White millet seeds (Panicum miliaceum) produce a fast-growing warm-season annual grass for seasonal soil cover, biomass, weed competition, forage, and green manure. This raw seed is sold by the pound and can be planted alone or included in a diverse cover crop mix.

White millet seed details

• Species: Panicum miliaceum
• Life cycle: warm-season annual
• Sun: full sun
• Seed content: 100% white millet seed
• Inoculant: not required; millet is a non-legume
• Typical height: about 2–4 feet, depending on conditions

Sowing and management

Sow after frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed, using a firm, prepared seedbed. Product guidance lists 20–25 pounds per acre, or about 7–9 ounces per 1,000 square feet, planted approximately 1/2–1 inch deep. Germination commonly begins within 5–10 days when soil is warm and moisture is consistent.

Mow or incorporate the stand before mature seed develops when volunteer plants are not desired. Growth, germination, biomass, and seeding needs vary with seedbed preparation, soil, temperature, moisture, equipment, and the intended use.

Compare additional cover crop seeds for warm-season and mixed-species plantings.