120
days-3' to 6' stalks. Strange teardrop-shaped bluish-gray or white
seeds with three or more tiny hairs protruding from the pointed
end. Shiny and hard as a rock. An ancient grain. Seeds are used
as beads for percussion instruments, jewelry, and rosaries, and
also used to make flour, grits, and in the Nagaland region (presently)
of India, a type of beer called dzu or zhu. Tasty breads can be
made from the flour. Needs a long season, so you may want to start
these in pots. Soaking the seeds in water overnight before planting
is recommended. Looks a lot like corn when it first comes up,
but a little more ragged around the edges. Takes a long time to
sprout, up to a month. Perennial in the tropical parts of Asia
from whence it comes. Also known as Adlay. A fascinating and nutritious
plant. $3.00/25 seeds
