How to Plant Your Fountain Grass Seeds
Fountain grass (Pennisetum) is an attractive ornamental grass that will grow no more than 1 to 3 feet tall at maturity. Showy light purple flower spikes appear in midsummer and last through autumn when the blooms turn a coppery purple. The green foliage turns golden yellow. Once established, fountain grass requires very little attention. Although fountain grass is usually grown by setting out small plants, it can also be propagated by seed. Fountain grass is hardy to USDA zones 5 to 9. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Cardboard milk or juice carton
- Scissors or knife
- Commercial potting soil
- Spray bottle
- Fountain grass seeds
- Plastic bag
- Rubber band or twist tie
- Shovel
Instructions
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1
Plant fountain grass seeds indoors in autumn. Rinse a half-gallon cardboard juice or milk carton. Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut off the top two-thirds of the carton. Use the tip of a knife to poke two or three holes on each side, near the bottom of the container.
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2
Fill the carton with commercial potting soil. Mist the potting soil thoroughly with a spray bottle and allow the water to drain before planting.
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3
Sprinkle a small packet of fountain grass seeds on top of the soil. Press the seeds lightly into the soil.
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4
Slide the container into a plastic bag and seal the bag with a rubber band or a twist tie. Place the container outdoors in a sheltered area. The seeds will germinate in mid-spring, and once germinated, the fountain grass will grow very quickly.
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5
Loosen the top of the plastic bag when the fountain grass is about 1 inch high, but don't open it all the way yet. Open the plastic bag a little more every week for three weeks, then remove the bag. Mist the soil if necessary, as the soil will begin to dry once the bag is opened.
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6
Dig a hole in your garden. The fountain grass should be planted in full sunlight or partial shade. The hole should be at least as wide as the carton but no taller.
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7
Tear the carton carefully from the fountain grass and place the grass in the hole. Pat soil lightly around the roots. Keep the soil moist until the fountain grass shows signs of healthy new growth. After that time, the grass will require irrigation only during hot, dry weather.
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