How to Plant Irish Moss

Irish moss, also known as Scotch moss or sandwort, is not actually a moss at all but a perennial plant. Valued for its distinctive foliage, Irish moss prefers dry conditions and does not do well in areas with humidity. Irish moss is often planted between paving stones on patios and walkways, and as a ground cover in flower beds. You usually plant Irish moss outside in the spring to avoid birds from eating the seeds over the winter months.

Things You'll Need

• Seeds Sand Fertilizer

Instructions

1. Prepare your soil for planting. Irish moss prefers well drained soil. Mix sand in with your garden soil to aid the draining process. Choose a sunny location.

2. Cast the seeds on top of the soil in early spring before all danger of frost is past. The seeds will germinate in 7 to 28 days.

3. Water whenever the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid over watering as this will kill the plant.

4. Use a general purpose fertilizer once a season starting in the second year. Fertilize after the moss has flowered, otherwise you may get lush growth but little flowering.

Tips & Warnings

• Irish moss does best in soil that has a pH between 6 and 8. Irish moss grows best in zones 4 through 9.

• Water regularly during the driest months of summer.

References

• Plant Biology