Easy
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 200 seeds
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT PANICUM MILIACEUM (French White Millet)
Major production regions for Panicum milliaceum include China, northern India, Nepal, Russia, Ukraine, Romania and the United States. Roughly 500,000 acres are dedicated to growing French White Millet each year. This has grown substantially in recent years due to the plants ability to produce gluten-free grains and starch.
The average yields of French White Millet is much lower than other cereals and grains but contains higher nutritional value and requires less time and water to produce.
Cooked seeds can be applied to abscesses or sores in a poultice.
In the United States, where the same plant is called Proso Millet, it is combined with other grains to brew a gluten-free beer.
