Growing Frosted Explosion Grass from seed:

• Is easy!

• Growing Frosted Explosion Grass from seed is a rewarding process, as these whimsical flowering plants are well-suited to sunny environments with well-draining soil.

• Once established, the plants are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, turning gardens into a spectacular display of unique blooms.

Direct Sow into the garden:

• Timing: 2-4 weeks before last spring frost

• Seed Depth: Surface Sow

• Germination time: 7-10 days

Quick Guide

Sow seeds indoors:

• Timing: 5-6 weeks before last spring frost

• Seed Depth: Surface Sow

• Germination time: 7-10 days

• Transplant: After last frost date

Plant Specifications

Light Preference

Plant Height

Plant Spacing

Hardiness

Full Sun

12-16"

6-8"

Annual Zones 3-8

Perennial Zones 9-11

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Direct Sowing - Step-by-step Guide

Materials Needed:

• Seeds

• Garden soil

• Trowel or garden fork

• Watering can or garden hose

• Mulch (optional)

Instructions:

1. Timing:

   • Early spring is ideal for sowing seeds, especially in cooler climates. In warmer regions, fall planting allows the seeds to stratify naturally over winter.

2. Select a planting site:

   • Choose a sunny location

   • Make sure the soil is well-draining.

3. Prepare the soil:

   • Loosen the soil to a depth of about 6 inches (15 cm) using a trowel or garden fork.

   • Remove any weeds, stones, or debris.

   • If the soil is heavy, consider mixing in some sand to improve drainage.

4. Plant the Seeds:

   • Scatter the seeds thinly across the prepared soil surface. Grasses prefer to be surface sown as they need light to germinate.

   • Lightly press the seeds into the soil, but do not cover them.

5. Water Gently:

   • Use a watering can or gentle spray nozzle on the water hose to gently water seeds.

   • Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the seeds germinate, which can take 10-15 days.

6. Thin Seedlings:

   • Once seedlings have a few real leaves and are about 2 inches tall, thin them to about 3-5 plants per square foot. This ensures the plants have enough space to grow and reduces competition for nutrients.

7. Ongoing Care:

   • Water as needed to keep the soil lightly moist during the growing season. Once established, the plants are drought-tolerant.

   • Weed regularly to prevent competition.

   • Mulch can be added to help retain moisture and suppress weeds, but it's not essential.

8. Enjoy Blooms:

   • Grasses bloom in summer through late fall.

   • Deadheading (removing spent flowers) can encourage more blooms.

9. Harvest Seeds:

   • After the bloom period, allow some seed to dry on the plant if you wish to collect seeds for future planting.

   • Once dried and brown, cut the flowers and shake seeds loose from foliage.

   • Store the seeds in a cool, dry place.

Following these steps will help ensure a beautiful display of filler grass in your garden!

Step-by-Step Instructions - Starting Seeds Indoors

Collect Supplies:

• Seeds

• Seed starting trays or pots

• Seed starting mix (sterile)

• Labels and a marker

• Plastic wrap or a humidity dome

• Spray bottle or watering can with a fine nozzle

• Grow lights or a sunny windowsill

  Timing

  • When to Start: 5-6 weeks before planting out.

  Preparation

  • Clean Containers: Sterilize your seed starting trays or pots to prevent disease.

  • Moisten Seed Mix: Slightly moisten your seed starting mix so it's damp but not soggy.

  Planting Seeds

  • Fill Trays: Fill each cell in the seed tray with the moist seed starting mix.

  • Sow Seeds: Place 3-5 seeds in each cell or pot.

  • Label Trays: Label each tray or pot with the variety and the planting date.

  Germination

  • Cover Seeds: Very lightly cover seeds with soil and add a thin layer of fine vermiculite to prevent algae growth on soil surface.

  • Moisten Surface: Use a spray bottle to mist the top of the soil.

  • Create Humidity: Cover the seed trays with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to maintain moisture.

  • Warmth: Place the trays in a warm location (70-75°F or 21-24°C). A heat mat can help.

  Light and Watering

  • Lighting: Once the seeds germinate (about 7-10 days), remove the cover and place the seedlings under grow lights or in a sunny windowsill. Provide 12-16 hours of light per day.

  • Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Water from the bottom if possible to prevent damping-off disease.

  Take Care of Seedlings

  • Hardening Off: About a week before transplanting outdoors, start to harden off your seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for increasing time periods each day.

  Transplanting Outdoors

  • Timing: Transplant the seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

  • Soil Preparation: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Amend with compost if needed.

  • Planting: Plant seedlings with a density of 3-5 grass plants per square foot.

  • Watering: Water lightly but thoroughly after planting.