Panicum sumatrense

Common Names

Little Millet, Sama, Indian Millet, Kê Sumatra, Kutki, Kutkihirse

Summary

Little millet is an annual grass native to tropical and subtropical Asia, originated in the Indian peninsula. It forms erect or geniculate culms 30–200 cm tall and bears a dense panicle that droops at maturity under the weight of the spikelets. The grain is edible, cooked like rice, and ground into flour for bread.

Growth cycle spans about 75–150 days and it grows best in sunny, well-drained soils up to elevations of about 2100 m, tolerating temperatures of 15–45°C (optimum 22–27°C) and rainfall of 350–500 mm (tolerates 150–1200 mm); soil pH 5.5–6.2 (tolerates 5–7). It yields typically 225–560 kg/ha and is a non-aggressive colonizer of cultivated fields often sown with a major cereal; uses include grain cooked like rice, flour for bread, and forage from the whole plant and straw.

Lifecycle

Annual

Height

12-39 inches

Spread

12-18 inches

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, deep loamy soil rich in organic matter, pH 6.0–7.5.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil, preferably deep loamy soils rich in organic matter

Soil pH

5.5-6.2, tolerates 5-7

Bloom Time

Summer to Autumn

Foliage Color

Lush green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Growth Rate

Rapid

Seasons of Interest

Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Vegetative cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees and butterflies, attracts birds