Sticky Lovegrass Propagation: Spreading the Soft Touch of Eragrostis Viscosa
Eragrostis viscosa, known commonly as sticky lovegrass, is a charming ornamental grass that brings a touch of airy texture and movement to landscapes. This North American native is adored for its delicate, weeping foliage and subtle cloud-like seed heads that emerge in summer. While readily available at nurseries, propagating your own sticky lovegrass is a rewarding experience for any plant enthusiast. Let’s explore the two most effective methods: growing from seed and division.
Seeding Your Love: Starting Sticky Lovegrass from Seed
Direct sowing in the fall or starting seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost are both viable options for propagating sticky lovegrass. Here’s a breakdown of each method:
Direct Sowing:
- Timing is Key: Aim to sow your seeds after the first frost when the soil temperature has cooled down.
- Site Selection: Choose a location with well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade.
- Seed Preparation: No need for pre-treatment! Sticky lovegrass seeds germinate readily without any fuss.
- Sowing: Scatter seeds evenly on the soil surface and gently press them in, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact.
- Watering: Water lightly but consistently, keeping the soil moist until germination, which typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Indoor Sowing:
- Seed Starting Mix: Utilize a well-draining seed starting mix to prevent damping off.
- Sowing: Sow seeds on the surface and lightly cover them with a thin layer of the mix.
- Moisture and Light: Keep the medium consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light.
- Transplanting: Once seedlings have developed a few sets of true leaves and all danger of frost has passed, harden them off and transplant them outdoors.
Dividing and Conquering: Propagating Sticky Lovegrass through Division
Division is an excellent method for mature sticky lovegrass plants and is best done in early spring just as new growth emerges.
- Prepare the Plant: Water the plant thoroughly the day before division to minimize stress.
- Divide the Clump: Gently dig up the entire clump and carefully separate it into smaller sections, ensuring each division has a good amount of roots and shoots.
- Replanting: Choose a sunny or partially shaded location with well-drained soil. Dig holes slightly larger than the root balls of each division and space them about 1-2 feet apart.
- Water Wisely: Water deeply after replanting and continue to provide consistent moisture, especially during the first growing season.
Caring for Your Sticky Lovegrass Progeny:
Sticky lovegrass is relatively low-maintenance once established. Provide adequate sunlight, water during prolonged dry periods, and divide mature plants every few years to maintain their vigor and shape.
Spreading the Love:
Propagating your own Eragrostis viscosa is a fulfilling way to expand your garden’s beauty while connecting with the natural world. Whether you choose seed starting or division, the process is straightforward and rewarding, allowing you to enjoy the soft texture and delicate grace of sticky lovegrass for years to come.