When to Plant Dark Green Monkey Grass

Climate

• Monkey grass grows in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 through 10. Warm climates near the upper end of the hardiness zone allow you to plant this type of perennial almost any time of year, while colder zones require waiting until the ground thaws and is warm enough to work. Like many perennial grasses and groundcovers, you can plant monkey grass whenever the ground is soft and workable. Planting monkey grass in soggy soil tends to make the ground harden and clump around the roots. Gardeners who live in areas with heavy spring rains may need to wait for the ground to dry out before planting monkey grass. Soil should be dry enough that it falls from the shovel, rather than clinging to the blade.

Propagation

• The most common method of propagating monkey grass is through root division. The best time to dig and divide mature clumps of monkey grass is during the dormant season. Digging during dormancy causes less stress on the parent plants.

Planting Time

• Monkey grass requires immediate planting after division, making late fall the best time to dig, divide and plant propagated monkey grass. Perform this task on a calm, overcast day or during the morning or evening hours, rather than during the heat of the afternoon. Gardening centers and plant nurseries often sell monkey grass in quart or gallon containers in the spring. Transplant these young starts in your landscape shortly after purchasing them to avoid root compaction due to small container size. New shoots will appear the following spring as the plants leave their dormant stage.

Method

• Monkey grass prefers loamy soil loosened to a depth of near 6 inches. Place the small starts about 12 inches apart, staggering them in rows. Watering them once a week and covering the roots with a pine bark mulch or fresh straw will help them retain moisture. These plants generally take about two years after planting to fill in and cover the site.