Swinging as light as a feather in the wind, the flower clusters of Pennisetum grass provide visual highlights in gardens. They can decorate the plants until spring and turn many a dreary landscape into a feast for the eyes. The seeds stick to the tufts completely unnoticed
How do you sow Pennisetum seeds?
The seeds of the Pennisetum grass ripen in autumn and can be harvested by plucking or shaking out the flower clusters. When sowing between March and April in seed trays, ensure a germination temperature of 22-26 °C and sufficient light supply. However, the germination rate can vary.
When do Pennisetum seeds ripen?
InAutumn, usually between the end of September and mid-October, the seeds of the Pennisetum grass ripen. The exact time depends on the respective variety and its flowering time.
The seeds often remain on the plant all winter long, as long as no strong gust of wind dislodges them and scatters them around the world.
How do you harvest Pennisetum seeds?
You can pick the individual seeds directly from the clustersor after cutting in the spring, shake out the flower clusters over a tarpaulinand pick out the seeds.
Dry the seeds after harvesting to be on the safe side. Only then is it advisable to store them in a sealable bag in a dark and dry place until sowing.
What external characteristics do the Pennisetum seeds have?
The seeds of this ornamental grass are relativelysmallandinconspicuous A large number of them are found on the former inflorescences. Their color is brown when fully ripe. Its shape is elongated and slightly tapered at both ends.
What should you pay attention to when sowing Pennisetum grass?
Since Pennisetum seeds often germinatepoorly, you should be careful when sowing.
The seeds can be sown at home between March and April. Direct sowing is only recommended from May onwards, as the seeds need a warm temperature to germinate. It is therefore best to sow the seeds at home in a seed tray (€15.00 on Amazon), which can be covered with a plastic cover. Note the following:
- Do not cover seeds with soil (light germinator)
- Spray substrate with water and keep moist
- Germination temperature: 22 to 26 °C
- Germination time: Up to 6 weeks
Are all Pennisetum seeds suitable for sowing?
Notallspecies can be easily propagated using seeds. Sowing has proven successful with the species Pennisetum alopecuroides and Pennisetum villosum. But in general the chances of success are rather low and not all seeds germinate reliably.
Tip
Higher chances when buying seeds
The germination rate and the probability of germination are generally higher when buying seeds from stores. If you want to sow Pennisetum seeds, it is better to use those from nurseries.
