Seed Requirements for Distichlis Spicata

Timing

• Saltgrass produces seeds year-round, and they can be sown as soon as they ripen. However, spring is the best time to start the seeds because the emergent seedlings will receive the appropriate amount of light to quickly put on dense, healthy growth. Avoid storing the seeds for a long period of time because they may moulder or lose viability.

Equipment Preparation

• Fungal infections pose a threat to saltgrass seedlings, so their growing containers must be thoroughly washed in hot, soapy water and air-dried before use. Fill the pots with never-before-used, sand-based potting soil to within 1 inch of the top, then set them aside for later use. Gather a spool of plastic wrap, a small amount of coarse sand and a spray bottle, and place it with the pots. An adjustable, waterproof propagation mat is also needed to produce the high heat required for germination.

Seed Pretreatment

• Saltgrass produces dormant seeds that require stratification to germinate. Store the seeds in a sealable plastic bag inside the refrigerator for two months. After the dry chilling period, moisten the seeds and keep them in the refrigerator for another month. Keep the seeds slightly moist but not sopping wet during the cold, moist stratification period. At this point, the seeds can be lightly scarified by rubbing them with sandpaper to weaken their seed coat, but it is not necessary.

Sowing

• A high percentage of saltgrass seeds are inviable, so sow more than you think you'll need to ensure a moderately high germination rate. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of seeds across the surface of the soil in the prepared pots, leaving roughly 1/8 to 1/4 inch between each seed. Don't worry if it's not perfectly even because the seedlings can be thinned later. Gently press the seeds onto the surface of the soil, then cover them with a scant layer of coarse sand. Using the spray bottle, moisten the sand until it settles onto the saltgrass seeds.

Germination Process

• Saltgrass seeds require very high temperatures to germinate, so they perform best when started indoors where conditions can be more carefully controlled. Locate a bright spot indoors near a south-facing window with six to eight hours of direct sun each day. Set the pots on the propagation mat and turn the temperature to around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds perform best if exposed to cooler nighttime temperatures, so turn off the propagation mat at night. Cover the pots with plastic wrap to slow the moisture evaporation from the soil. Use the spray bottle to water the seeds and make sure the soil never dries out. Healthy saltgrass seeds will germinate in two to four weeks.

Aftercare and Planting

• Saltgrass seedlings grow rapidly once sprouted and should be transplanted soon after they emerge. They should be thinned or completely transplanted into individual pots when they reach 1/2 inch. If only a few plants are desired, thin the seedlings to four or five per pot. If many are needed, scoop out the seedlings and plant them in individual starter pots filled with potting soil. Grow them in light afternoon shade until they reach 6 inches, then transplant them into a permanent bed.