The Germination of Buffalo Grass Seed

Buffalo grass once was the principle forage for the American bison.

A native perennial, buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides) once grew wild across the Great Plains of North America from Montana to Mexico and was the predominate food source for the American bison. The warm season grass spreads rapidly from its root system and seed dispersal.

Seed Identification

Buffalo grass seeds are encased in a bur, which is a hard, protective shell or coating. Within each bur are two or three seeds. The seeds require a period of cold stratification to facilitate germination. Purchase only seeds that have been soaked in a special 0.5 percent solution of potassium nitrate and that have undergone a period of cold stratification to ensure germination.

Warning

As little as 10 percent of seeds that have not been properly conditioned will germinate, according to the University of Texas at Austin's website, while as much as 70 percent of properly treated seeds will germinate. Treated seeds are normally stained purple, blue or green prior to sale.

Planting Requirements

In order for buffalo grass seeds to germinate, the soil temperature must rise to 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover the seeds with 1/2 inch of soil. Keep the seeds moist but not overly wet to ensure germination. An ideal daytime temperature is 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, with a nighttime temperature above 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

References

• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Native Lawns Buffalograss
• Aggie Agriculture: Buffalo Grass
• American-Lawns: Buffalograss
• Texas Parks and Wildlife: Buffalo Grass
• Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Bouteloua dactyloides
• Colorado State University: Buffalograss Lawns

Resources

• Blue Planet Biomes: Buffalo Grass