How to Care for Golden Scotch Moss

Sow scotch moss seeds in a tray in early spring. Alternatively, purchase plants or seedlings from a nursery from June onward.

Remove all weeds from the site to be planted. Manual removal or pouring boiling water on difficult-to-extract weeds is normally sufficient. If you have a large area, consider laying black plastic over it while the seedlings are growing. Blocking the light kills most weeds and new weed seedlings.

Enrich the site with compost. If this is difficult because you are planting in small spaces between rocks, use a liquid organic or inorganic fertilizer according to the instructions. Golden scotch moss tolerates most soils, but nutrients can be scarce in rocky sites with little soil.

Plant young seedlings in late spring, allowing a few inches between each one. Golden scotch moss will rapidly fill in the gaps.

Water the newly planted seedlings thoroughly.

Mulch between seedlings, especially if you are planting on a slope. The mulch retards weeds and helps keep soil on slopes in place until the plants become established. Any type of mulch is suitable, although you may find bark chippings or dead leaves more aesthetically pleasing than old newspapers.

Remove all weed seedlings as they appear. Once established, scotch moss smothers all but the most persistent weeds, but it needs a helping hand in the beginning.

Water during exceptionally dry spells or if the seedlings start wilting. Don't overwater, as golden scotch moss dislikes wet feet, according to the website Seedaholic.