Source: http://vasat.icrisat.org/crops/pearl_millet/pm_production/html/m2_2.3/index.html

The growth and development of pearl millet can be divided into 3 major stages.

               Growth Stage 1

 

The seedling establishment with root, leaf, and tiller development takes place during this phase. Panicle initiation also begins.

                 Growth Stage 2

 Growth Stage 2

 

Elongation of all the leaves, emergence of all tillers, floral initiation in tillers, and stem elongation takes place during this phase. The elongation of the panicle and formation of floral parts are found in this phase. This stage comes to end with the emergence of stigmas on the panicle.

                  Growth Stage 3

Growth Stage 3

This phase begins with fertilization of florets and continues up to maturity of the plant. The dry matter accumulation is mainly in grain formation and partly in the enlargement of stem and leaves of the tillers. The end of this phase is physiological maturity, indicated by the development of dark layer at the bottom of the grain.

Summary of Growth Stages

Growth	Character	Short Duration (Approx Days After Emergency)	Long Duration
0	Coleoptile visible	0	0
1	3rd Leaf Stage	6	6
2	5th Leaf Stage	14	15
3	Panicle Initation	22	28
4	Flag Leaf Visible	33	43
5	Boot Stage	36	47
6	50% Stigma   Emergence	40	53
7	Milk Stage	49	61
8	Dough Stage	58	69
9	Physiological Maturity	65	75

Vegetative Phase           Panicle Development                   Grain-Filling Phase
       (0 T0 3)                              (4 T0 6)                                       (7 T0 9)
          GS1                                    GS2                                            GS3

Major Growth  Phase	Short Duration Approximate Duration (days)	Long Duration
Growth Phase 1	22	28
Growth Phase 2	18	25
Growth Phase 3	25	22

These 3 growth stages are the averages for environmental conditions during June-September at Hyderabad, India (170 North latitude). Developmental rates are a function of the environmental conditions and the variety that is grown. The duration of growth stages may vary considerably for other locations and varieties.