Seed Treatment (Cold Stratification Required)
To break natural dormancy and improve germination rates, cold stratification is recommended:
- Cold Stratification Method:
- Mix seeds with a small amount of moist sand or peat moss.
- Place in a sealed plastic bag and refrigerate for 4–6 weeks at 35–40°F (1–4°C).
- Check occasionally to ensure the medium stays moist, not wet or moldy.
Planting Instructions
- Sowing Time:
- Outdoors: Sow in late fall for natural stratification, or in early spring after stratifying indoors.
- Indoors: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost following stratification.
- Soil Requirements:
- Prefers well-draining soil, loamy or sandy, and tolerates a range of soil types.
- Optimal soil pH is 6.0–7.5 (neutral to slightly acidic).
- Light Requirements:
- Grows best in full sun to partial shade.
- Sowing Instructions:
- Surface sow the seeds; press them gently into the soil without covering, as they need light to germinate.
- Mist the soil lightly to avoid displacing the seeds.
- Watering:
- Keep soil consistently moist until germination occurs, but avoid waterlogging.
- Germination Time:
- Expect germination in 3–6 weeks after stratification under ideal conditions.
- Spacing:
- Once seedlings are established, thin or transplant them 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) apart.
Growing Tips:
- Blue-eyed Grass forms clumps and spreads slowly, making it great for borders, wildflower gardens, and rock gardens.
- Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once mature.
- Attracts pollinators and adds charming, grassy texture with its delicate blue-purple star-like flowers.