How to Germinate Big Bluestem Grass

Big bluestem is sometimes referred to as ice cream grass, due to its sweet taste that cattle tend to crave and devour. Aside from being a source of food for cattle, big bluestem also makes a beneficial decorative grass for landscapes. The entire length of a big bluestem plant is immense, capable of growing 8 feet tall with a root system as long as 10 feet deep in the ground. Big bluestem is sometimes used for erosion control.

Paper bag
Shovel
Rake

Instructions

- 1
  Put the dry big bluestem seeds in a paper bag and store them in the refrigerator for four weeks. According to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, cold stratification can encourage more even germination.
- 2
  Remove all weeds and other plant life in the desired planting site outside. Loosen the soil with a shovel to at least 6 inches to make root growth easier. Level the soil in the planting site.
- 3
  Sprinkle the stratified seeds on the soil by hand in early spring. A very light layer of seeds over the soil is adequate.
- 4
  Water the soil to a depth of 6 inches. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before each subsequent watering. Big bluestem is tolerant of moderately moist and dry conditions, so the soil does not have to be thoroughly moist at all times.

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