Paspalum scrobiculatum aka Kodo Millet

Paspalum scrobiculatum is exceptionally easy to grow and highly resilient. This grass thrives on marginal, low-fertility soils where other crops fail, requires minimal water due to excellent drought tolerance, and can be cultivated without irrigation systems. It tolerates a wide range of conditions from waterlogged to dry soils, making it ideal for challenging growing environments.

Paspalum scrobiculatum is a fast-growing tufted grass that typically reaches 30-100cm in height, with robust specimens attaining up to 150cm under optimal conditions. The plant forms dense clumps up to 60cm in diameter. As an annual crop, it completes its entire life cycle from germination to grain production in 120-180 days.

Paspalum scrobiculatum originated in tropical Africa and was domesticated in India approximately 3,000 years ago. The species is now pantropical, distributed across Africa, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Pacific islands. Two main varieties exist: the wild perennial var. commersonii found mostly in Africa, and the cultivated annual var. scrobiculatum grown primarily in India.

Paspalum scrobiculatum is propagated by seed (grain). The species is self-pollinating with cleistogamous flowers, meaning seeds reliably produce plants true to the parent. Seeds remain viable for approximately 12 months. Sowing is done directly in the field during warm seasons when temperatures are consistently above 20°C.

Paspalum scrobiculatum thrives in warm tropical and subtropical temperatures. The optimal growing temperature is 25-27°C, with a survival range of 5-33°C. Growth slows significantly below 20°C. The species is frost-sensitive and should not be exposed to freezing conditions, making it suitable only for USDA zones 10-11 as a perennial.

Paspalum scrobiculatum is exclusively an outdoor plant, grown in agricultural fields and gardens. It requires full sun for optimal growth and thrives at elevations from sea level to 3,000 meters. In frost-free tropical and subtropical regions (USDA zones 10-11), it can persist as a perennial. In temperate climates, it is grown as a warm-season annual during summer months.

Yes, Paspalum scrobiculatum produces an inflorescence consisting of 4-6 alternate racemes, each 4-9cm long. The flowers are largely cleistogamous (self-pollinating without opening), with only 15-20% actually opening. Flower blooming typically occurs between 6:00-11:30 AM, and the flowering pattern is centripetal, starting from the middle and progressing outward.

Paspalum scrobiculatum is predominantly self-pollinating due to its cleistogamous flowering habit, where most flowers fertilize themselves without opening. The species is an allotetraploid with chromosome number 2n=40. While self-pollination is the rule, wild and cultivated forms can cross-pollinate when growing in proximity, indicating the crop is still undergoing domestication.

The most serious concern for Paspalum scrobiculatum is Paspalum ergot (Claviceps paspali), a fungus that replaces grain with toxic sclerotia containing compounds dangerous to humans and livestock. The grain is also susceptible to Aspergillus tamarii infection, which produces cyclopiazonic acid toxin. For this reason, grain should be stored for six months before consumption and thoroughly washed before use.

Yes, kodo millet grain is a traditional food crop consumed in India, Nepal, and parts of Africa for over 3,000 years. The grain contains approximately 11% protein and 10% fiber—significantly higher than rice or wheat. It is cooked like rice, ground into flour for puddings, or popped like popcorn. However, newly harvested grain must be stored for six months before consumption and thoroughly washed to remove potential fungal contamination.

In traditional Ayurvedic medicine, kodo millet is used for managing diabetes, inflammation, diarrhea, hemorrhages, and general debility. Scientific research has validated its antidiabetic activity. The grain contains phenolic acids (gallic acid, ferulic acid) and flavonoids with antioxidant properties. The stem has traditional use for treating corneal opacity, and the soaking water serves as a mild diuretic.

Beyond human food, Paspalum scrobiculatum serves as valuable livestock fodder for cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry. The aerial forage contains approximately 8% crude protein. The species can function as a cover crop in its ecological niche and is sometimes used for erosion control in wet areas. In regions where it grows wild, it provides stand-over forage during dry seasons.

Two main varieties are recognized: var. scrobiculatum (the cultivated annual form grown primarily in India) and var. commersonii (the wild perennial form found mostly in Africa). Additionally, the species is divided into three races based on panicle morphology: regularis, irregularis, and variabilis. Multiple cultivated varieties have been developed in India for improved grain yield.

Kodo Millet should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Kodo Millet loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Kodo Millet requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Ditch Millet is always in the right place to thrive.

Repotting the Kodo Millet should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.