Pennisetum Rueppellii 'Fountain Grass' Seed

Overview

Pennisetum Rueppellii (Pennisetum setaceum) is a lovely deciduous perennial grass that is treated as an annual as it is only winter hardy to about -5°C.

It forms a tuft of green foliage, then produces panicles of fluffy pinkish/crimson flower heads in summer that last well into winter. It grows to 70cm tall and adds texture & colour to cut flower arrangements and is also excellent dried. Looks fab in the garden as well.

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Seed qty (approx)	25
Sowing months	February, March, April, May
Site conditions	Sunny site with light moderately fertile but well-drained soil.
How to sow	Either sow seed indoors on the surface of fine seed compost & as the seeds need light to germinate, lightly cover with vermiculite. Keep at about 15°C and germination should take place in 2 weeks. Prick out seedlings when large enough into individual pots. Harden off plants before planting out in final garden position. Space every 50cm, in rows 50cm apart if grown in cutting garden. Alternatively, direct sow seed thinly in very shallow (2mm) pre-watered drills. Lightly press seeds down to just cover with fine soil. Thin seedlings to every 50cm, in rows 50cm apart. Protect seed from birds & mice.
Care	No need to fertilise as this will encourage foliage growth rather than the seed heads. Although it is treated as an annual because it is only winter hardy down to -5°C you may want to experiment and leave it in the ground till spring. If it makes it, cut down foliage in spring and it may regrow.
Flowers	July to October.
Information	N/A

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