Japanese Millet has earned a strong reputation among waterfowl hunters for its resilience in growing in wet saturated soils. This versatile crop is highly beneficial for creating food plots to specifically lure waterfowl, turkey, quail, dove, pheasant, and whitetail deer.
Japanese Millet is a warm season grass that yields a bountiful harvest in just 50-60 days. It is often planted in low-lying areas or marshes, and once it reaches a certain height (see below), it can be flooded for optimal growth.
While Japanese millet is typically used for waterfowl, it's also incredibly tough and can still produce grain with minimal moisture and high temperatures. The grain is a favorite of various wildlife, who can easily access it as the millet ripens and falls over.
This type of millet grows quickly and yields mature grain just 45 days after being planted.
After the plants are 4-6 inches tall, wild millet can be flooded with 6-12 inches of water and will continue to grow
- Height
- 24" - 48"
- Sun Requirement
- Full Sun
- Minimum Soil Temp for Germination
- 65° F
Planting
- Planting Time: Late Spring – Mid Summer
- Millet needs a minimum soil temperature of 60 degrees to germinate.
- Drilled Seeding Rate: 20-25 lbs/acre
- Ideal Seed Depth: 1/2” – ¾”
- Millet can also be broadcasted and rolled or packed to gain seed to soil contact.
Fertility
- Japanese millet requires approximately 10 lbs of N
- Apply ½ rate of nitrogen before or immediately after planting, and the other ½ rate 30 days after emergence
