Pennisetum is one of the most attractive structure-formers in the flower bed. The ornamental grass also works extremely well as a green privacy screen. It is also relatively easy to propagate. We will introduce you to the most common methods in detail in the following article.
How to propagate Pennisetum?
Pennisetum grass can be propagated by division in spring and sowing. During division, the root ball is divided into parts and replanted, while sowing is done with potting soil in small pots and requires daily care.
Propagate by division
Pennisetum grass is a warm-season grass and should therefore always be divided in early spring, before new growth:
- First cut off the dried stalks about a hand's width above the ground.
- Dig up the nest with a spade or digging tool.
- Young grasses can be easily pierced with a spade. For older plants you may need an ax or saw.
- Separate the root ball into three to four parts.
You can then use them in their new location. To ensure that the feather bristle grass grows well, you can improve compacted soil with a little sand or gravel. A drainage layer in the planting hole has also proven useful, as the Pennisetum grass is very sensitive to waterlogging.
Propagation by sowing
Some species such as Pennisetum alopecuroides or Pennisetum villosum can be propagated by seeds. However, not all varieties cultivated in our gardens are suitable for this and even those whose seeds are capable of germinating may not be successful.
If you still want to try it, follow these steps:
- Pour commercial potting soil (€6.00 on Amazon) into small plastic pots.
- Place a few seeds on top and cover thinly with substrate.
- Wet with a sprayer and place a cap or a clear plastic bag over it.
- Ventilate daily. This prevents mold formation and rot.
- Water carefully if necessary.
- Once the plants have reached a size of three to four centimeters, you can prick them out.
Place the cultivation pots in a bright place where the average temperature is 24 degrees. The germination time varies greatly; it is between one and six weeks. So you may need a little patience until the cotyledons appear.
Tip
Dividing the Pennisetum grass is not just for reproduction. After this care measure, the ornamental grass will sprout more vigorously and will subsequently bloom more profusely. Therefore, you should occasionally share older nests, even if you have no use for the individual pieces.
