Allotments 4 All

Produce => Non Edible Plants => Topic started by: Garden Manager on February 02, 2005, 00:21:32

Title: Growing Ornamental grasses from Seed
Post by: Garden Manager on February 02, 2005, 00:21:32
I have some seeds (of perenial types) and want to have a go at growing them.

Any tips/advice please? Like best time for starters.

Thanks
Title: Re: Growing Ornamental grasses from Seed
Post by: Kerry on February 02, 2005, 10:55:40
which have you got (Richard?)? i think the ones that i have previously had i've spring sown, no chilling, but i expect they have differing requirements.
lost a lot of mine in the garden, previous years, probably due to the wet, i think.
Title: Re: Growing Ornamental grasses from Seed
Post by: loz on February 02, 2005, 15:18:50
I normally put a pinch in a jiffy plug about March time, and then leave in an unheated propagator in a cold greenhouse. 

I've tried bunny grass, angel hair, quaking grass and some pennisetum.  All seemed to be ok, and with the plugs you can just plant them straight into the ground.

Loz
Title: Re: Growing Ornamental grasses from Seed
Post by: Garden Manager on February 02, 2005, 15:52:06
I thought i might have to wait until March or later to start but a book i read says any time from late winter onwards (is this right?). Just need some seed compost now, after I messed up at the garden centre last weekend and got John Innes No1 instead!!!  ::) Seems to be a shortage of seed compost down my way at the moment. (Typical!)

The seed I have are of, carex pendula, stipa (2 sorts) and deschampsia (sp?), If this helps.

thanks
Title: Re: Growing Ornamental grasses from Seed
Post by: Kerry on February 02, 2005, 16:08:05
aha Richard, i too have carex pendula seeds.
my sowing instructions are: nov-mar under glass but no heat. germination can be erratic and can be aided by covering trays with polythene and placing outside for a 2-4 week period of cold. (or a fridge, presumably??) harden off etc..before planting out sep-oct or following spring.

will add via edit if i can find the other info i'm after for the others...!

edit:
rhs seed scheme guidelines:
deschampsia:10-16oC, sow without heat, takes up to 30 days to germinate. (so i would treat as the pendula, without the chilling)
stipa:18-21oc, 30-90 days germination, use well drained compost.
Title: Re: Growing Ornamental grasses from Seed
Post by: Garden Manager on February 03, 2005, 12:52:14
Thanks Kerry.

I should have mentioed my seed came from the RHS so I have that same info.

I was really looking for some additional info (which i got). Where did the bit about chilling the carex seed come from? Nothing in the RHS leaflet about it?

My green house is generaly unheated (or can be) so a few cold nights in there might be enough 'chilling' for the carex perhaps?

Thanks

Richard
Title: Re: Growing Ornamental grasses from Seed
Post by: Kerry on February 03, 2005, 13:52:11
Richard
chilling info from seed packet for my carex from Mr Fothergill's. i guess the idea is to replicate a 'winter' exposure to trigger germination, ie. what the seeds would experience if falling to the ground in the wild.

greenhouse? depends how cold 'cold' is?! my packet says to leave outside, having covered with a clear covering.  so perhaps very low temperatures for 2 weeks would do the trick? and more space left in your greenhouse?
Title: Re: Growing Ornamental grasses from Seed
Post by: Garden Manager on March 08, 2005, 18:09:42
So, after a 'cold snap' delay i am now ready to have a go.

How about this: Seed to be sown in modules filled with john innes seed compost, covered but given no heat apart from the general ambient warmth of the greenhouse.

Good enough?
Title: Re: Growing Ornamental grasses from Seed
Post by: TULIP-23 on March 08, 2005, 18:45:29
Richard ;)

Going to our LocalSuper Market today here in Uden

I was looking at two Packets of Seeds

One I believe was different Assortment of Coloured Grass

The Second Turk Muts [Turks Hats] Pumpkin

If your interested I can Re-check and am only too willing to Forward them to you on an Exchange Basis . If you are interested please let me know  Mike
Title: Re: Growing Ornamental grasses from Seed
Post by: Garden Manager on March 08, 2005, 18:50:40
Do you have the latin/scientific/proper name for them, Mike?

The names you gave dont give me much to go on im afraid.

What might you be interested in, in return?

(I suppose we ought to take this to PM or the 'seed swap forum, but i dont suppose it matters really).
Title: Re: Growing Ornamental grasses from Seed
Post by: TULIP-23 on March 08, 2005, 19:16:03
Richard :)
Have sent a PM