How to Grow Cattails From Seeds

Cattails (Typha latifolia), known for their distinct, cigar shape and deep-brown tips, are found among soggy soils, marshes and wetlands. The plant often reaches heights up to 6 feet tall with leaves up to 2 inches wide. Cattails’ appearance help define wetlands, bogs and other water retentive regions. Growing them from seed in appropriate environments provides shelter and food for wildlife while contributing to the surrounding beauty of a wetland garden. Before growing cattails, note they are prolific and continue multiplying if not properly controlled in many regions.

Things You'll Need

Cattail seeds
Seed cleaner

Moist soil
Rake

Instructions

- 1
  Gather cattail seeds from local cattail plants. Look around marshy regions with stagnant water or near the outer edges of bogs or swamps. The seeds burst open shortly after the cattail flowers in the early summer months. Seeds are identified by their white, fuzzy texture. They emerge from the cattail flower near the top of the stem. Store seeds in a brown bag to dry them until fall planting.
- 2
  Clean the seeds with a seed cleaner or by separating seeds from other parts of the plant that may have been picked up during the spring gathering.
- 3
  Prepare a moist spot in the yard or garden for planting cattail seeds during mid to late fall. The soil should be moist throughout the entire year, but not flooded or completely under water. Ensure the cattail bed is free of weeds before planting. Covering the soil with black plastic several months before planting ensures a warm, moist soil ideal for cattail seed germination.
- 4
  completely bury the seeds. Keep the soil moist and clear of weeds until seedlings develop. The plants emerge

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