Andropogon scoparius

Ornamental grasses continue to gain in popularity and use in both the landscape and in containers. Andropogon scoparius ‘Prairie Blues’ (little blue stems) from Jelitto Perennial Seeds is an ornamental grass that produces gray-blue , ribbonlike, 1/4-inch leaves that turn vibrant reddish-orange in fall. In addition to its outdoor use, the decorative leaves and silvery, fluffy seed heads that form in late summer can be used in fresh and dried floral arrangements. Plants reach 36-48 inches tall.

The native species has a natural range over a wide area of North America and northern Mexico. It adapts to low nutrient acidic or alkaline soils and is very tolerant of heat and humidity. Plants are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9 and withstand dry soils.

‘Prairie Blues’ is ideally suited for border plantings or in large, natural groupings.

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‘Prairie Blues’ is easy to germinate and produce. Sow three to five seeds per cell in 128-or 288-plug trays. Use a well-drained growing medium with a pH of 6.0-7.0 and an electrical conductivity level of 01.-0.3. Lightly cover the seed.

Germination occurs in three to four weeks if the medium is kept moist, but not wet, and the temperature is maintained around 68°F. Germination will be slower and more irregular at lower temperatures, but this poses no real problems. After germination, plugs can be held at 55°F-68°F, but this warm-season grass prefers higher temperatures. Fertilize with a constant feed of 100-150 parts per million nitrogen, 45-65 ppm phosphorus and 100-125 ppm potassium.

Plugs are ready for transplant in four to six weeks. Transplant one to two plugs into 4 1/2-inch pots and two to three plugs in 6-inch pots containing a well-drained medium with a pH of 5.8-7.2. Topdress the plants with a 18-6-12 slow-release fertilizer at a rate of 1 teaspoon per 4 1/2-inch pot and 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot.

Maintain production temperatures at 68°F-85°F during the day and 55°F-68°F at night. Plants should be grown under full sun.

Production time from transplant to salable plants is six to eight weeks.

There are no major insect and disease problems.

For more: Jelitto Perennial Seeds, 125 Chenoweth Lane, Suite 301, Louisville, KY 40207; (502) 895-0807; fax (502) 895-3934; abush@jelitto.com; www.jelitto.com.

Specifics

Name: Andropogon scoparius ‘Prairie Blues’

Crop timing: From sowing to germination in 128- or 228-plug trays takes three to four weeks. From germination to transplant takes four to six weeks. Transplant one to two plugs per 4 1/2-inch pot and two to three plugs per 6-inch pot. Plants finish in six to eight weeks. Total production time is 13-18 weeks.

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Grower benefits: Heat- and humidity-tolerant plant has multiple uses as landscape, container or fresh cut crop. No major pest or disease problems. Adapts to low nutrient soils.