Pennisetum - Seeds

Height: 30 to 160 inches (75 to 400 cm).

Growing Region: Zones 1 to 10. As a perennial in zones 5 to 9.

Flowers: End of summer through to the start of autumn.

Flower Details: White bristles. Panicle. Spikelets

Foliage: Broad. Flat. Long.

Sow Outside: Cover seed. First two months of spring. Spacing 18 to 36 inches (45 to 90 cm).

Sow Inside: Germination time: two to three weeks. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Six or seven weeks before expected last frost. Transplant outdoors following the last frost.

Requirements: Full sunlight. Good drainage. Rich soil. Moist soil. Some species are drought tolerant. Regular watering. Perennials should be cut back to the ground in late autumn. Propagate: dividing in the spring.
Miscellaneous: Invasive weed in many countries.


How to grow

Fountain grasses and other Pennisetum members can be sown either indoors or outdoors. If sowing outdoors then do so in the first few months of spring and lightly cover the seeds. Fountain grasses like to grow in sunny parts of the garden; ideally the soil should be moist, well drained, and fertile.

If first growing indoors then start about 7 or 8 weeks in advance. The Fountain grass seeds should take about two to four weeks to germinate at 21 degrees Centigrade. Transplant the young seedlings into the garden about 45 to 90cm apart about a week before the last frost of spring is expected.