The plant produces upright, stiff culms. As it matures red millet changes to a rusty, brown or scarlet colour. The leaves are long, broad and hairy, with a short often hairy ligule. Notably the leaf sheaths and nodes are also hairy. Unlike white millet the inflorescence is a heavily drooping, dark red panicle. The plant has shallow, but fibrous roots. Red millet is rounded, lemon shaped seed. Red millet is a noticeably amber to orange colour, it has a shiny, smooth texture. Approximately 3mm in size.
