Finger millet (ragi) Eleusine coracana
Finger millet (ragi) (Eleusine coracana) is an annual grass in the Poaceae family, native to Domesticated in the East African highlands. It grows 50 cm–1.2 m (20 in–3.9 ft) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 8 °C (46 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
Plan Finger millet (ragi) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Finger millet (ragi) at a glance
| Type | Annual grass |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Mature height | 50 cm–1.2 m (20 in–3.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–8.2 |
| Cold hardiness | About 8 °C (46 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–11 weeks after planting, for 2–4 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 120 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: grain (porridge, ugali, ragi mudde) |
| Native to | Domesticated in the East African highlands |
| Common in gardens of | 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇪🇹 Ethiopia, 🇮🇳 India |
Is Finger millet (ragi) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Finger millet (ragi)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Finger millet (ragi)
- How far apart should I plant Finger millet (ragi)?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does Finger millet (ragi) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Finger millet (ragi) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Finger millet (ragi)?
- It tolerates about 8 °C (46 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Finger millet (ragi) flower?
- About 9–11 weeks after planting, for 2–4 weeks.
- Is Finger millet (ragi) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Finger millet (ragi)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Finger millet (ragi). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
Notes and assumptions
- Finger-like heads; the grain stores for years without weevils.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Fountain grass Pennisetum alopecuroides
- Sweet corn Zea mays var. saccharata
- Lemongrass Cymbopogon citratus
- Clumping bamboo Fargesia murielae
- Maiden grass (miscanthus) Miscanthus sinensis
- Golden bamboo Phyllostachys aurea
- Switchgrass Panicum virgatum
- Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium