Ornamental Grasses

Black Tip & Silver Tip Wheat - Key Growing Information

'Black Tip' (left) and 'Silver Tip' (right) wheat, two varieties of ornamental grasses useful for cut-flower arrangements.

DAYS TO GERMINATION:

5-10 days at 60-70°F (16-21°C).

SOWING:

Direct seed (recommended): Sow about 4 weeks before the last frost date. Sow seeds 1/4" deep, 1-2" apart. Large-scale plantings may be broadcast sown or drilled with a grain drill.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:

Sun.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:

Dry, well-drained, average soil. Drought tolerant, but will not do well in clay soil.

PLANT SPACING:

1-2".

HARDINESS ZONES:

Annual.

HARVEST:

Fresh or dried: When seed heads have matured but are still green. For varieties with dark awns, wait to cut until the awns begin to darken. Hang to dry.

USES:

Excellent cut or dried flower. Midborder in naturalistic or mixed grass plantings.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Triticum durum, Triticosecale spp.