skip to main content

The Seed Exchange

Purple Flame Grass Seeds...Sterile or Good to Grow????

14 years ago

Hi! In a swap I received some Purple Flame Grass Seeds. I have never grown this before and was excited to receive them to try. However, looking them up on the internet I found that they do not re-seed and the seeds are sterile.

I am wondering if this is accurate? Has anyone ever tried growing them from seed before? And if so what were the results.

OH! and I can't ask the person who sent them to me because their was no GW ID name on the bag and I had just thrown it in my seed box with everything else when I received them.

Thanks so much for any help!

Sort by:Oldest

Comment (1)

karyn1
14 years ago
I couldn't tell you about that seed in particular but I've come across a number of plants on the DG description that say they don't produce seed or it's sterile and have found that to be false.Some might not produce plants the same as the parent but I've found a number of supposedly sterile plants that have produced viable seed. I'd say just give it a try. The worst that will happen is it won't grow.
Related Discussions
purple fountain grass
Q
Comments (18)
The jury's still out on the hardiness of Prince and Princess. Growers are conservatively listing as zone 8, but this will likely change with time. It is at least 1 zone hardier than Rubrum and feedback shows it to likely be 2 zones hardier...that would place it as a solid zone 8, possible zone 7, perhaps hardier. It does work well as a replacement for rubrum, which is not a reliable zone 8, particularly when a burgundy color is desired in a cooler southeast zone...and no, it's not the burgundy perennial grass the northeast has been after. It also can be a replacement for hard to get phormiums of the same color.
...See More
Purple or Bronze Ornamental Grass for Zone 5
Q
Comments (5)
This one could work--I have it and love it! 'Karl Foerster' Feather Reed Grass Grows 3-5' Hardy to Zone 5 Showy blooms w/ a purple tint I also think flame grass could give you the colors you want provided you need 4-5' in height. Good luck! Here is a link that might be useful: MBOT
...See More
Purple Fountain Grass
Q
Comments (57)
Well, I just planted 9 new pfg's to replace my winter dead clumps. May have had about 3 or 4 growing shoots on each clump, but it's just not worth it. Saw these on sale at the link below... fast growers, fast bloomers, won't take long to have those beautiful purple plumes again. :) I still envy the clumps down the road at Publix and Starbucks that survived this year...about 5 gallon size or so. I'll stick with replanting eah spring as necessary. I'd hate to take the chance on planting a 5 gallon grass only to lose it. Better off starting with the least expensive and watch how fast it'll fill in each year. Here is a link that might be useful: Purple Fountain Grass on sale
...See More
Purple fountain grass seed?
Q
Comments (1)
check it out. Here is a link that might be useful: growing from seed forum
...See More

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Purple Needle Grass, California’s State Grass

By Debbie Ballentine

The long-lived, drought-tolerant Stipa pulchra is as admired for its benefits as for its good looks

PURPLE FOLIAGE Great Design Plant: Purple Fountain Grass

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Easy come, easy grow — give this low-maintenance grass pride of place in your garden

GARDENING GUIDES 9 Low-Growing Hedges That Make Good Neighbors

Define garden areas or borders without blocking the view, with these evergreen shrubs that take kindly to trimming

MOST POPULAR Summer Crops: How to Grow Sunflowers

By Marianne Lipanovich

Savor snack-tastic sunflower seeds once the radiant blooms have faded — if the birds have saved you any, that is

HOUSEPLANTS How to Grow Orchids Indoors

By Marianne Lipanovich

Orchids are the exotic aristocrats of the flower world and can make themselves comfortable in almost any home

COOL-SEASON CROPS Cool-Season Vegetables: How to Grow Asparagus

By Marianne Lipanovich

Patience pays off with this harbinger of spring that lasts for decades in the garden

CENTRAL PLAINS NATIVE PLANTS 10 Top Grasses for the Central Plains

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Low-maintenance grasses provide seasonal interest and wildlife habitat, and aid good design

EDIBLE GARDENS How to Grow Your Own Sweet Summer Crops

By Marianne Lipanovich

This guide will help any gardener get started on growing the freshest warm-season veggies and berries for summer

EDIBLE GARDENS Summer Crops: How to Grow Tomatoes

By Marianne Lipanovich

Plant tomato seedlings in spring for one of the best tastes of summer, fresh from your backyard

GARDENING GUIDES Herb Garden Essentials: Grow Your Own Delicious Mint

By Marianne Lipanovich

Pull out a pot for this one. Mint's spreading habit and hard-to-kill nature can be a blessing — if you're properly prepared

Sponsored