Finger Millet
Eleusine coracana
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Pl. C962 — Eleusine coracana
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IOverview
Overview
Finger Millet, scientifically known as Eleusine coracana, is an annual graminoid native to regions including Angola, Burkina, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Socotra, Sudan, and Zaïre. This plant thrives in full sun with moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows up to 0.3 meters tall and is known for its edible seeds, making it a valuable crop in many parts of Africa where it is cultivated. One distinctive feature of finger millet is its ability to grow in diverse soil conditions, contributing to its widespread cultivation across its native range.
Quick answers
What is Finger Millet?
Finger Millet, scientifically known as Eleusine coracana, is an annual graminoid native to regions including Angola, Burkina, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Socotra, Sudan, and Zaïre.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Finger Millet thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 8-11 and grows to a height of about 0.3 meters as an annual plant. For propagation, sow seeds directly into the garden after all danger of frost has passed. This grain crop is suitable for temperate regions and can be grown in various soil types, making it adaptable to different gardening conditions.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-11
Life cycle
Annual
Habit
Graminoid
Mature size
0.3 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Finger Millet for the first time
8steps
Start with easy-to-grow Finger Millet for a rewarding beginner gardening experience.
- 1
What you'll need
Finger Millet seeds, a small trowel or scoop, and a container or garden plot.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Finger Millet in spring when the soil has warmed up and all frost danger is past.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure your soil is well-draining, with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay soils. Containers should be at least 30 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds about 2.5 cm deep and 15-20 cm apart in rows spaced 45-60 cm apart. Alternatively, start seeds indoors a few weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during germination. Thin seedlings to about 30 cm apart once they have several leaves.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially in dry periods, and mulch around plants to retain moisture. Fertilize lightly with compost or well-rotted manure.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any dead or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth and maintain plant health. Harvest the seeds when they turn a golden brown color, usually 90-120 days after planting.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting to thin seedlings, using chemical fertilizers or pesticides, and sowing too deep.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The finger millet seed is edible and can be consumed in various forms. It is often ground into flour for baking or used to make porridge. The seeds are also eaten whole as a snack or cooked in stews. Skip
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 18 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 18 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 12 native· 18 introduced
Asia5 regions
introduced (5)AfghanistanBangladeshChinaIndiaJapan
Africa10 regions
native (9)AngolaBurkina FasoBurundiCameroonChadEthiopiaNigeriaRwandaSudan
introduced (1)Egypt
Oceania1 region
introduced (1)Fiji
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu, Zaïre, Socotra
introduced:Jawa, Hainan, East Himalaya, Brazil West-Central, Andaman Is., Gulf States, Czechoslovakia
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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