How to Grow Alkali Sacaton

Overview

Perennial ornamental grasses like Alkali Sacaton require little care once established. This bunch grass grows in clumps of green foliage that blooms from June until fall. The lacy blooms provide a pinkish haze above the foliage, growing to heights of 3 to 5 feet and spreading to a width of 24 inches. Its dense foliage provides nesting sites for birds during the summer and seeds for foraging in the fall. Alkali Sacaton is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions and thrives in sunny areas where other plants may struggle.

Step 1

Select a sunny spot that receives full sun for six or more hours a day. This heat tolerant plant prefers afternoon sun.

Step 2

Prepare soil for Alkali Sacaton by tilling to a depth of 6 inches or more. Amendments to the soil are not required as it thrives in nearly any soil, including salty soil.

Step 3

Plant seeds in the fall, winter or early spring, depending on your location. Northern climates do well with spring plantings while Southern areas can be planted in fall or winter. Plant to a depth of ¼ inch and cover with existing soil if you prefer to cultivate ornamental plantings in specific arrangements. For a naturalized look, broadcast seeds on top of the soil over a wide area and cover with ½ inch of vermiculite mulch.

Step 4

Water to moisten the area and speed germination. Seedlings appear within 5 to 10 days, depending on the soil and air temperature. Temperatures 77 to 89 degrees promote good germination.

Step 5

Keep soil moist during the first year until plants have established strong root systems. On consecutive years, a flood of water twice a year keeps Alkali Sacaton healthy and promotes vigorous growth.