Foxtail millet (botanic name Setaria italica) is the second most widely planted species of millet, and the most important in East Asia. It has the longest history of cultivation among the millets, having been grown in China since sometime in the sixth millennium BC. Other names for foxtail millet include Italian millet, German millet, Chinese millet, and Hungarian millet.

Foxtail millet is an annual grass with slim, vertical, leafy stems which can reach a height of 120-200 cm (4-7 feet.) The seed head is a dense, hairy panicle 5-30 cm (2-12 in.) long. The small seeds, around 2 mm (less than 1/8 in.) in diameter, are encased in a thin, papery hull which is easily removed in threshing. Seed color varies greatly between varieties.

Foxtail is an annual warm-season grass that grows 2-5 feet under cultivation. Has broad flat leavesl 8 to 16 inches long, tapering to a sharp point. Cultivated in China as early as 2700 BC, Foxtail was introduced into the US in 1849. Grown throughout the Great Plains region. German is an improved variety used for silage, pasture and green-chop. Produces an abundance of hay in 6-8 weeks.

PLANTING:
Sow on rich land at 20-40 lbs / acre
Plant April to August. 1/4" soil coverage
Use higher planting rates for broadcast coverage.