How to Plant Basket Grass Plant Seeds for Successful Growth

Basket grass (Oplismenus hirtellus) is a popular ornamental grass known for its graceful, cascading foliage. Growing basket grass from seeds is an easy and rewarding way to add this elegant plant to your indoor or outdoor spaces. With proper care and preparation, you can grow a lush basket grass plant from just a small seed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Basket Grass Seeds

Follow these simple steps for successfully planting and growing basket grass from seeds

Gather Your Materials

• Basket grass seeds
• Seed starting tray or small pots
• Seed starting mix or rich potting soil
• Watering can or spray bottle
• Plastic dome or plastic wrap
• Grow lights (optional)

Prepare the Seed Starting Mix

• Fill seed trays or pots with a lightweight, well-draining seed starting mix or potting soil enriched with organic matter.
• Gently firm down the soil and water thoroughly until moist but not saturated.

Plant the Seeds

• Sprinkle seeds evenly over the soil surface. Basket grass seeds should just barely be covered by the soil.
• Gently press the seeds into the soil using your fingers or the flat side of a tool like a spatula.

Provide Warmth and Moisture

• Mist the planted seeds to provide moisture without dislodging them.
• Cover trays with a plastic dome or plastic wrap to retain humidity.
• Maintain a soil temperature of 70-75°F for optimal germination. Use a heat mat or grow lights as needed.

Monitor and Care for Seeds

• Check seeds daily and mist lightly when the surface is dry. Avoid oversaturating.
• Once sprouted, remove any domes and place seedlings in bright, indirect light.
• Keep soil consistently moist but not soaked as seedlings establish.

Transplant Seedlings

• When young plants have 3-4 true leaves, transplant them into larger containers or garden beds.
• Gradually expose seedlings to more direct sun 1-2 weeks before transplanting.

Tips for Growing Healthy Basket Grass from Seeds

Follow these tips to ensure your basket grass seeds germinate successfully and grow into hardy plants

• Use fresh seeds within 1-2 years of harvest for best viability. Store in a cool dry location.

• Precondition seeds by soaking in room temperature water for 24 hours before planting.

• Use sterile, soilless seed starting mix to prevent damping off disease.

• Thin seedlings to at least 2 inches apart to prevent overcrowding and competition.

• Acclimate seedlings slowly over 7-10 days to prevent transplant shock when moving outdoors.

• Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer once established. Avoid over-fertilizing.

• Prune back spent foliage and dead sections to encourage lush, new growth.

Common Problems When Growing Basket Grass from Seeds

Here are some potential issues and how to troubleshoot them:

Seeds fail to sprout: Ensure seeds are fresh, planted at proper depth in warm soil, and kept consistently moist. Scarify hard shells prior to planting.

Seedlings stretch or wilt: Insufficient light is usually the culprit. Move to brighter location or use grow lights to supplement natural light.

Yellow or distorted leaves: Could indicate damping off disease from overly wet soil. Allow soil to dry between waterings and increase air circulation.

Seedlings fail to thrive after transplant: Carefully harden off seedlings before transplanting to avoid shock. Plant in well draining soil and water thoroughly.

Stunted growth: Likely caused by using nutrient depleted potting mix. Fertilize more frequently and replenish soil nutrients each season.

Leaf tips turn brown: Often a sign of inconsistent watering. Check soil frequently and water thoroughly to maintain even moisture.

With proper care while starting seeds and transitioning seedlings, you can avoid these common problems. Pay close attention to soil, light, and moisture levels for thriving basket grass grown from seeds.

Achieving an Abundant Basket Grass Plant

Starting with just a pinch of tiny seeds, you can grow a spectacular basket grass plant that transforms any space with its graceful, weeping foliage. Follow best practices for storing, planting, and germinating the seeds, while providing optimal growing conditions once sprouted. In time, you’ll have a mature, flowing basket grass specimen cascading from a container or accenting garden beds. Growing basket grass from seeds is a simple, gratifying way to add this unique ornamental grass to your indoor or outdoor environment.