When is the most suitable time to plant foxtail millet in southern China?

In southern China, foxtail millet is generally sown successively starting in late February. When sowing, the broadcast sowing method is mostly used, scattering the seeds directly and evenly onto a seedbed prepared in advance.

Cultivation of foxtail millet:

1. Land preparation and fertilisation

Foxtail millet is generally grown in fertile cultivated fields. Before planting, the soil must first be ploughed, sufficient fertiliser applied, and the soil improved if necessary. Apply sufficient base fertiliser, generally mainly phosphate fertiliser plus farmyard manure. Also ensure the field has sufficient sunlight and good irrigation.

2. Seed selection and sowing

Select high-quality foxtail millet seeds that are uniform in size, golden yellow and glossy, with a fresh fragrance, and soak them for a few days. Once the seeds have sprouted and turned white, they can be sown. When sowing, scatter the foxtail millet seeds evenly onto the seedbed and manage the seedling stage well. Thin the seedlings when they have grown 5-6 leaves. Weeding in the field should be done regularly, and during drought, irrigation water must be guaranteed so the plants are not left without water for a long time.

3. Field management

Do a good job of promoting sturdy seedlings, intertillage and weeding, timely watering, and reasonable topdressing, and promptly spray Cuihuawang No. 3 to promote flower bud differentiation and improve the quality of pollen fertilisation; spraying Zhuangsui Ling before flowering can strengthen the physiological functions of foxtail millet, improve the quality of fertilisation and grain filling, increase the thousand-grain weight, increase the fruit-setting rate, make the grains plump, and achieve higher yields.

4. Pest and disease control

During the growth stage, foxtail millet is prone to pests and diseases such as smut and red spider mites. Targeted pesticides should be sprayed promptly for control in accordance with plant protection requirements. Spraying Xin Gao Zhi Mo at 800 times dilution can greatly improve the utilisation rate of the effective ingredients of the pesticide.

Foxtail millet was originally one of the staple foods of northern China, but because it is rich in nutrients such as protein and vitamins, it is now also deeply loved by people in southern China.