For the 2003 growing season, I tried to start the Purple Majesty Millet inside. I live in Washington State, Zone 5. I found that starting it according to the time table provided gave me overgrown plants that were ready too soon to go outside in my Zone. This year I will start them 2 weeks later inside and be able to plant them outside when it is warmer. I lost all but 2 because of cold temperatures. Does anyone else have advice on growing this plant in Zone 5? Have you tried starting them outside?

have you tried to start it in a cold frame? You can make a temporary one with haybales and some plastic, or a peice of glass. Just surround the area you want planted with the millet with a border of some sort, plant the millet, and then cover it to hold the temperatures. Some jugs of water placed inside will help to further regulate the temperatures. Then you will get an earlier start, but not have to find a place indoors.

I tried both direct seeding and starting in a pot last year and got absolutely nothing. But I couldn't resist trying again so I just ordered some more.

I would direct seed the millet after the ground has warmed up. I don't know about zone 5. Here we'd put it in about June 1. It has a short growing season.

My dad grew it last year. The germination was extremely poor. What did come up matured nicely and is quite pretty, but we decided $4.95 for four seed heads of pretty millet was ridiculous.

We bought 50 sds from Johnny's last year and started them inside on March 22. All the sds grew. Transplanted them outside in middle April with plastic jugs over them. Even though we had great success, I feel they need warmer weather. Will probably start them 2-3wks later this year. We live in Z-5 near Lincoln,NE.

I planted 10 seeds under grow lights in mid-April. Only 4 of the 10 germinated. (Man, Cornhusker, what did you do to get all 50 seeds to germinate?)
I moved the plants into a cold frame about the second week in May and then transplanted them a week later. They were very pretty but I was a little disappointed in the height (only about 36 inches).
With the lousy germination and the high cost of the seeds I decided not to plant them again this year.

I know--I think I'm a sucker to try this year again. But I will! 8^)

Wow--GREAT germination. I actually called the seed company I got mine from and asked for a replacement packet when only a few came up. The second time around--more germinated. I do believe the WARMER temps are needed. I'm ot sure this is a Zone 5 candidate. I will also start 2 weeks later and try to wait until it's warm enough.

I'll tell you I love this plant! Seeds from Parks last year. All but one germinated. Started indoors two months before setting out May 1. They grew up to 5 feet tall but side shoots smaller. I saved seed even though they are hybrid. I want to see what I get this year. If they breed close enough I'm happy. Remember when Purple Wave petunias were new and pricey? I saved seed and they bred true enough. I'm zone 7 but just barely.

Lucky I guess??? Used yogurt containers with holes punched in the bottom and a starter mix (forget the brand). Kept evenly moist and under cool white/warm white bulbs. 65 degree temp. in my basement.