How To Germinate Fountain Grass

Fountain grass is the common name for Pennisetum setaceum, a species of clumping grass used as an ornamental landscaping plant. The common name refers to the graceful growth habit of the foliage, which grows to approximately 4 feet in height before bending or arching slightly at the tips. Tall, feathery flower stalks emerge from the plants in summer, each containing small, rounded seeds that can be germinated to grow new fountain grass plants. Fountain grass seeds germinate quickly once exposed to moist soil and temperatures above 70 F, but it is best to start them indoors so they are well-established by planting time.

2.5-inch plastic pots
Potting soil
Spray bottle
Heat mat

Instructions

- 1
  Fill 2 1/2-inch plastic pots halfway with potting soil. Pack the soil firmly into the pots to squeeze out any trapped air.
- 2
  Sow three fountain grass seeds in each pot. Place the seeds on the soil. Cover the seeds with a 1/2-inch-thick layer of soil.
- 3
  Mist each pot with a spray bottle until the top inch of soil is saturated. Maintain moisture at that level until the fountain grass seedlings emerge.
- 4
  Set the pots on a heat mat near a source of bright light. Set the temperature on the heat mat to 70 F.
- 5
  Watch for sprouting in 14 to 21 days. Thin the fountain grass seedlings to one per pot. Remove the weakest seedlings.
- 6
  Remove the pots from the heat mat as soon as they grow to 2 inches in height. Move them to a sheltered spot outdoors offering bright light and protection from freezing temperatures.
- 7
  Plant the fountain grass seedlings in a sunny bed after the last frost once the soil warms to a minimum of 65 F. Space them 12 inches apart.

How to Graft a Staghorn

How to Grow a Korean Boxwood Bonsai

Growing Plants