Are there any special tricks to propagating purple fountain-grass?

Question

One of my gardening clients wants some; I've got seed from the speciman she likes but want to get it right. I'm still a greenhorn in the nurseryman bisiness.

Answer 1

Plant the seeds. I have had great success with all of the seeds I've gathered and started.

You could cut the mother plant into 2 to 4 individual plants depending on size. After potting give them a good drink of root stimulator. Fertilome makes stim that I won't transplant without.

Where is your nursery business????!!! I am a plantaholic! contact me via my avatar, please.

Answer 2

Fountain Grass Seeds

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Are there any special tricks to propagating purple fountain-grass?
One of my gardening clients wants some; I've got seed from the speciman she likes but want to get it right. I'm still a greenhorn in the nurseryman bisiness.

Answer 4

Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum' is said to be sterile in my country and only propagated by division.

Also if the variety you are growing from seed does grow it can be different from the parent plant -different genes.

You really need to buy the exact plant you want -leaf colour etc plant it and when it gets bigger propagate by division. That way you know exactly what your getting and the group of plants are all the same. Grasses grow really quickly so this shouldn't take too long.

Answer 5

I never grow it from seed. You divide it to get new specimens. However, if you must use seed, try nicking the seed with a sharp knife and putting 3-5 seeds per pot (3 inch pots, good soil) in no more than 1/2 inch of soil to cover. Water well and put the pots in direct sun. Alternatively you can sprout them inside a jar by putting the seeds on a wet paper towel and loosely curling the towel into a circle (seeds facing out and pressed against the glass) and placing within a jar with a nice size opening--like a clean clear spaghetti sauce jar with the label removed. Put mesh or screen over the top of the jar and secure with a rubber band. This allows air flow. Place in the sunlight until the seeds sprout and keep the towel moist by misting with clean water. Discard any collected water at the bottom of the jar every day so it doesn't get stagnate. When the seeds sprout--continue caring for them until the root is long enough to transplant into a pot with soil. This method takes longer and is more tedious, but provides a really healthy strong seedling. I use it for a lot of species. Good luck.