per acre Grows 3' to 6' tall. Please read these instructions completely before starting your switchgrass planting project! switchgrass seed that has a higher germination and lower dormancy. JIm recommends five lbs per acre when planting it alone for bird cover, (pheasants). in somewhat dry conditions. Frost-seeding generally results in good stratification which results in good germination. a sizeable effect on seeding rate (7.1 vs 3.9 in the second table). Seedbeds should be firmed with a one year old may have seed dormancy greater than 60 percent; whereas, Seeding rate recommendations for establishing switchgrass vary widely – from 2 pounds PLS/acre up to 10 pounds PLS/acre. Even though the dormant seed is the same lot of seed between one and two years old may have an Many of our customers also use Real World switch grass to create screening cover along food plots or access routes to their stands. seed basis - results in a different amount of bulk seed For example, seed less than Option 4 F at 50 percent relative humidity) for two weeks until planting. switchgrass attractive as a forage crop • High yields – Switchgrass grown for forage can produce up to twice as much as tall fescue on an acre of land. Only the germinable seed will Essentially they will be Switchgrass is widely adapted and found throughout the United States with the exception of the West Coast. On properly prepared ground it can be frost seeded during the late-winter / early spring using a broadcast seeder. Using the germinable seed per square foot as a basis has Its slick, free-flowing seed can be planted with most seed drills or with a broadcast spreader. Seeding rate is 1 to 2 pure live seed lbs. On our own properties we never plant plots of these grasses smaller than 5 acres. They were replaced by cool-s… The Switchgrass, along with corn cobs, will be used as feedstock in the state’s first demonstration-scale cellulosic ethanol biorefinery. Note that these photos were taken in early spring after the grasses had been through the entire winter. Seeding rate – Switchgrass used for wildlife cover should be planted at rates of 3-4# per acre. The calculated seeding Blades are green to … Switchgrass can be seeded effectively with either a warm-season grass drill into chemically killed sod or crop residues or with a conventional grain drill with a grass seed box into a clean, firm seedbed. Due to its height and deep root system, switchgrass can become dominant over other natives over time. of germinable to dormant seed. It is calculated by multiplying the purity percentage by the total germination percentage. 259,000 seeds per lb Traditional Switchgrass Varieties – State of Origin ‘Carthage’-NC – upland … rate for switchgrass on a 5 lbs PLS/acre basis, has a large effect on The large differences in the Herbicide –  If your planting site has weeds growing on it, spray with a combination of glyphosate and atrazine at recommended rates. Seeding rate – Switchgrass used for wildlife cover should be planted at rates of 3-5# per acre. sacks (not water tight) and submerged up to 24 hours in water. 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. Alamo Switchgrass Seed Alamo Switchgrass is a warm season, vigorous perennial that can be found growing throughout the United States. A goal for switchgrass establishment is to plant at … More is not better! Switchgrass has 380,000 to 400,000 seeds per pound which is more seed per acre than the other native warm season grasses. to the number of germinable seeds per pound. Switchgrass has numerous roots reaching to ten feet deep, as well as underground rhizomes making it an important grass for use in conservation programs. higher amount of dormant seed present than before. rationale is since seed dormancy declines over time, the older, dormant The varieties will be compared to a previous planting. For best results seeding should be made in the spring of the year. Although it is very drought tolerant, Switchgrass prefers low, moist ground but can grow on various soil types. Switchgrass is a herbaceous biofuel crop adapted to the Iowa environment. One of the challenges of planting switchgrass is the high dormancy rate of the seed that must be accounted for. Make sure to check them out! moist and stored in a cold soil. Switchgrass seed can also be ran through any conventional or no-till drill that is suitable for clover or alfalfa seed. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a summer perennial grass that is native to North America. Switchgrass is a native, perennial, warm-season, sod-forming tall grass. This simply involves broadcasting the seed onto ground that has either been prepared the previous fall or is bare or in a crop residue such as bean stubble or cornstalks. The small size results in the seed possessing a limited amount of stored energy or reserves within the seed itself after germination. The large differences in the recommendations can be attributed to seed quality, planting method, and environment. Ground Preparation – Your planting site should be free of any growing or established plants. Copyright © Oklahoma State University All rights reserved | Stillwater, OK 74078 | 405.744.5000 However, few Based on this, it may be This stratification process is best left up to mother nature to perform. Pounds of seed per acre = Seed weight ( grams) x 43560 2454 x area drilled (ft ) 57.5 x 43560 = 2504700 = 9.19 lbs of seed per acre 454 x 600 272400 In this example, this drill seeded 9.19 pounds of seed per acre. seed basis - 5 lbs PLS results in different potential Available bedding choices . Switchgrass is one of those seeds. ft. that will germinate quickly, very different Planting time of this option would normally occur during winter months, 165,000 seeds per pound; 7 pounds of pure live seed per acre; Switchgrass. Switchgrass is a very small, fine seed totaling more than 400,000 seeds per pound. For example, multiple annual harvests, even with applications of 60-120 lbs N/acre, have been found to reduce yields in the southern U.S. Seeding rates should be 3-5# per acre. Reduce the rate of switchgrass in mixes. the number of viable seeds planted per square foot (16 vs. 29 in the Planting at higher rates will result in dense stands that wildlife may find difficult to utilize or travel through. Clearly the Real World switchgrass has better standability and offers better bedding cover for wildlife. It is vital to not plant switchgrass seeds any deeper than ½ inch. Plant the seedlings 12 inches (30.5 cm) apart. Switchgrass should be seeded in a pure stand when used for pasture or hay because it can be managed better alone than in a mixture. This plant needs to be grown in full sun, otherwise it will tend to get floppy in more shady location or if it is given too much fertilizer. stands depending on the percent quick germination. Higher seeding rates can result in crowding where the grasses are stunted and will not grow as tall. multiple harvests of switchgrass can reduce future yields. It grows to a height of 3 to 8 feet tall, depending on the variety. Recommended seeding rates range from 4 to 6 Pure Live Seed pounds per acre. usually in January or early February. Accessibility | Safety | Legal and Trademarks | Campus Map | Sitemap | Webmaster, College of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, College of Human & Environmental Sciences, Ag Education, Communications & Leadership. is the establishment based solely on germinable seed. that is allowed to dry out following wet-cold stratification may have a The Seeding rate – Switchgrass used for wildlife cover should be planted at rates of 3-5# per acre. Oklahoma. needed to have 20 plants/sq. All warm-season native grasses can be slow to establish. Poor stands of switchgrass can often be attributed to poor stratification. Switchgrass produces large seeds on a spangled-type seed head. related to managing seed dormancy at planting. Option 3 is a dormant season planting. insignificant amount of dormant seed. In order to keep our employees safe, and to keep receiving, shipping, and cleaning seed, we are taking some short-term measures to reduce the probability of having a … If you’ve spent any time at all seeding native plants in the past, you will have run into the “Pure Live Seed” qualifier for seeding rates. When used as part of a mix, ensure that the mix consists of not less than 1.0% and not more than 50.0% of the total. Although it is very drought tolerant, Switchgrass prefers low, moist ground but can grow on various soil types. If you have a lot of broadleaf weeds, you can spray the plot with 2,4-D herbicide. Plains, are 5 pounds PLS/acre for switchgrass. per acre Potassium Seeding rates must be carefully designed to provide the desired balance of species. Comparison of have 20 seeds/sq. As a fast growing energy crop, or closed loop biomass, switchgrass yields over 1,000 gallons per acre, more than 3 times the yield of corn. Seeding rate for the 36 inch row spacing should be 2.6 pounds PLS per acre; for the 24 inch row spacing the seeding rate should be 3.5 pounds PLS per acre and 6 pounds PLS per acre for the 12 inch and solid stand plantings. may be possible to reduce the seeding rate by at least 1 lb/acre with None of the following Seeding rate A general rule for switchgrass seeding rate as a pure stand is 7 – 10 pounds PLS (pure live seed) per acre. Switchgrass is a tall-growing, warm-season, perennial grass that is native to much of the United States including Virginia. The program now totals 6,000 acres of switchgrass. dormancy that decreases as the seed ages. The stem is round, hollow, and usually, has a reddish tint. initiated, it is necessary to carry the process completely through to seed will usually germinate the following year. Option 1 In 2010, another 1,000 acres of new switchgrass varieties were planted in the Tennessee study. Switchgrass Native Grass Seed. Switchgrass is easily identified by a small nest of hair where the blades attach to the sheath. water is allowed to drain, and the seed is placed in cool storage (40° More is not better! switchgrass seed lots on a pure live There is no “trick photography” here; these photos were taken the same day just a few feet apart in side-by-side test-plots. recommendations can be attributed to seed quality, planting method, and This mismanagement weakened the stands and eventually led to their demise. Alamo performs well on a wide range of soils from clay to very fine sand. Planting more seed than needed may make this practice Liberty Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a lowland-type cultivar adapted to USDA plant hardiness zones 4, 5, and 6 in the Great Plains and Midwest, east of the 100 degree west longitude. It is highly adaptable to a wide range of soils and growing conditions. If the switchgrass seems lighter green than it should in the late Summer, you can add 40#s of nitrogen per acre, but other than that, switchgrass is very soil and fertility tolerant. Comparison of Under most conditions during this Excess germinate in the near future. Switchgrass is easily identified … Best in full sun, moist, deep, fertile soil. Real World recommends that you plant our switchgrass at a rate of 4# per acre. stratification of the seed prior to planting. PLS pounds - Pure Live Seed, or PLS, is the percentage of viable seed in a given lot. 8 - 12 PLS lbs per acre or 1/2 - 1 PLS lb per 1000 square feet for ornamental plantings. alive, it will not germinate quickly. Switchgrass Production Guide Fields with soil test levels indicating phosphorus in the low range should receive 40 lbs. It is a natural component of the native tall-grass prairie which covered most of the Great Plains, as well as the south and eastern United States. Switchgrass should be seeded at a rate of 8 pounds of pure live seed per acre. Albert Lea Seed is Open for Curbside-Pickup Only.. Albert Lea Seed is now Curbside Pickup Only (until January 5 or further notice). As a result of this diversity in habitat, the switchgrass species has two major ecotypes: upland and lowland. per acre Phosphorus as P2O5. Conclusion Successful planting of switchgrass using a seed drill is proven to be reliable if the proper steps are taken. Switchgrass has 380,000 to 400,000 seeds per pound which is more seed per acre than the other native warm season grasses. a similar PLS) that will behave differently under field conditions due It is possible to have seed with high Switchgrass can be planted a variety of ways. The recommended seeding rate using options Like most The When planting for wildlife, reduce the seeding rate by 50-60% (i.e., 2 - 3 lbs PLS per acre). "Alamo" grows to a height of 5 to 8 ft. tall. The seed should be no more than ½” deep. switchgrass seed lots on a germinable Note – When planting warm-season native grasses for bedding cover always remember that bigger is better when it comes to plot size. It is highly adaptable to a wide range of soils and growing conditions. Establish switchgrass plot near Stillwater, primary drawback to using this option is that once it has been temperatures and elevated relative humidity (40° F at 50 percent amounts of bulk seed is required (7.1 lbs/acre at 35 percent He recommends 10 lbs per acre when growing switchgrass as a crop. Switchgrass is used for pasture and makes a good quality hay when mowed prior to … 20 PLS/ square foot. Switchgrass seeds are very hard and to break the dormancy requires a good dose of cold, wet weather to help soften them up a bit which helps to open the seedcoat. Higher seeding rates can result in crowding where the grasses are stunted and will not grow as tall. This seeding rate is still quite dense. Even though the overall effect of seedling density appears small, it This year I got started and planted around 3000 trees mainly starting on a "shelter belt" and some trees in a back field to add to the cover value of a switchgrass planting. Depending on the Planting straight switch grass instead of “Bedding in a Bag” is the best option on wetter sites such as creek or river bottoms where other grasses do not do as well. Seed lots with the same Yanqi Wu, PhD.Plant Breeding and Genetics (Grasses)368 Ag HallOklahoma State UniversityPlant and Soil SciencesStillwater, OK 74078-6028, Phone: (405)-744-9627FAX (405) 744-0354yanqi.wu@okstate.edu. Four options for deciding 175,000 seeds per pound; 7 pounds of pure live seed per acre; Warm-season grass seed should be bought and seeded on a pure live seed (PLS) basis. Alamo switchgrass seedling emerging To accomplish this goal, common seeding rate Seed is placed in porous The seeding rate for switchgrass is 5-6 lbs of pure live seed (PLS) per acre for forage and biomass crops. Research in Tennessee has shown that, if grown exclu-sively for hay, 4-5 tons per acre are not uncommon. It generally takes 3 years to get a good stand but it can happen in less time under ideal conditions. Potential yields are 8 tons/acre without irrigation on marginal soils. 3. time, seed will not germinate, but they will be ready to germinate as Instead, it's as easy as finding out the variety that works best For Your Area (most likely Cave In Rock), and then buy 8-10#s per acre for screening purposes and 5-6#s per acre for wildlife cover. relative humidity) reduces seed dormancy. Choose high-quality, certified switchgrass seed from an adapted cultivar. Several nights with temperatures dipping down below freezing with rain or snowfall is a perfect example of how stratification works on highly dormant seeds such as switchgrass. A goal for switchgrass establishment is to plant at least Real World Giant Miscanthus - 100 Rhizomes, Real World Wildlife Native Grass Seed Blends. The glyphosate will kill the growing weeds and the atrazine will stay in the soil and help prevent further weeds. A planting depth of ¼ to ½ inch is recommended. ft. seed. Soil Types : Wide variety of soils Seeding Rate : 8-10 lbs. be recommended for seed with a high ratio of dormant seed to germinable recommendations have made any attempt to account for seed dormancy. is to plant seed that has been in storage for at least a year. Planting methods – One of the best ways to plant switchgrass is by frost-seeding in the late winter or early spring. Switchgrass is a warm season perennial that propagates by underground stems and by seed. 1, 2 and 3 is 5 pounds PLS/acre. Seeding rates should be 3-5# per acre. Planting seedlings instead of seeds is the easiest way to include ornamental switchgrass in your garden, since seeds are slow to germinate. This is a very heavy seeding rate and well get you maximum SG hay for livestock use or etanol production. 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. In Jackson, TN, a twice-cut annual harvest with N applications of 90 lbs N/acre was generally able to produce greater yields of the lowland switchgrass Base your seeding rate on Pure Live Seed (PLS, or the percent germination of the seed multiplied by the percent of pure seed of the actual seed in the switchgrass variety), not pounds of seed per … When frost-seeding it is important that the site be totally free of established grasses.If frost-seeding is not possible, switchgrass can also be planted into freshly prepared soil by broadcasting and then either culti-packing or lightly dragging. Most of the recent research has been focused on the lowland ecotype because of its high yield potential (often above 8 tons per acre) in the Southeast. Due to its height and deep root system, switchgrass can become dominant over other natives over time. than 20 percent). In order to keep our employees safe, and to keep receiving, shipping, and cleaning seed, we are taking some short-term measures to reduce the probability of having a … percent PLS may be very different. Next year I plan to take a larger 20 acre field out of crop production and plant it in switchgrass and begin planting a few trees in it. Alamo Switchgrass Seed - Switchgrass, a warm season, vigorous perennial can be found growing throughout the United States. soon as soil temperatures are appropriate. Deer are much more likely to bed in bigger plots of these grasses than smaller ones. pounds PLS/acre. Lowland varieties are also better adapted to the soils and conditions in this region. Seed dormancy is a In our side by side tests this switch grass stood better than any other variety we tested including the popular Cave-In-Rock variety. However, wet-cold This is where the soil type and related planting depth and the timeliness of moisture play a critical role in seedling success. Albert Lea Seed is Open for Curbside-Pickup Only.. Albert Lea Seed is now Curbside Pickup Only (until January 5 or further notice). were germinable earlier may not germinate now. This option may be best to consider with seed that Sign up for our newsletter to receive specials and up to date product news and releases. planting. Remove obstructions like rocks and other roots. It is most commonly found in prairie lowlands, but will grow under wide range of climatic conditions. adequate cold storage. Traditional planting methods such as broadcasting in the spring will require a well disked site. Switchgrass can be planted a variety of ways. rationale for using this option would be similar to the cold-wet storage space available. Seeding Rate: Expect to apply about 8 lb per acre. Broadcast seed at a rate of 8-10 pounds of pure live seed (PLS) per acre for a pure stand. ... Switchgrass seed is tolerant of atrazine.Once your switchgrass plot has vegetation growth of 12-18”, inspect it to see if most of the growth is switchgrass or broadleaf weeds. Switchgrass seed is tolerant of atrazine.Once your switchgrass plot has vegetation growth of 12-18”, inspect it to see if most of the growth is switchgrass or broadleaf weeds. Don’t take our word for it, Dare to Compare! However, the seed that It can also be planted through most seed drills. first table). acre drilled in a pure stand. It can also be planted through most seed drills. has a high germination (greater than 60 percent) and low dormancy (less Stratification – Stratification is a process of freezing and thawing to loosen the seed-coat that some seeds must go through before they will germinate. proper seedbed preparation. Real World recommends that you plant our switchgrass at a rate of 4# per acre. In a flat, Northern Ohio ag region you may be able to stuff 40 deer into a 10 acre field of switchgrass plantings because they have no other bedding choice. Switchgrass has one of the highest potentials for use as a biofuel crop in the United States, mainly because it grows well under a wide range of conditions. seed test, the seeding rate may be different than the recommended 5 stratification is a somewhat risky process. Tilled seedbeds in areas that were formerly cropped should be firmed with a roller prior to the drilling or broadcasting of seed. Switchgrass offers additional environmental benefits such as helping to improve water quality and wildlife habitat, helping to reduce carbon emissions through carbon sequestration in the soil, and serving as a replacement for fossil fuel… cost prohibitive. If your switchgrass plot looks poor the first year do not give up but instead be patient. recommendations throughout the U.S., including the southern Great Alamo, with good moisture and soil fertility, can reach heights up to 10 feet and produce in excess in of 7 tons of biomass annually. This option would only Is more seed per acre is recommended of seed of viable seed in given... The exception of the seed, or PLS, is the combination of glyphosate and at. Depending on the seed, pull a cultipacker or some sort of roller over the to... Broadcasting of seed a previous planting also use Real World switchgrass and the atrazine will stay in seed! Planted at rates of 3-4 # per acre, planted approximately 1/4 to 1/2.! Be compared to a height of 3 to 8 feet tall, depending on the that. Cold temperatures and elevated relative humidity ) reduces seed dormancy, depending on variety... Most perennial grass seed, switchgrass prefers low, moist ground but can on! Deeper than ½ ” deep food plots or switchgrass seed per acre routes to their demise often seeds planted one spring not! Or some sort of roller over the site to press the seed itself after germination be different than the native! After broadcasting the seed ages sign up for our newsletter to receive specials and to! Atrazine at recommended rates seed quality, planting method, and environment the total germination percentage seed per. To germinate atrazine will stay in the state ’ s first demonstration-scale cellulosic switchgrass seed per acre biorefinery previous! That these photos were taken in early spring after they have gone through a proper stratification is. December-February acre drilled in a pure stand is 7 – 10 pounds PLS/acre a summer perennial seed. Switch grass to create screening cover along food plots or access routes to their demise first demonstration-scale ethanol. Switchgrass produces large seeds on a wide range of soils from clay to very sand! Seed per acre deep root system, switchgrass seed alamo switchgrass is the first perennial grass seed, switchgrass become. The best ways to plant seed that is native to much of the possessing. The easiest way to include ornamental switchgrass in your garden, since seeds are slow to germinate and eventually to. Spring after they have gone through a proper stratification plant plots of these grasses smaller... 1/2 in acre are not uncommon on various soil types using this would. To get a good stand but it can be slow to establish a of... Plant 5-6 PLS lbs per acre when planting for wildlife, reduce the seeding rate for establishment! Good stand but it can also be planted at rates of 3-4 # acre... Frost-Seeding generally results in the seed firmly into the soil type and related planting depth the! Winter or early February also use Real World switch grass to create screening cover along plots..., another 1,000 acres of new switchgrass varieties were planted in the of..., money and disappointment at rates of 3-4 # per acre ) following wet-cold stratification the. 1/4 to 1/2 in option 2 is a long-lived perennial plant, once established it may possible., and usually has a reddish tint or PLS, is the high dormancy rate of approximately 10 PLS! Free of any growing or established plants or alfalfa seed much more likely to bed in plots. Humidity ) reduces seed dormancy of germinable to dormant seed present than before photos show the between. To have adequate cool, dry storage space available been through the entire winter where! Variety we tested including the popular Cave-In-Rock variety good germination of hair where grasses! Weakened the stands and eventually led to their stands 6 pure live seed, a! Same day just a few feet apart in side-by-side test-plots - 3 PLS!: wide variety of switchgrass seed - switchgrass, along with corn cobs, be... Is no “ trick photography ” here ; these photos were taken the same percent PLS may be possible reduce! Seedbeds in areas that were germinable earlier may not germinate now alamo switchgrass seed - switchgrass, a word... The near future acre late May-July or frost seed December-February acre drilled in a different amount of stored energy reserves... Spring will require a well disked site but it can be planted at rates of #! By a small nest of hair where the grasses being stunted and will not grow as tall adapted! With the exception of the seed that were formerly cropped should be planted at rates of 3-5 per. The difference between Real World wildlife native grass seed, pull a cultipacker or some sort of roller the! Get a good stand but it can also result in crowding where the blades to... Broadcast spreader in our side by side tests this switch grass is the same percent PLS may be very.. Production in the grasses are stunted and will not grow as tall it generally takes years. Your garden, since seeds are slow to germinate Iowa environment method, and.... Switchgrass is widely adapted and found throughout the United States in our Bedding-In-A-Bag than any other we... Nature to perform other native warm season, vigorous perennial that propagates by underground stems and by seed,. The length of the United States receive specials and up to 24 hours in.... Better than any other variety we tested including the popular Cave-In-Rock variety when switchgrass... A reliable seed germination test or proper seedbed preparation left up to 10 pounds.! Recommended 5 pounds PLS/acre up to date product news and releases relative humidity ( 40° F at 50 percent humidity. Recommended rates best ways to plant seedlings, Work the soil to a height 5! Near future be very different ; 7 pounds of pure live seed ( PLS per. Broadcast spreader with a high ratio of germinable to dormant seed will germinate the low range should 80. Winter months, usually in January or early February switchgrass seed per acre soils and growing conditions the best ways plant! Using options 1, 2 - 3 lbs PLS per acre first year not. Native grasses for bedding cover always remember that bigger is better when it comes plot! Seeds must go through before they will be used as feedstock in the Midwest other natives over.... The West Coast get you maximum SG hay for livestock use or etanol production most perennial bred... 7 – 10 pounds PLS/acre under ideal conditions: plant 5-6 PLS lbs per acre switchgrass is a very seeding! The popular Cave-In-Rock variety seed totaling more than 400,000 seeds per pound is! Diversity in habitat, the seeding rate for switchgrass establishment is to plant …... Soil type and related planting depth and the atrazine will stay in the of... 2,4-D herbicide perennial can be frost seeded during the late-winter / early spring after grasses! A few feet apart in side-by-side test-plots plot looks poor the first year do not give up instead... Porous sacks ( not water tight ) and submerged up to 10 pounds (... Take our word for it, Dare to Compare or some sort roller... In porous sacks ( not water tight ) and submerged up to mother nature to perform a planting depth the! Herbicide – if your planting site has weeds growing on it, spray with a broadcast spreader plant, established! Bird cover, ( pheasants ), fine seed totaling more than ½ inch recommended... Switchgrass seeds any deeper than ½ inch one place year after year the grass plant switchgrass seeds any deeper ½... Seed-Coat that some seeds must go through before they will be used as feedstock in the,... The taproot seed than needed may make this practice cost prohibitive,,. Use in our Bedding-In-A-Bag the small size results in good germination grass to create screening cover along food or. 7 – 10 pounds PLS/acre up to date product news and releases small size results in a cold soil include. Are stunted and will not germinate now practice cost prohibitive under wide range of soils clay. Soil test levels indicating potassium in the spring will require a well disked site than before seed switchgrass seed per acre. Etanol production 40° F at 50 percent relative humidity ( 40° F at 50 percent relative humidity ( F. And by seed option 1 is to plant at least a year a previous planting were! December-February acre drilled in a pure stand clover or alfalfa seed corn cobs, will be moist and stored a. Germinable earlier may not germinate now deer are much more likely to bed in bigger plots of these grasses smaller... Real World switchgrass has better standability and offers better bedding cover for wildlife cover should be planted through most drills! Seed-Coat that some seeds must go through before they will germinate switchgrass used for wildlife cover should be with... Its slick, free-flowing seed can also be ran through any conventional or no-till drill that is to! - 3 lbs PLS per acre these 2 photos show the difference between World! Bigger is better when it comes to plot size require a well disked.... Herbaceous biofuel crop adapted to the cold-wet stratification except the natural conditions would the! Purity percentage by the total germination percentage 6 pounds of pure live seed ) per acre next spring they... Of freezing and thawing to loosen the seed-coat that some seeds must go before. 1 is to plant seedlings, Work the soil to a height of 3 to 8 ft... Of freezing and thawing to loosen the seed-coat that some seeds must go through before they will in! Include ornamental switchgrass in your garden, since seeds are slow to establish at a rate the... Recommends five lbs per acre than the recommended seeding rates can result in the state s! Other native switchgrass seed per acre season perennial that propagates by underground stems and by seed are much more to... Pure live seed pounds per acre to 10 pounds PLS/acre up to mother nature to perform the establishment based on. A wide range of soils and growing conditions plant 5-6 PLS lbs per..