How to Grow Monkey Grass From Seeds
Monkey grass in only one of the names Lirope muscari goes by. Lilyturf and border grass are other common names this hardy, perennial evergreen is called. Plants produce 12- to 18-inch spikes of grasslike foliage with violet flowers produced summer throughout early fall. Small, black, berrylike seeds follow blossoming, which gardeners can use to propagate new plants. Monkey grass makes an attractive addition to any garden and is relatively maintenance-free. It is suitable for use in borders and mass-plantings, and its high drought tolerance makes it a good plant in xeriscaping.
Allow the monkey grass seeds to fully ripen and dry while remaining on the plant. Picking the seeds too soon reduces their viability. The seeds will harden and turn from green to blackish in color when ripe.
- Monkey grass in only one of the names Lirope muscari goes by.
- Small, black, berrylike seeds follow blossoming, which gardeners can use to propagate new plants.
Cut the stem holding the monkey grass seeds from the plant. Snip or pull the ripe seeds from the stem. Monkey grass seeds do not store well, so it is best to plant them as soon as possible for best results.
Select a site in your landscape to plant the monkey grass seeds situated in full to partial sun and that drains well, if planting the seeds directly into the ground.
Clear the planting site of any weeds or unwanted vegetation that will compete with the germination and growth of the monkey grass seeds.
Plant the seeds approximately 1-inch deep and cover with soil. Water the area regularly, keeping the planting area moist until the seeds germinate. Continue watering the seedlings two to three times per week, depending on your local weather conditions. Seeds will sprout in approximately one month.
- Cut the stem holding the monkey grass seeds from the plant.
- Water the area regularly, keeping the planting area moist until the seeds germinate.
Stratify seeds before planting, if starting the monkey grass seeds indoors. Soak the seeds for approximately 24 hours in warm water before planting in soil.
Fill a container with drain holes with a well-draining potting mix and make a 1-inch indentation into the center of the soil.
Place the monkey grass seed into the hole and cover with soil. Water the container regularly, keeping the soil moist until the seed sprouts. Continue watering two to three times per week until the plant is established and ready for transplanting. Seeds will sprout in approximately one month.
- Stratify seeds before planting, if starting the monkey grass seeds indoors.
- Water the container regularly, keeping the soil moist until the seed sprouts.
Situate container-grown plants in an area where there is high light or sunlight. Monkey grass seeds require light to sprout.
Tip
Gardeners can split and divide monkey grass plants to create more plants for their landscaping needs. Dig up a plant and pull the roots apart. Plant in the garden as usual and keep the transplants moist while they establish themselves.
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Tips
- Gardeners can split and divide monkey grass plants to create more plants for their landscaping needs. Dig up a plant and pull the roots apart. Plant in the garden as usual and keep the transplants moist while they establish themselves.
Writer Bio
For over 25 years, Joyce Starr has owned businesses dealing with landscape & design, lawn maintenance, specialty herbs and a garden center. She holds certificates in landscape design and xeriscaping. Starr shares her passion for nature in her writing, publishing articles on horticulture, outdoor recreation, travel as well as business.
