How to Germinate Pennisetum

Germinating in the Garden

• 1

  Plant in a location that receives full sun and has well-drained soil. If the area has puddles one hour after a heavy rainfall, choose another site or amend the soil with 3 to 4 inches of chunky compost.

• 2

  Prepare the soil for the pennisetum seeds. Remove weeds, rocks and other debris. Add 1 lb. 10-10-10 fertilizer for every 1,000 sq. ft. of planting area and mix it into soil. Rake the soil smooth.

• 3

  Place the pennisetum seeds on the surface of the soil and cover them with 1/4 inch of sand. Plant the seeds at least 24 inches apart.

• 4

  Water the planting bed carefully to avoid washing away the pennisetum seed and keep the soil moist while the seeds germinate. Under ideal conditions the seeds germinate within two weeks.

Germinating in Pots

• 5

  Fill a planting pot with quality potting soil that drains quickly.

• 6

  Place the seeds on the surface of the soil and cover them with 1/4 inch of sand.

• 7

  Place the pot in a sunny area on top of a heat mat. Set the mat's thermostat to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. In the evenings, turn the heat to 70 degrees. Don't forget to raise the heat back to 80 in the morning.

• 8

  Keep the soil moist at all times. Seeds germinate within two to three weeks.