Establishment Pearl millet is somewhat difficult to establish. Planting rates of 3 lbs per acre of seed are acceptable, although excellent stands are 5 lbs per acre. Pearl millet tillers heavily at low plant density and compensates somewhat for dense or low populations. Generally, look for stands of 60,000 to 80,000 plants per acre. Grain types generally are 3 to 6 feet tall and forage types will be 8 to 10 feet tall.
Germination is affected by the parent plant environment.
Be sure to check seed germination. Plant millet when soil temperatures reach 60 degrees F at seeding depth. It may be row dropped or drilled with a grain drill. Do not plant more than 1 inch deep. Cover with moist soil.