Grass - Elijah Blue Fescue Seeds (Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’) Organic, Non GMO - Grass
Grass - Elijah Blue Fescue Seeds (Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’) Organic, Non GMO - Grass
Perennial
Description:
Elijah Blue Fescue is a stunning ornamental grass, prized for its vibrant, icy-blue foliage. This compact, clumping grass stays low to the ground, making it perfect for borders, rock gardens, and containers. Its fine, needle-like blades maintain their blue color throughout the growing season, and in summer, the grass produces pale beige flower spikes that rise above the foliage. Drought-tolerant and easy to care for, Elijah Blue Fescue is an excellent choice for adding texture and color to any garden.
Growing Instructions:
1. Stratification:
• While not required, cold stratification can improve germination rates. To do this, place the seeds in a damp paper towel, seal them in a plastic bag, and refrigerate for 30 days before sowing.
2. Sowing Seeds:
• After stratification, sow seeds indoors or directly in the garden after the last frost. Sow the seeds shallowly, about 1/8 inch deep, and cover lightly with soil.
3. Germination:
• Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Germination typically takes 2-4 weeks, with optimal temperatures between 65–75°F.
Sunlight Requirements:
• Elijah Blue Fescue thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. While it can tolerate partial shade, full sun encourages the most vibrant blue color.
Tips and Tricks:
• Soil: Elijah Blue prefers well-draining, dry to moderately moist soil. It does not do well in heavy clay or waterlogged soil.
• Watering: This grass is drought-tolerant once established, so avoid overwatering. During its first season, water regularly to help establish strong roots, but let the soil dry out between waterings.
• Spacing: Plant Elijah Blue Fescue about 10-12 inches apart. It grows in clumps and can be divided every few years to maintain its compact form.
• Maintenance: This is a low-maintenance grass. Prune or trim back old or dead foliage in early spring to make way for new growth. Division can also help rejuvenate older plants and keep them looking tidy.
How to Grow Elijah Blue Fescue from Seeds:
1. Stratification (Optional but Recommended):
• Although not strictly necessary, cold stratification can improve germination rates. To do this, place the seeds in a damp paper towel, put it in a plastic bag, and refrigerate for 30 days before planting. This mimics the natural winter conditions that help break seed dormancy.
2. Sowing Seeds:
• Indoors: Start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost. Fill seed trays or pots with a well-draining potting mix. Sow the seeds shallowly, about 1/8 inch deep, and lightly cover them with soil.
• Outdoors: After the last frost, you can sow the seeds directly in the garden. Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Sow the seeds in the desired location or in rows, covering them lightly with soil.
3. Soil Preparation:
• Elijah Blue Fescue prefers well-draining soil, ideally sandy or loamy, though it can tolerate poorer soils as well. Ensure the planting area or seed-starting trays have good drainage, as the plant doesn’t tolerate waterlogged conditions.
4. Germination:
• Water the soil lightly and keep it consistently moist but not soggy until the seeds germinate.
• Germination typically takes 2-4 weeks, with optimal temperatures of 65–75°F (18–24°C). Be patient, as cooler temperatures may slow down the process.
5. Transplanting:
• Indoor Seedlings: Once the seedlings are about 2-3 inches tall and have a few sets of leaves, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week. Then, transplant them into the garden, spacing them 10-12 inches apart.
• Outdoor Seedlings: Thin the seedlings to about 10-12 inches apart once they are large enough to handle. This allows the clumps to grow without overcrowding.
6. Sunlight Requirements:
• Elijah Blue Fescue thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best color. It can tolerate partial shade but may lose some of its vibrant blue color in lower light.
7. Watering:
• Water regularly during the first growing season to help the plant establish strong roots. Once established, Elijah Blue Fescue is drought-tolerant and only needs occasional watering during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as the grass prefers drier conditions.
8. Maintenance:
• Pruning: Trim back dead or browning foliage in early spring to make room for fresh growth.
• Division: Every 2-3 years, you can divide the clumps to rejuvenate the plant and prevent overcrowding. Division is best done in spring.
• Fertilizing: Elijah Blue typically doesn’t need much fertilization. Over-fertilizing can reduce its vibrant blue color. If your soil is particularly poor, a light application of balanced fertilizer in spring is enough.
9. Pests and Diseases:
• Elijah Blue Fescue is generally pest-resistant and not prone to diseases. However, avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot or fungal issues in excessively wet conditions.
Final Tips:
• Ensure the soil stays on the drier side, and avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils.
• Full sun is essential for the best blue colour, but this grass can tolerate some light shade if needed.
Seed Count: 10