Pearl Millet
Pennisetum glaucum
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Pl. 05EC — Pennisetum glaucum
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IOverview
Overview
Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is an annual grass native to regions across Central and West Africa including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Gabon, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Togo, and Zambia. This plant thrives in full sun with a preference for dry to moist soil types, particularly light (sandy) or medium soils. Standing up to 3 meters tall, pearl millet is widely cultivated for its edible seeds, making it an important crop in many African countries. It can be propagated by direct seeding outdoors once the soil temperature reaches 20°C, either broadcast, drilled, or in rows.
Quick answers
What is Pearl Millet?
Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is an annual grass native to regions across Central and West Africa including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Gabon, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, Togo, and Zambia.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Pearl millet thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soils that are light to medium in texture. It can tolerate dry conditions but also performs well in moist soil. The plant grows up to 3 meters tall and is an annual, making it suitable for one-season cultivation. For propagation, direct sow seeds outdoors once the soil temperature reaches 20°C, using methods such as broadcasting, drilling, or row planting. Harvest the edible seed when the heads turn brown.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Life cycle
Annual
Mature size
3.0 m tall
- Propagation
- Direct seed outdoors once soil is 20° C (broadcast, drill, rows)
For first-time growers
How to grow Pearl Millet for the first time
8steps
Pearl Millet is a straightforward annual plant for beginners, perfect for full sun and well-draining soil.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds, a garden fork or tiller, a rake, and a watering can.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Pearl Millet once the soil has warmed to at least 20°C in spring.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Prepare loose, well-draining soil by tilling or loosening it with a fork. Ensure containers are at least 30 cm deep with good drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Broadcast seeds evenly in rows about 15-20 cm apart and cover lightly with soil. Water gently to settle the seeds.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which usually takes 7-14 days. Thin seedlings to 30-60 cm apart once they have several leaves.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Fertilize sparingly with a balanced organic fertilizer.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune any dead or yellowing leaves to maintain plant health and appearance. Harvest seeds when they turn brown and dry on the stalks.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting too early in cold soil, not providing enough space between plants, using chemical fertilizers, and neglecting to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: Pearl millet seeds are commonly consumed and can be eaten in various forms. They are often cooked to make porridge or ground into flour for making bread or pancakes. The seeds can also be roasted as a snack. Occasionally, they are added to soups and stews for flavor and nutrition.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
14 native · 16 introduced
Distribution
14 native · 16 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 14 native· 16 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Belarus
Asia3 regions
introduced (3)AfghanistanBangladeshIndia
Africa12 regions
native (11)AngolaBeninBurkina FasoCameroonChadGabonMalawiMozambiqueNigeriaTogoZambia
introduced (1)Botswana
Broader regions
native:Zaïre, Congo, Central African Repu
introduced:Brazil Northeast, Baltic States, Arkansas, Arizona, Argentina South, Argentina Northwest, Argentina Northeast, Andaman Is., Amur, Alabama, Jawa
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 05ecb542-ee6c-4cbb-8cad-b194bb45d26a
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