skip to main content

Seed Saving FAQ

Silver Grass ~ Miscanthus

11 years ago

{{gwi:2110389}}Image by: wintersown
Miscanthus
Silver grass grows in large expanding clumps and produces nearly white inflorescences in late summer. It is a popular perennial grass for landscaping.

Seed collection is easy. Observe the stem below the inflorescence (seed head). When it has become light brown and is brittle you may easily snap the seed head from the plant. Place it on an open plate and allow it to dry for a few days. To strip the seeds from the tassles grasp a single tassle strand at its exterior end and with your other hand clasp the seeds between the nails of your thumb and forefinger. Strip the seeds off in a downwards motion. It takes some practice to use enough pressure to strip the seeds without snapping the tassle strand.

Allow the seeds to dry for a few more days before packing. There will be fluffy chaff attached to the small seeds. Seeds are traded with the chaff, sowing instructions should include to pat the entire contents firmly down into moist soil.

Comment

Related Discussions
HAVE: Fresh Zebra Grass Seeds!
Q
Comments (1)
Hi....I am interested in Zebra Grass. I have several other varieties: Grass Oat Grass Cat organic Grass Feather Reed Karl Forester Grass Black Moudry 3 ft Grass Japanese Silver Grass Grass Miscanthus whispy ends Grass Oat Grass Little Bluestem Grass Bouteloua gracilis Blue Gramma What other grasses do you have? LMK if you want to trade. My list is at http://www.gardenweb.com/members/exch/caw_in_zn5
...See More
japanese silver grass & miscanthus gracillimus-how wide?
Q
Comments (4)
I think it all depends on the size of the clump that you want. I just went out and measured my miscanthus sinensis gracillimus. The clump is in its 4th year, and at the bottom measures about 17 inches. In the fall, it measures approximately 5-6 feet across and about 5 feet tall. I personally like it this way, as it gives me a good screen. When I planted it, I put several plugs fairly close together so that I could indeed get the nice spray effect that I wanted. With my MS giganticus, I did a similar planting. It now measures 29 inches across at the base, but spreads beautifully to about 7 feet across, but 10 feet tall. I agree with Mr Morton, that I personally like to see them fairly densely clumped for the most pleasing visual effect. However, it does also mean that I have to go in and thin it out every spring. That is not a problem, as there are countless people who want a clump.
...See More
Miscanthus sinensis Invasive? (Japanses silver grass)
Q
Comments (2)
Some is and some isn't. There are many cultivars of Miscanthus sinensis, varying in height, habit, foliage color, bloom color and time. Some of them will reseed in your zone, and some won't produce viable seed.
...See More
Tall ornamental grasses
Q
Comments (9)
I am planning to replace some extremely overgrown shrubs at the front of our house. The door is in the center of the house and there is a window on either side. There is about a 10 foot area on both sides of the door that I have to work with. This is on the east side so will get a lot of morning sun. What I am considering right now are vines on trellises on both sides of the door (have small porch). In front of the windows I am thinking about some sort of tall grasses and possibly butterfly bushes. I thought a clumping grass that grows fairly quickly would work nicely in this area. In front I will probably have some yuccas and flowers of some sort. I realize the plants will take some time to grow, but I can deal with this. I've never used ornamental grasses before but really like the way they look and there are so many I would like suggestions on which would work best. I want something that is a tad different from what all the neighbors have too.
...See More

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Gorgeous Plant Combos With Low-Water Ornamental Grasses

By Dig Your Garden Landscape Design

Use a variety of plant heights, textures and sizes, as well as leaves and flowers in varying colors, for a pleasing design

TASTEMAKERS A ‘Medieval Contemporary’ Garden Takes the Silver at Chelsea

This colorful show garden inspired by a Gothic cathedral brings the brilliance of stained glass to Britain's biggest flower show

PLANTING IDEAS Great Garden Combo: Silver Sparkles Amid Purple and Blue Foliage

Get the look of this modern foundation planting by focusing on a restrained color palette with tasteful accents

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 5 Smokin' Warm-Season Grasses

Beat the heat with beautiful grasses that help your landscape shine from summer through fall

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Energize Your Landscape With Masses of Grasses

By Donald Pell - Gardens

Create year-round interest with waves of attention-getting grasses for all kinds of yards

GARDENING GUIDES 8 Spectacular Grasses to Energize a Fall Garden

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Dancing in the autumn wind or flowing along a flower bed, these ornamental grasses bring wonderful movement and color to the landscape

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Old School Green Design: Add Texture With Grass

Ornamental grasses capture the breeze and ripple like water in the landscape

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Ornamental Grasses in the Landscape

By Becky Harris

Low-maintenance grasses add beauty and motion to the garden

GRASSES 10 Ways to Use Ornamental Grasses in the Landscape

By Laura Gaskill

These low-maintenance plants can add beauty, texture and privacy to any size garden

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 7 Ornamental Grasses for Coastal Gardens

By Genevieve Schmidt

These hardy seashore plants evoke the ocean, sway in the breeze and help prevent sand erosion in the landscape

Sponsored

Peabody Landscape Group

8 Reviews

Franklin County's Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting