Detail  |  Photos  |  Print

Scientific name:	Setaria italica
Cultivars:	Sno-Fox, Butte, German, Golden German, Manta, White Wonder, Common
Origin:	East Asia
Growth Habit:	Bunch type
Life Cycle:	Annual (warm season)
Use
Production:	Generally used for hay. Caution should be used as under severe stress plants can accumulate high amounts of nitrate. Can be used as an emergency hay crop.
Nutritive Value:	Typically does best when mixed with other species.
Herbaria Image:	Click this link
Identification
Seed Head:	Panicle, 8-30cm
Seed:	<1/4" long, ellipsoid in shape
Shoot:	Erect, up to 3'
Leaf:	Somewhat hairy sheaths, up to 7-8
Auricles:	not present
Ligule:	1-2mm, membranous
Adaptation
Soil:	loams
pH:	>5.5
Moisture:	Do not tolerate water-logged soils or extreme droughts
Temperature:	Must have warm temperatures for germination. Frost sensitive.
Other:
Establishment - Management
Seeding rate:	20-30lb/acre, broadcast
Seed cost:
Planting date:	Late spring to early summer. In MN and WI normal planting dates fall from June to July to have optimum soil temperatures for germination.
Planting depth:	1/4-1/2"
Frost seeding:	No
Fertilization:	Follow soil test recommendations
Grazing:	Only graze once at height of 18" and before seed production, and should not be grazed below 8". Can be used as an organic forage source since pesticides are not commonly used with Foxtail Millet.
Hay:	Can be harvested at boot stage.
Notes