Switchgrass — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Panicum virgatum |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 14–21 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–23.9 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 120–180 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 61–91.4 |
| Mature height (cm) | 91.4–182.9 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 61–91.4 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 2–9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Direct-sow seeds in spring or plant container transplants in any well-drained to moderately wet, lean to moderately fertile soil in full sun; switchgrass is one of the most important and ecologically valuable native grasses of the North American prairie, valued for its extraordinary adaptability — it grows from Canada to Florida, from dry upland sand to seasonally flooded clay, and tolerates salt, drought, and flooding with equal resilience. The midsummer cloud of airy, panicle flowers dances above the upright, blue-green foliage, turning to golden seed heads by fall that feed dozens of native bird species. Selected cultivars offer outstanding landscape value: 'Shenandoah' turns deep red in summer, 'Prairie Sky' has intense blue foliage, and 'Northwind' is strongly upright. Cut back to 6 inches in late winter before new growth begins.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0