Propagating quaking grass - this is how it works by dividing and sowing

Your quaking grass is growing in your garden and you want more of it? Then just multiply it. This is possible in two ways.

Not every trembling grass (briza) is perennial and therefore suitable for propagation. In the case of the trembling grass Briza media, which is widespread in Germany, propagation is easy and uncomplicated. In this way, new specimens can be grown from existing plants, which you can then use for group plantings. Or you simply surprise friends and relatives with this pretty ornamental grass, which will certainly find a place in their garden.

You can basically propagate the trembling grass by division and seeds. We would like to explain both variants to you in more detail below.

Reproduction by division

Propagation by division involves cutting the root of an existing plant in half or, depending on its size, into several segments. Quaking grasses do not form roots that reach far into the ground, but rather widely branched rhizomes that are only a few centimeters below the surface of the earth. It will therefore be quite easy to dig up the existing plant and propagate it in this way.

Dividing the roots is generally very good for the trembling grass, because division also means rejuvenation here. The plants then grow better and appear strong and he althy.

When is the best time?

You should divide the roots in spring. The ground should then already be frost-free. In this way, the divided plants can develop well separately from each other and form an independent and strong root system.

Planting Instructions

Dig up the existing plant carefully.
Remove soil from root ball.
Rinse the rhizomes well to prevent transmission of germs.
Split rhizomes. There should be at least two nodes on each segment.
Place rhizomes on newspaper.
Let the cuts dry in the sun for a few hours.
Plant plants separately.

Important:
The division should be carried out with a sharp and sterile knife. You canbut also use a spade. By the way, you can keep garden tools germ-free by cleaning them with alcohol.

Propagation by seed

Propagation by seeds will probably also promise success for inexperienced hobby gardeners, because the seeds of the trembling grass are very capable of germinating. In the case of quaking grass, it is assumed that the germination rate will hardly fall below 100 percent.

When is the right time?

You can start sowing in early spring. Then it can be assumed that by mid-May you will have he althy, strong young plants that can be transplanted into beds or containers.

Planting Instructions

Fill potting soil in pots or plant bowls.
Distribute the seeds on the substrate.
Cover seeds lightly with soil.
Keep the seeds bright and warm.
Ensure consistent, light moisture.
Place a plastic or glass cover for accelerated germination.

Tip:
The substrate should not contain too many nutrients. A mix of sand and peat seems ideal. You can add perlite to this. You can mix about a quarter of perlite rock into the planter. As a natural product, perlite supports water and heat storage and thus increases the already very good germination rate, so that you hardly suffer any losses.

When can you expect germination?

If you keep the seeds evenly moist and the temperature is at least 20 degrees, germination will begin after about ten days. All viable seeds should have sprouted within two weeks.

What happens to the young plants?

Germination starts quite quickly and it soon becomes cramped in the planter. The strongest plants now get their own plant pot. The bright and warm location is maintained. The young plants also receive regular watering. Once the young plants have developed sufficiently, you can plant them outdoors from mid-May.

What about direct sowing of quaking grass seeds?

In general, there is nothing wrong with planting the seeds directly outdoors. This can happen from the end of March. However, frost should no longer prevail. With direct sowing, however, germination is less reliable. There are numerous factors supporting this: