Foxtail Millet
Setaria italica
- Native to:
- China
Roger Culos
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Poaceae
- Genus:
- Setaria
- Species:
- Setaria italica
- USDA Symbol:
- SEIT
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow, green
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Armyworm moth (Pseudaletia unipuncta), corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), Green Cloverworm Moth (Hypena scabra)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to temperate regions with seasonal rainfall
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 5–14 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm soil temperatures above 15°C. Light is not required for germination.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months.