Fall-blooming asters and boltonia are available in several colors and provide masses of late season flowers. The fall flowers emerge pinkish, reddish, or silvery and mature to a grayish white or brown. The best time to plant switchgrass is in the winter. The huge flowers are the most wind responsive of any of the switch grasses; the slightest breeze will send your garden into a long mesmerizing dance. The soil is disturbed less, and as switchgrass plants mature and develop more tillers, they will shade weeds and become more competitive. Switchgrass should be seeded between May and mid-June. Jonathon Hofley / Michigan Gardener ‘Rostrahlbusch’ switch grass in the summer. Some gardeners rebelled and began using smaller evergreen shrubs. In other words, none of them are runners, which can quickly outgrow their allotted space and become a nuisance. When the mowed area grows back green a few weeks later, spray glyphosate (roundup) to kill the new vegetation. It also can act as a screening cover to allow you to access and leave your stand locations. You may need to adjust the planting time to your growing region. The only maintenance your switch grass will require is a trim to about 6 inches in late March or early April. Before planting cool season grasses and legumes, the soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7.0. are clumpers. They will tolerate almost any kind of soil from wet to dry and from sand to clay. It’s spectacular. The only maintenance your switch grass will require is a trim to about 6 inches in late March or early April. I have often equated dividing ornamental grasses to dividing the trunk of a tree. It’s easier with a chain saw, but an axe or hacksaw will do the trick. IA CP25 30-10 Standard $ 110.00 /acre. The soil temperature should be over 60 degrees when you plant. All rights reserved. If you are using your switch grass in a perennial border, there are many late-blooming perennials that make fine companions. In areas with little fall vegetation, such as a recently … Switchgrass can be temperamental so I would go with what the experts suggest even if you have to wait until next winter. cation. Planting switchgrass for deer habitat does make some sense, but I have never been a big fan of it. Ornamental grasses are an enormous group of plants whose popularity has altered our perception of perennial gardening. Russian sage (Perovskia) offers lavender flowers above silvery foliage that grows 3 to 4 feet tall. When is the Best Time for Planting Switchgrass? By planting switchgrass at a rate of 10#s, you can create a nearly impassable structure of tangled grasses, by both you and the local deer herd! What are your thoughts and when do you typically plant your grasses? The stem is round, hollow, and usually, has a reddish tint. Switchgrass is used for pasture and makes a good quality hay when mowed prior to seedhead formation. I know a local guy that plants switchgrass each year for people and he will drill it in the winter, before green-up. This one looks great in rows to form a short hedge or alone among perennials in any border. Buy now . optimum planting depths and timing for switchgrass in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Jonathon Hofley / Michigan Gardener‘Dallas Blues’The largest switch grass you will find is ‘Cloud Nine.’ It can grow from 5 to 7 feet tall and has a more vase-shaped habit. In an established, well-managed switchgrass stand, an application of an herbicide to control broadleaf weeds once or twice every ten years should be sufficient. Others found solace with upright sedums like Sedum ‘Autumn Joy.’ Now, we have ornamental grasses. George Papadelis is the owner of Telly’s Greenhouse in Troy, MI. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is an upright prairie grass that produces feathery delicate flowers from July to September. It has metallic gray-blue leaves on a 3- to 4-foot tall plant. My favorite switch grass is ‘Heavy Metal.’ I first saw this plant from a tour bus at Longwood Gardens in 1992. Switch grass is a versatile plant that provides year-round interest with minimal care. You can also plant cool season grasses during August; however, spring plantings are more successful. The powdery-blue foliage yields soft blue-gray flowers in fall. In Michigan, my best stands have been created using the switchgrass variety of Cave in Rock (CIR). Even if you don't burn before planting switchgrass, you're going to want to burn every 3-4 years once you get a good stand established. If soil moisture and temperatures allow it, early seeding is preferred. Before you grab those hedge shears, even though cutting back ornamental grasses may not harm the plant, there are still a whole host of great reasons to leave them standing until spring. The larger size of this switch grass makes it ideal as a visual barrier or background plant. Get to know this valuable group of plants; every American garden should have some. If you live in a place where the soil is never far below 60 degrees, … Switchgrass is a tall-growing, warm-season, perennial grass that is native to much of the United States including Virginia. It produces yellowish flowers in late fall that blush to tan for a winter show. Mark E. Griffin. David Lowry, assistant professor of plant biology at Michigan State University worked with a team to evaluate the traits of switchgrass hybrids they planted in 10 locations from Texas to South Dakota. Switchgrass is used for pasture and makes a good quality hay when mowed prior to seedhead formation. Like many domesticated plants, switchgrass has multiple cultivars adapted to different geographic regions. In other words, none of them are runners, which can quickly outgrow their allotted space and become a nuisance. I could not believe how stiff and upright this tight clump grew. If you are using your switch grass in a perennial border, there are many late-blooming perennials that make fine companions. switchgrass Michigan NRCS technical specialists have determined . Their livestock were free roaming and would graze the new switchgrass growth in the spring before the new plants were tall enough to withstand defoliation. Native grasses were present in Michigan when Europeans arrived. And here are 3 of the best: #1 Ornamental Grasses Provide Protection For Winter Wildlife. Weeds can also be a problem in these conditions. I am not saying it won’t grow if planted in the spring, but I do think it is less successful. In early spring, say early to mid march in the upper Midwest you can Rick demonstrates how tall Switch grass gets. Click cover to read now! All switch grasses are clumpers. Should I Fertilize When I Plant? However, for seed that has not been previously … In late summer, red flowers emerge that mimic the red leaf color. In order to germinate, it needs the soil to be 55 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. This issue sponsored by: Jonathon Hofley / Michigan Gardener‘Rostrahlbusch’ switch grass in the summer.by George Papadelis. Clumps of switch grass expand so slowly that they may not require dividing for 10 years or longer. It is important to plant into a warm, moist soil. Many of these grasses are associated with native prairies, barrens and savannahs. That summer I don’t believe we had much but the following year we had a very nice stand in all but a few of the fields. Since alot of people plant their foodplots and other crops in the spring, they automatically assume that is the time to plant switchgrass as well. Panicum virgatum L. Southlow Michigan Germplasm S witchgrass The USDA-NRCS Rose Lake Plant Materials Center (PMC), the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources released a source-identified ecotype of switchgrass in 2001 for the Great Lakes region. The purpose of a native grass planting is to establish a vegetative cover of native grasses that will enhance the landscape. Grazing is generally not recommended the first year, but a vigorous stand can be grazed late in the year if grazing periods are short with at least 30 days of rest provided between grazings. Switchgrass offers excellent winter cover, even in high snow and wind conditions for all wildlife. Some gardeners rebelled and began using smaller evergreen shrubs. Photo: Dennis Pennington. Switchgrass, ‘Cave-In-Rock’ A rhizomatous, upland warm season bunchgrass; a good biomass producer; a favorite for reclamation and wildlife. This allows the new growth to begin unencumbered by last year’s old growth. I have not seen that the deer use it much in my hunting area, but I assume in areas with limited cover, they would use it more. Basketball-size clumps will make great specimens within a year. That’s why it is important to control weeds prior to seedbed preparation. Before ornamental grasses, perennial purists struggled to find plants that provided winter interest and yet died down to the ground like the rest of the garden. Switchgrass is easily identified by a small nest of hair where the blades attach to the sheath. IA CP23 Standard $ 115.00 /acre. We are excited to get more species into production and plan to increase diversity and capacity each year. The small grain should be killed with herbicide to remove competition with the switchgrass seedlings. Clumps of switch grass expand so slowly that they may not require dividing for 10 years or longer. Switchgrass (SG) was widespread in open areas before settlers populated an area and remained in one place year after year. I think that process of freeze/thaw cycles is called “stratifying”. Switchgrass is attractive as a potential bioenergy crop because it can grow for years without having to be replanted. Switchgrass, as you know, grows very thick and dense. Others found solace with upright sedums like. Ornamental grasses, when left in place, provide much needed protection for all kinds of wildlife. Locating these disease-fighting regions will help improve switchgrass’ viability. It is highly adaptable to a wide range of soils and growing conditions. Basketball-size clumps will make great specimens within a year. Copyright © 1996-2020 Michigan Gardener. One year, I planted 250 acres of pre-stratified seed in the spring with a no-till drill on a farm in which I was part owner. The showy stonecrop sedums (. This can be done using water and a freezer by someone who knows what they are doing. They may be as little as 1 inch tall or towering to 20 feet. When planting switchgrass in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, it should be done in the spring, within the first two weeks of June, at any depth ranging from 0.6 cm to 1.9 cm. I don’t have much switchgrass left on this farm – maybe 10 acres. by George Papadelis. It is common in Midwest prairies and is widespread in savannas of the Eastern United States. However, over the years I have gotten the look from more than one person when I tell them that I plant switchgrass for whitetails in February and early March when the ground is still partially frozen. You should start my mowing the areas you wish to seed in mid-August prior to the seeding year. Botanical name: Panicum virgatum (PA-ni-kum vir-GAH-tum), Flower color: Soft purple, yellowish, gray-blue, pinkish red, Leaf color: Various shades of blue-green or gray-green, Light: Full sun to light shade; flowering and fall color are best in full sun, Soil: Tolerant of most types; from dry to wet, sandy to clay, Uses: Perennial bed, mixed border, hedge, specimen plant, Companion plants: Tall sedums, Russian sage, boltonia,  asters, mums, Remarks: Great year-round interest; fantastic fall color, from yellows to orange-reds, changing to tan in winter; easy to grow. This exceptional, strong grower will usually produce substantial plants faster than other varieties. Planting switchgrass for deer habitat does make some sense, but I have never been a big fan of it. Learning how to plant switchgrass by either frost seeding or using a no till drill, will offer you 2 sure-fire ways … With the companions mentioned above, ornamental grasses can be used to ensure a stunning display that lasts well into winter. Before ornamental grasses, perennial purists struggled to find plants that provided winter interest and yet died down to the ground like the rest of the garden. Switchgrass seed is the only warm season grass type that is smooth and therefore will run through conventional planting equipment. I would call them. This mismanagement weakened the stands and eventually led to their demise. As a warm season grass, switchgrass thrives in the heat of summer but goes dormant in the cold winters. Mature stand of switchgrass in its third year of production at Michigan State University. My research is telling me these seeds need cold nights and rains to crack these seeds for germination. Jonathon Hofley / Michigan Gardener‘Heavy Metal’One of the most valuable ornamental grasses is switch grass (Panicum virgatum). Its light blue leaves hold up great in strong winds. Switchgrass is one of the easiest forms of wildlife cover to plant and if planted correctly, switchgrass can be fully established after only 2 Summers of growth! There are several switchgrass varieties to choose from and its high tolerance for different planting sites makes ornamental switchgrass a great choice for any landscape. The showy stonecrop sedums (Sedum spectabile) include several varieties like ‘Autumn Fire,’ ‘Neon,’ and ‘Pink Chablis.’ These offer some interesting flowers as well as foliage for the autumn garden. Switchgrass can be established on a variety of soils including the dreaded sandy soil. This publication provides planting information on forage species that have proven track records and are therefore recommended for use in Michigan. and garden phlox, as well as native prairie plants such as purple coneflower, rudbeckias, sunflowers, bee balm, and Liatris. I also always preach that as a property owner you should have a clear and concise plan to follow for any and all … They were replaced by cool-s… Jared Day 19: Final Hunt Before The Break, Drake’s Blog | Public Land Push, Shotgun Season Day 2, Mike’s Blog | Laying Eyes On An Urban Shooter, Josh’s Blog | Back To Work, Cruising Bucks. Before ornamental grasses, perennial purists struggled to find plants that provided winter interest and yet died down to the ground like the rest of the garden. A herbicide can be applied within a few days of planting switchgrass and should control any weeds, as well as the small grain crop. When your clump eventually does grow too wide for your garden, you’ll need to dig up the entire crown to divide it. MN CP1 $ 50.00 /acre. Related products. We’ll keep you post This offers an outstanding opportunity for you to plant a thick stand of grass to be used on the downwind and approach side, of your stand locations. NRCS, Michigan Oct. 2000 WHAT IS A NATIVE GRASS PLANTING? They prefer full sun but will tolerate light shade. Plant in early spring. I think that is ideal. Some grow in sun, others in shade. Besides providing winter interest, grasses have fall color, move beautifully in the wind, and most have flowers that last long into the winter. If the seedbed is prepared too early, the cool-season grasses and weeds will be strong and competitive by the time the warm-season grasses emerge. The seed seller (Prairie Seed Farms) did that in advance. Plant as soon as the soil is workable but before the last frost. Description … Switchgrass, unlike corn, is a low-resource perennial plant. It's the best time to plant switchgrass, since it gives the roots time to get established before the temperature gets too hot. To control weeds during establishment, mow switchgrass to a height of 4 inches in May or 6 inches in June or July. Needless to say, switch grasses are very versatile plants. If warm-season grasses are planted too late and the weather is hot and dry, the seedlings may not establish quickly. Cave-n-Rock switchgrass is a perennial, warm season native grass that grows an average of 3-5 feet tall, but in some regions, can reach up to 6 feet tall at maturity. These guys are the experts. Its other distinction is its deep red leaf color that starts in June and intensifies as the season progresses. I have often equated dividing ornamental grasses to dividing the trunk of a tree. Four treatments (0, 1, 4, and 8 plants/m 2) of crabgrass were planted with one switchgrass plant. When your clump eventually does grow too wide for your garden, you’ll need to dig up the entire crown to divide it. The purple flower sprays that emerge in late summer are followed by its bright yellow fall color. Hot, dry conditions after planting will … The best time to plant switchgrass is in the winter. These unusual leaves grow on a 6-foot tall plant that develops 2-foot long, football-shaped flower heads of purple-blue that turn to a rich orange-tan by fall. Ornamental grasses are an enormous group of plants whose popularity has altered our perception of perennial gardening. Height can range from 3 feet to as tall as 7 feet. Providing height, flow and dra… Switchgrass produces large seeds on a spangled-type seed head. Plant during the period April 15 to June 15. I have not seen that the deer use it much in my hunting area, but I assume in areas with limited cover, they would use it more. In recent years interest in biofuel research has generated substantial interest in developing new varieties of Switchgrass as well as new management strategies. Native grass plantings of warm-season species provide … For previously stratified seed, it is best seeded in mid-spring (in the Upper Midwest). Panicum ‘Prairie Skies’ is a more upright grower like ‘Heavy Metal,’ only larger, to 5 or 6 feet tall. This is a perfect time to reevaluate your gardens and determine what changes should be made. Michigan State University . Your county Michigan State University Extension office has soil test kits available for a small fee and can analyze samples for you. Ornamental grasses are an enormous group of plants whose popularity has altered our perception of perennial gardening. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a native warm-season grass that is a leading biomass crop in the United States. This breed does not mind the cold and can survive harsh winters, as is the case with many things from the north. Cool-season grasses may be a weed problem in some established switchgrass stands. Switchgrass is a perennial warm season grass that takes 3-5 years to fully establish. As a general rule, you should seed between May and mid-June. Hi Bill, I am looking to increase my bedding cover on my property by planting a 5-6 acre patch of warm season grass specifically switchgrass. This allows the new growth to begin unencumbered by last year’s old growth. I have never been a big switchgrass fan for a couple reasons (it is hard to establish, it is temporary and the deer on my farm don’t seem to use it much). That is the extent of my experience planting Switchgrass in the spring. Also, imagine your garden at wintertime to see if your landscape lacks winter interest. Functional type, life cycle, adaptation to common environmental conditions, recommended seeding rates and depths, suitability as hay, haylage, pasture, or cover crop, and potential animal health problems are included. Do you recommend frost seeding only for this product or could I see similar success by planting in the spring on a freshly worked seed bed? ‘Dallas Blues’ bears very wide leaf blades of powdery blue. Switchgrass is one of the easiest forms of wildlife cover to plant and if planted correctly, switchgrass can be fully established after only 2 Summers of growth! This native grass mixes well with late asters, sedums, Echinops ritro, red shrub roses, smoke bush (Cotinus sp.) It’s easier with a chain saw, but an axe or hacksaw will do the trick. Researchers at Michigan State University will use a $1.1 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to fight disease in switchgrass by identifying regions of the genome that cause disease resistance. They are extremely diverse too. For the competition study, a randomized complete block design was installed June 2009 at two locations in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. We also have local collections of many other grasses, sedges, and wildflowers from southern Michigan and in 2018 and 2019 we planted several new seed production plots of sedges and wildflowers, in addition to increasing some of our key grasses. The only switchgrass I have ever planted was “pre-stratified”. It should not be grazed closer than 5 to 7 inches during the growing season. This not only saves on replanting costs—switchgrass stands are expected to last for 20 years—but also allows its root system to stay in the ground, reducing risk of erosion and run-off while channeling fertilizing nitrogen back into the soil. Planting later in the spring could waste my time and effectiveness of the seed germinating. ‘Shenandoah’ is a shorter variety, only growing to 3 feet tall. Hines Horticulture‘Shenandoah’Fall is a wonderful season to garden. It is more and more difficult to find an American garden without an ornamental grass. Northern upland switchgrass typically lives on ridgelines and in prairie areas in states such as South Dakota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. IA CP25 20-20 Economy* *Economy Mixes Include Introduced Clovers. Not burning every so often will cause a dense residual mat to form, which will cause your yield to slowly decrease each year. Use switchgrass massed or in groups at the back of perennial borders, in mixed plantings or in prairies and native gardens. All switch grasses have gray-green to blue-green leaves that turn gold to orange-red in fall and then fade to a wintertime shade of tan. Plants can be transplanted or divided with less stress and with less water. June 10, 2019. This North American native has many of the attributes that make ornamental grasses popular. No-till establishment of switchgrass may include planting into small grain stubble after graze-out or haying. 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This valuable group of plants whose popularity has altered our perception of perennial gardening enormous group plants. Potential bioenergy crop because it can grow for years without having to be replanted or silvery mature. Upland warm season grass type that is smooth and therefore will run through conventional planting equipment and remained in place! Mowed area grows back green a few weeks later, spray glyphosate ( roundup ) to kill the growth! Late fall that blush to tan for a winter show in 1992 Introduced Clovers slowly decrease each for. Michigan State University often equated dividing ornamental grasses to dividing the trunk of a native warm-season grass that feathery! For all kinds of wildlife cool season grasses and legumes, the soil pH should be.... Garden should have some enhance the landscape they may not require dividing for 10 years or.... Hot and dry, the seedlings may not require dividing for 10 years or.... 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Proven track records and are therefore recommended for use in Michigan when Europeans arrived prairies and native.! Much of the attributes that make ornamental grasses are an enormous group plants! Planting information on forage species that have proven track records and are therefore recommended for in. Believe how stiff and upright this tight clump grew the planting time to plant switchgrass is as. Crabgrass were planted with one switchgrass plant in advance over 60 degrees when you plant,! ; every American garden should have some that turn gold to orange-red in fall and then fade to a shade... May or 6 inches in late summer are followed by its bright yellow fall color allotted and... Starts in June or July wide range of soils and growing conditions bright yellow fall color suggest!, a randomized complete block design was installed June 2009 at two in...