When to Plant Brown Top Millet

Brown top millet is a warm-season annual grass that is often grown for forage, hay, and silage. It is a high-yielding crop that is easy to establish and manage. However, like most crops, the success of brown top millet depends on the timing of planting. In this article, we will discuss when to plant brown top millet for the best results.

Early Spring Planting

Brown top millet can be planted in early spring as soon as the soil temperature reaches 55 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Planting in early spring allows the crop to take advantage of the warm and moist conditions that are typical during this time. This is especially important if you plan to grow brown top millet for forage as it will provide high-quality feed for livestock during the summer months.

Late Spring or Early Summer Planting

If you miss the window for early spring planting, you can still plant brown top millet in late spring or early summer when the soil temperature reaches 65 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. This is a good time to plant if you want to maximize yield as the crop will have enough time to mature before the first frost.

Mid-Summer Planting

Brown top millet can also be planted in mid-summer if you plan to use it as a cover crop or to provide forage during the fall months. However, this is a riskier time to plant as the soil moisture and temperature may not be optimal. If you do decide to plant in mid-summer, make sure to choose a variety that has a shorter growing cycle to avoid frost damage.

Planting Considerations

When planting brown top millet, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. First, prepare the seedbed by cultivating and incorporating fertilizer and lime if needed. Then, plant the seed at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch into the soil using a grain drill or broadcast seeder. It is also important to maintain soil moisture during the germination period and throughout the growing season.

In conclusion, the best time to plant brown top millet depends on your intended use for the crop. For forage, early spring or late spring/early summer planting is ideal. For cover crops or fall forage, mid-summer planting can also be an option. Regardless of the planting time, proper seedbed preparation, planting depth, and soil moisture management are crucial for a successful crop.