Chinese Silver Grass Seeds

Grow Chinese silver grass from seed for tall, architectural foliage and airy flower plumes. Each packet contains 20 seeds of Miscanthus sinensis, an accepted species in the grass family Poaceae. It is also known as Chinese silvergrass, maiden grass, eulalia grass, or susuki.

Miscanthus sinensis is a clump-forming perennial native across temperate and tropical parts of East and Southeast Asia. Mature plants develop upright stems with arching linear leaves and silky panicles that appear from late summer into autumn. Species plants may reach roughly 60–200 cm depending on climate, soil, and growing conditions.

Sowing

Sow on the surface of moist, free-draining seed compost and press gently into place. Cover only very lightly so the small seeds remain near the surface. Keep the medium evenly moist but not waterlogged, in a bright position with gentle warmth and good air circulation. Transplant seedlings carefully after they are established and gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions.

Growing

Choose full sun for the strongest growth and flowering. Light shade is tolerated, although flowering may be reduced. Established plants prefer reasonably fertile, well-drained soil with regular moisture and can tolerate seasonal dryness once rooted. Avoid persistently wet winter soil. Allow enough space for the mature clump and cut back old growth before new spring shoots expand.

Seed-grown plants naturally show some variation, so they should not be expected to reproduce a named cultivar exactly.