Other Names:  Broomcorn, Durra

Description:

A tall and vigorous selection primarily grown for its edible seeds harvested in the fall; a low maintenance grain that produces small kernels ranging in color from white to deep purple-brown; attracts birds and self seeds

Edible Qualities

Great Millet is an annual vegetable plant that is commonly grown for its edible qualities. It produces tiny tan seeds with dark brown overtones which are typically harvested when mature. The seeds have a mild taste.

The seeds are most often used in the following ways:

• Eating When Cooked/Prepared
• Cooking

Planting & Growing

Great Millet will grow to be about 30 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 24 inches. When planted in rows, individual plants should be spaced approximately 15 inches apart. This vegetable plant is an annual, which means that it will grow for one season in your garden and then die after producing a crop.

This plant is typically grown in a designated vegetable garden. It should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. This plant does not require much in the way of fertilizing once established. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America.

Great Millet is a good choice for the vegetable garden, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.