Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica)

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Setaria italica is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet or savoury food in all the ways that rice is used, or ground into a flour and made into porridge, cakes, puddings etc. — It can be eaten as sweet or savoury food in all the ways that rice is used, or ground into a flour and made into porridge, cakes, puddings etc.; It is considered a nutritious food and is often recommended for the elderly and for pregnant women.; The seed can also be sprouted before it is used, when it will become somewhat sweeter.; Most cultivars are non-glutinous and are thus suitable for the diet of people with coeliac disease.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known in a truly wild situation. (Zone 10)