Ornamental grasses add beautiful texture and movement to gardens Their wispy, dancing foliage sways in the breeze to create a peaceful, natural vibe While you can purchase potted ornamental grasses from nurseries, starting them from seed is an affordable way to get lots of plants for your garden.
Growing ornamental grasses from seed does take some patience and care. But thesatisfaction of nurturing tiny seeds into mature grasses is extremely rewarding Follow this complete guide to successfully grow ornamental grasses from seed.
Why Grow Ornamental Grasses From Seed?
Here are some of the main benefits of growing ornamental grasses from seed:
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Cost Savings: Purchasing potted ornamental grasses can get expensive, with each plant ranging from $5-$20. Seeds are a fraction of the cost.
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Wider Selection: You’ll have access to a much wider variety of grasses by growing from seed than what’s available as starters.
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Large Quantities: It’s easy to grow a large number of plants from seed. This allows you to create beautiful mass plantings.
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Satisfaction: Watching tiny seeds transform into mature grasses you nurtured yourself is deeply gratifying.
Tips for Success Growing Ornamental Grasses From Seed
Follow these tips to successfully grow ornamental grasses from seed:
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Start seeds early indoors: Get a head start on the growing season by starting seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost.
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Use fresh seed: For the best germination rates, use fresh seed packaged for the current growing season.
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Don’t cover seeds: Grass seeds need light to germinate, so don’t cover them with soil. Simply press them lightly into the soil surface.
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Bottom water: After planting, water seeds by filling the container’s drainage tray with water. This prevents disturbing the seeds.
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Provide consistent moisture: Keep seeds consistently moist, but not saturated, for proper germination.
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Give them warmth: Maintain a soil temperature of 65-75°F for optimal germination. Consider using a heat mat.
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Transplant carefully: When transplanting seedlings outside, take care not disturb their shallow roots.
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Be patient: Some grasses take weeks to germinate and years reach maturity. Give them time!
10 Popular Ornamental Grasses to Grow From Seed
Here are 10 ornamental grasses that are easy, fun, and rewarding to grow from seed:
1. Blue Fescue
This hardy perennial has silvery-blue foliage that pairs nicely with flowers. It reaches just 6-10 inches tall.
2. Maiden Grass
A fast grower that provides excellent vertical accents in the garden. It has large plumes up to 6 feet tall.
3. Pampas Grass
The iconic, fluffy cream plumes on this grass can grow massive, up to 13 feet tall!
4. Fountain Grass
A tropical look for the garden. This grass has burgundy foliage and pink plumes.
5. Northern Sea Oats
Graceful, drooping oat-like seed heads dance in the breeze on this grass.
6. Switch Grass
A tall native prairie grass perfect for mass plantings. It has feathery plumes.
7. Purple Majesty Millet
Vibrant reddish-purple foliage on this annual that can reach 5 feet tall.
8. Zebra Grass
Horizonal yellow banding on the blades creates a striking striped effect.
9. Ravenna Grass
Tinted red at the tips, the foliage turns blonde in winter for year-round interest.
10. Quaking Grass
Delicate seed heads tremble on tall slender stems, creating motion.
Step-By-Step Guide to Growing Ornamental Grasses From Seed
Follow these simple steps for successfully growing ornamental grasses from seed:
1. Purchase Seed
Buy fresh seed from a reputable source, ideally packaged for the current growing season. Check package dates.
2. Start Seeds Indoors
Fill starter trays or pots with seed starting mix. Sow seeds on the soil surface per package directions. Lightly press seeds into the soil, but don’t cover completely.
3. Provide Warmth & Moisture
Water thoroughly by filling the drainage tray, allowing the soil to absorb water from the bottom up. Place trays on a heat mat to maintain 65-75°F soil temperature.
4. Allow Time to Germinate
Wait patiently, providing consistent warmth and moisture. Germination can take 2-4 weeks. Grass seedlings are tiny at first.
5. Care for Seedlings
Once sprouted, move seedlings to bright light. Keep air circulation high and moisture consistent to prevent fungal diseases.
6. Harden Off & Transplant
When indoor plants have 3-4 leaves, begin hardening off. Gradually expose them to increased time outdoors over 7-14 days. Transplant carefully into garden beds once hardened off. Space plants according to mature spread.
7. Water Well After Transplanting
Ensure new transplants receive 1-2 inches of water per week as they establish roots. Add mulch to help retain moisture.
8. Be Patient for Maturity
Many ornamental grasses take 2-3 years to reach maturity. Allow time for them to establish and fill in. Remove weeds so grasses can thrive.
9. Divide as Needed
Mature, overcrowded grasses can be divided and replanted every 2-4 years. This helps maintain their vigor.
Enjoy Your Seeded Ornamental Grasses!
When grown from seed, ornamental grasses make a lovely, inexpensive addition to both flower and landscape gardens. Follow the tips and guidelines above for success growing ornamental grasses from seed. Take time to enjoy their graceful beauty once established in your garden.
How to Grow Grass : How to Grow Ornamental Grass From Seed
FAQ
How long does ornamental grass take to grow from seed?
How long does it take grass to fully grow from seed?
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Grass Type
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Germination Rate
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Fine Fescue
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7 – 14 days
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Kentucky Bluegrass
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14 – 30 days
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Perennial Ryegrass
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5 – 10 days
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St. Augustinegrass
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10 – 30 days
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Do ornamental grass seeds need cold stratification?
Do ornamental grasses spread by seed?
How do you grow ornamental grass?
Sow the seeds at the appropriate depth and spacing, and water regularly to keep the soil moist. While it may take some time for the seeds to germinate and grow into mature plants, the end result is well worth the wait. With a little effort, you can enjoy the beauty of ornamental grasses in your garden or landscape.
Can you start ornamental grass from seed?
While some types of grass will work well started indoors, many of the grass seeds can be planted clump style right into your garden in the fall for a spring or summer bloom the following year. That brings us to the third way you can start ornamental grass from seed. And that is to plant seeds in groupings right into your soil.
How do I sow ornamental grass seeds?
Learn to sow ornamental grass seeds effectively by choosing the right time for planting, preparing the soil perfectly, and mastering sowing techniques. Growing ornamental grasses from seeds can be a fulfilling endeavor. As a garden enthusiast, I’ve seen firsthand how the sway of these grasses can add texture, movement, and color to landscapes.
How do I choose the best ornamental grass?
When selecting seeds, it is important to choose a variety that is well-suited to your climate and soil conditions. Some popular ornamental grasses include fountain grass, feather reed grass, and switchgrass. Once you have selected your seeds, it is time to prepare your garden bed.
Can ornamental grass be propagated?
It’s possible to propagate ornamental grasses. To do so, you can cut off a small piece of the plant and put it in water for a week or so. Soon, the ornamental grass should start growing fine roots. Eventually, you’ll be able to plant the ornamental grass cutting into soil.
Do ornamental grasses grow well?
Ornamental grasses are sometimes overlooked as a way to add interest, vertical texture, and romance to all types of gardens. From tall and bold to low-growing, light, and airy, there are many different types of grasses you can grow. Most ornamental grasses have very tiny seeds that easily blow away in the wind after dropping from the plant.