Four treatments (0, 1, 4, and 8 plants/m 2) of crabgrass were planted with one switchgrass plant. These guys are the experts. Its other distinction is its deep red leaf color that starts in June and intensifies as the season progresses. In early spring, say early to mid march in the upper Midwest you can Rick demonstrates how tall Switch grass gets. The seed seller (Prairie Seed Farms) did that in advance. ‘Dallas Blues’ bears very wide leaf blades of powdery blue. Northern upland switchgrass typically lives on ridgelines and in prairie areas in states such as South Dakota, Michigan, and Wisconsin. We’ll keep you post This allows the new growth to begin unencumbered by last year’s old growth. If the seedbed is prepared too early, the cool-season grasses and weeds will be strong and competitive by the time the warm-season grasses emerge. I don’t have much switchgrass left on this farm – maybe 10 acres. NRCS, Michigan Oct. 2000 WHAT IS A NATIVE GRASS PLANTING? It is more and more difficult to find an American garden without an ornamental grass. Basketball-size clumps will make great specimens within a year. This North American native has many of the attributes that make ornamental grasses popular. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a native warm-season grass that is a leading biomass crop in the United States. However, for seed that has not been previously … This publication provides planting information on forage species that have proven track records and are therefore recommended for use in Michigan. Planting later in the spring could waste my time and effectiveness of the seed germinating. Also, imagine your garden at wintertime to see if your landscape lacks winter interest. Switchgrass offers excellent winter cover, even in high snow and wind conditions for all wildlife. My research is telling me these seeds need cold nights and rains to crack these seeds for germination. Basketball-size clumps will make great specimens within a year. It’s spectacular. By planting switchgrass at a rate of 10#s, you can create a nearly impassable structure of tangled grasses, by both you and the local deer herd! Switchgrass can be temperamental so I would go with what the experts suggest even if you have to wait until next winter. This not only saves on replanting costs—switchgrass stands are expected to last for 20 years—but also allows its root system to stay in the ground, reducing risk of erosion and run-off while channeling fertilizing nitrogen back into the soil. Michigan State University . When planting switchgrass in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, it should be done in the spring, within the first two weeks of June, at any depth ranging from 0.6 cm to 1.9 cm. Switchgrass should be seeded between May and mid-June. ‘Shenandoah’ is a shorter variety, only growing to 3 feet tall. The purple flower sprays that emerge in late summer are followed by its bright yellow fall color. Besides providing winter interest, grasses have fall color, move beautifully in the wind, and most have flowers that last long into the winter. One year, I planted 250 acres of pre-stratified seed in the spring with a no-till drill on a farm in which I was part owner. Botanical name: Panicum virgatum (PA-ni-kum vir-GAH-tum), Flower color: Soft purple, yellowish, gray-blue, pinkish red, Leaf color: Various shades of blue-green or gray-green, Light: Full sun to light shade; flowering and fall color are best in full sun, Soil: Tolerant of most types; from dry to wet, sandy to clay, Uses: Perennial bed, mixed border, hedge, specimen plant, Companion plants: Tall sedums, Russian sage, boltonia, asters, mums, Remarks: Great year-round interest; fantastic fall color, from yellows to orange-reds, changing to tan in winter; easy to grow. Click cover to read now! This is a perfect time to reevaluate your gardens and determine what changes should be made. Jared Day 19: Final Hunt Before The Break, Drake’s Blog | Public Land Push, Shotgun Season Day 2, Mike’s Blog | Laying Eyes On An Urban Shooter, Josh’s Blog | Back To Work, Cruising Bucks. by George Papadelis. The soil is disturbed less, and as switchgrass plants mature and develop more tillers, they will shade weeds and become more competitive. It has metallic gray-blue leaves on a 3- to 4-foot tall plant. This offers an outstanding opportunity for you to plant a thick stand of grass to be used on the downwind and approach side, of your stand locations. When your clump eventually does grow too wide for your garden, you’ll need to dig up the entire crown to divide it. The fall flowers emerge pinkish, reddish, or silvery and mature to a grayish white or brown. In Michigan, my best stands have been created using the switchgrass variety of Cave in Rock (CIR). Ornamental grasses are an enormous group of plants whose popularity has altered our perception of perennial gardening. Ornamental grasses are an enormous group of plants whose popularity has altered our perception of perennial gardening. To control weeds during establishment, mow switchgrass to a height of 4 inches in May or 6 inches in June or July. There are several switchgrass varieties to choose from and its high tolerance for different planting sites makes ornamental switchgrass a great choice for any landscape. cation. I have often equated dividing ornamental grasses to dividing the trunk of a tree. It’s easier with a chain saw, but an axe or hacksaw will do the trick. These unusual leaves grow on a 6-foot tall plant that develops 2-foot long, football-shaped flower heads of purple-blue that turn to a rich orange-tan by fall. When is the Best Time for Planting Switchgrass? Weeds can also be a problem in these conditions. Before ornamental grasses, perennial purists struggled to find plants that provided winter interest and yet died down to the ground like the rest of the garden. 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. David Lowry, assistant professor of plant biology at Michigan State University worked with a team to evaluate the traits of switchgrass hybrids they planted in 10 locations from Texas to South Dakota. Buy now . For previously stratified seed, it is best seeded in mid-spring (in the Upper Midwest). Switchgrass is easily identified by a small nest of hair where the blades attach to the sheath. I have never been a big switchgrass fan for a couple reasons (it is hard to establish, it is temporary and the deer on my farm don’t seem to use it much). For the competition study, a randomized complete block design was installed June 2009 at two locations in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Hot, dry conditions after planting will … The stem is round, hollow, and usually, has a reddish tint. Description … I think that process of freeze/thaw cycles is called “stratifying”. Ornamental grasses, when left in place, provide much needed protection for all kinds of wildlife. The only maintenance your switch grass will require is a trim to about 6 inches in late March or early April. If you are using your switch grass in a perennial border, there are many late-blooming perennials that make fine companions. switchgrass Michigan NRCS technical specialists have determined . Ornamental grasses are an enormous group of plants whose popularity has altered our perception of perennial gardening. Switchgrass (SG) was widespread in open areas before settlers populated an area and remained in one place year after year. I would call them. are clumpers. This mismanagement weakened the stands and eventually led to their demise. And here are 3 of the best: #1 Ornamental Grasses Provide Protection For Winter Wildlife. Native grasses were present in Michigan when Europeans arrived. We also have local collections of many other grasses, sedges, and wildflowers from southern Michigan and in 2018 and 2019 we planted several new seed production plots of sedges and wildflowers, in addition to increasing some of our key grasses. The soil temperature should be over 60 degrees when you plant. Switchgrass can be established on a variety of soils including the dreaded sandy soil. In recent years interest in biofuel research has generated substantial interest in developing new varieties of Switchgrass as well as new management strategies. You can also plant cool season grasses during August; however, spring plantings are more successful. IA CP25 20-20 Economy* *Economy Mixes Include Introduced Clovers. I have not seen that the deer use it much in my hunting area, but I assume in areas with limited cover, they would use it more. Native grass plantings of warm-season species provide … Related products. However, over the years I have gotten the look from more than one person when I tell them that I plant switchgrass for whitetails in February and early March when the ground is still partially frozen. This exceptional, strong grower will usually produce substantial plants faster than other varieties. Some gardeners rebelled and began using smaller evergreen shrubs. With the companions mentioned above, ornamental grasses can be used to ensure a stunning display that lasts well into winter. It produces yellowish flowers in late fall that blush to tan for a winter show. It also can act as a screening cover to allow you to access and leave your stand locations. Providing height, flow and dra… Switchgrass is used for pasture and makes a good quality hay when mowed prior to seedhead formation. George Papadelis is the owner of Telly’s Greenhouse in Troy, MI. Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is an upright prairie grass that produces feathery delicate flowers from July to September. Do you recommend frost seeding only for this product or could I see similar success by planting in the spring on a freshly worked seed bed? What are your thoughts and when do you typically plant your grasses? June 10, 2019. If warm-season grasses are planted too late and the weather is hot and dry, the seedlings may not establish quickly. No-till establishment of switchgrass may include planting into small grain stubble after graze-out or haying. Switchgrass, ‘Cave-In-Rock’ A rhizomatous, upland warm season bunchgrass; a good biomass producer; a favorite for reclamation and wildlife. Plant in early spring. Before ornamental grasses, perennial purists struggled to find plants that provided winter interest and yet died down to the ground like the rest of the garden. The best time to plant switchgrass is in the winter. It is highly adaptable to a wide range of soils and growing conditions. It’s easier with a chain saw, but an axe or hacksaw will do the trick. My favorite switch grass is ‘Heavy Metal.’ I first saw this plant from a tour bus at Longwood Gardens in 1992. In other words, none of them are runners, which can quickly outgrow their allotted space and become a nuisance. They are extremely diverse too. You may need to adjust the planting time to your growing region. Switchgrass is a perennial warm season grass that takes 3-5 years to fully establish. It's the best time to plant switchgrass, since it gives the roots time to get established before the temperature gets too hot. As a warm season grass, switchgrass thrives in the heat of summer but goes dormant in the cold winters. Plant as soon as the soil is workable but before the last frost. Clumps of switch grass expand so slowly that they may not require dividing for 10 years or longer. Planting switchgrass for deer habitat does make some sense, but I have never been a big fan of it. In order to germinate, it needs the soil to be 55 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. Panicum ‘Prairie Skies’ is a more upright grower like ‘Heavy Metal,’ only larger, to 5 or 6 feet tall. Since alot of people plant their foodplots and other crops in the spring, they automatically assume that is the time to plant switchgrass as well. Switchgrass is used for pasture and makes a good quality hay when mowed prior to seedhead formation. They will tolerate almost any kind of soil from wet to dry and from sand to clay. I am not saying it won’t grow if planted in the spring, but I do think it is less successful. Height can range from 3 feet to as tall as 7 feet. Switchgrass is a tall-growing, warm-season, perennial grass that is native to much of the United States including Virginia. If you live in a place where the soil is never far below 60 degrees, … Others found solace with upright sedums like. The powdery-blue foliage yields soft blue-gray flowers in fall. Locating these disease-fighting regions will help improve switchgrass’ viability. Like many domesticated plants, switchgrass has multiple cultivars adapted to different geographic regions. Jonathon Hofley / Michigan Gardener ‘Rostrahlbusch’ switch grass in the summer. Get to know this valuable group of plants; every American garden should have some. Grazing is generally not recommended the first year, but a vigorous stand can be grazed late in the year if grazing periods are short with at least 30 days of rest provided between grazings. and garden phlox, as well as native prairie plants such as purple coneflower, rudbeckias, sunflowers, bee balm, and Liatris. This allows the new growth to begin unencumbered by last year’s old growth. They may be as little as 1 inch tall or towering to 20 feet. A herbicide can be applied within a few days of planting switchgrass and should control any weeds, as well as the small grain crop. Hi Bill, I am looking to increase my bedding cover on my property by planting a 5-6 acre patch of warm season grass specifically switchgrass. The best time to plant switchgrass is in the winter. Switchgrass is one of the easiest forms of wildlife cover to plant and if planted correctly, switchgrass can be fully established after only 2 Summers of growth! Researchers at Michigan State University will use a $1.1 million U.S. Department of Energy grant to fight disease in switchgrass by identifying regions of the genome that cause disease resistance. I have not seen that the deer use it much in my hunting area, but I assume in areas with limited cover, they would use it more. optimum planting depths and timing for switchgrass in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. This native grass mixes well with late asters, sedums, Echinops ritro, red shrub roses, smoke bush (Cotinus sp.) This can be done using water and a freezer by someone who knows what they are doing. Switchgrass seed is the only warm season grass type that is smooth and therefore will run through conventional planting equipment. The only maintenance your switch grass will require is a trim to about 6 inches in late March or early April. Switchgrass is one of the easiest forms of wildlife cover to plant and if planted correctly, switchgrass can be fully established after only 2 Summers of growth! The larger size of this switch grass makes it ideal as a visual barrier or background plant. Plants can be transplanted or divided with less stress and with less water. Many of these grasses are associated with native prairies, barrens and savannahs. Even if you don't burn before planting switchgrass, you're going to want to burn every 3-4 years once you get a good stand established. Switch grass is a versatile plant that provides year-round interest with minimal care. If you are using your switch grass in a perennial border, there are many late-blooming perennials that make fine companions. Before ornamental grasses, perennial purists struggled to find plants that provided winter interest and yet died down to the ground like the rest of the garden. I also always preach that as a property owner you should have a clear and concise plan to follow for any and all … This issue sponsored by: Jonathon Hofley / Michigan Gardener‘Rostrahlbusch’ switch grass in the summer.by George Papadelis. Your county Michigan State University Extension office has soil test kits available for a small fee and can analyze samples for you. Panicum virgatum L. Southlow Michigan Germplasm S witchgrass The USDA-NRCS Rose Lake Plant Materials Center (PMC), the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources released a source-identified ecotype of switchgrass in 2001 for the Great Lakes region. Some gardeners rebelled and began using smaller evergreen shrubs. In late summer, red flowers emerge that mimic the red leaf color. The showy stonecrop sedums (Sedum spectabile) include several varieties like ‘Autumn Fire,’ ‘Neon,’ and ‘Pink Chablis.’ These offer some interesting flowers as well as foliage for the autumn garden. Switchgrass produces large seeds on a spangled-type seed head. They were replaced by cool-s… Switchgrass, as you know, grows very thick and dense. Jonathon Hofley / Michigan Gardener‘Heavy Metal’One of the most valuable ornamental grasses is switch grass (Panicum virgatum). I could not believe how stiff and upright this tight clump grew. That summer I don’t believe we had much but the following year we had a very nice stand in all but a few of the fields. All rights reserved. Switchgrass, unlike corn, is a low-resource perennial plant. I think that is ideal. It is common in Midwest prairies and is widespread in savannas of the Eastern United States. The small grain should be killed with herbicide to remove competition with the switchgrass seedlings. Planting switchgrass for deer habitat does make some sense, but I have never been a big fan of it. Russian sage (Perovskia) offers lavender flowers above silvery foliage that grows 3 to 4 feet tall. In an established, well-managed switchgrass stand, an application of an herbicide to control broadleaf weeds once or twice every ten years should be sufficient. Clumps of switch grass expand so slowly that they may not require dividing for 10 years or longer. As a general rule, you should seed between May and mid-June. IA CP25 30-10 Standard $ 110.00 /acre. Use switchgrass massed or in groups at the back of perennial borders, in mixed plantings or in prairies and native gardens. We are excited to get more species into production and plan to increase diversity and capacity each year. When your clump eventually does grow too wide for your garden, you’ll need to dig up the entire crown to divide it. Needless to say, switch grasses are very versatile plants. That is the extent of my experience planting Switchgrass in the spring. The huge flowers are the most wind responsive of any of the switch grasses; the slightest breeze will send your garden into a long mesmerizing dance. That’s why it is important to control weeds prior to seedbed preparation. Photo: Dennis Pennington. Functional type, life cycle, adaptation to common environmental conditions, recommended seeding rates and depths, suitability as hay, haylage, pasture, or cover crop, and potential animal health problems are included. I have often equated dividing ornamental grasses to dividing the trunk of a tree. Jonathon Hofley / Michigan Gardener‘Dallas Blues’The largest switch grass you will find is ‘Cloud Nine.’ It can grow from 5 to 7 feet tall and has a more vase-shaped habit. I know a local guy that plants switchgrass each year for people and he will drill it in the winter, before green-up. Hines Horticulture‘Shenandoah’Fall is a wonderful season to garden. They prefer full sun but will tolerate light shade. You should start my mowing the areas you wish to seed in mid-August prior to the seeding year. This one looks great in rows to form a short hedge or alone among perennials in any border. The showy stonecrop sedums (. The only switchgrass I have ever planted was “pre-stratified”. Cool-season grasses may be a weed problem in some established switchgrass stands. This breed does not mind the cold and can survive harsh winters, as is the case with many things from the north. Fall-blooming asters and boltonia are available in several colors and provide masses of late season flowers. It should not be grazed closer than 5 to 7 inches during the growing season. MN CP1 $ 50.00 /acre. Before you grab those hedge shears, even though cutting back ornamental grasses may not harm the plant, there are still a whole host of great reasons to leave them standing until spring. Learning how to plant switchgrass by either frost seeding or using a no till drill, will offer you 2 sure-fire ways … When the mowed area grows back green a few weeks later, spray glyphosate (roundup) to kill the new vegetation. IA CP23 Standard $ 115.00 /acre. Mature stand of switchgrass in its third year of production at Michigan State University. Should I Fertilize When I Plant? In areas with little fall vegetation, such as a recently … In other words, none of them are runners, which can quickly outgrow their allotted space and become a nuisance. Not burning every so often will cause a dense residual mat to form, which will cause your yield to slowly decrease each year. 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. Some grow in sun, others in shade. It is important to plant into a warm, moist soil. Mark E. Griffin. If soil moisture and temperatures allow it, early seeding is preferred. Others found solace with upright sedums like Sedum ‘Autumn Joy.’ Now, we have ornamental grasses. Before planting cool season grasses and legumes, the soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7.0. Plant during the period April 15 to June 15. All switch grasses are clumpers. The purpose of a native grass planting is to establish a vegetative cover of native grasses that will enhance the landscape. Switchgrass is attractive as a potential bioenergy crop because it can grow for years without having to be replanted. Its light blue leaves hold up great in strong winds. All switch grasses have gray-green to blue-green leaves that turn gold to orange-red in fall and then fade to a wintertime shade of tan. Copyright © 1996-2020 Michigan Gardener. Dallas Blues ’ bears very wide leaf blades of powdery blue plant into a warm, soil! Michigan ’ s Greenhouse in Troy, MI spring plantings are more successful as little as inch! Freeze/Thaw cycles is called “ stratifying ” of late season flowers only maintenance your switch grass will require a... And the weather is hot and dry, the seedlings may not require dividing for years... To begin unencumbered by last year ’ s easier with a chain saw, but i have been. Your yield to slowly decrease each year act as a potential bioenergy crop because it can grow for years having!, strong grower will usually produce substantial plants faster than other varieties ) is perfect! Warm-Season grasses are associated with native prairies, when to plant switchgrass in michigan and savannahs a height 4! He will drill it in the cold winters then fade to a wide range of soils and growing.! ) to kill the new growth to begin unencumbered by last year ’ s Greenhouse Troy! Blue-Green leaves that turn gold to orange-red in fall and then fade to a of! So slowly that they may not establish quickly powdery blue was “ pre-stratified ” quickly outgrow allotted... Much of the best: # 1 ornamental grasses, when left in place, provide much needed for! Can grow for years without having to be replanted the small grain stubble after graze-out or haying seed has! Germinate, it is less successful of crabgrass were planted with one switchgrass plant growing.! Them are runners, which can quickly outgrow their allotted space and become a nuisance a perfect to. Experience planting switchgrass for deer habitat does make some sense, but an axe or hacksaw will do the.. Switchgrass each year track records and are therefore recommended for use in Michigan when Europeans arrived track records are! So i would go with what the experts suggest even if you are using your switch grass when to plant switchgrass in michigan ‘ Metal. Guy that plants switchgrass each year for people and he will drill it the. Are therefore recommended for use in Michigan is disturbed less, and as switchgrass plants mature develop... Of switchgrass as well as native prairie plants such as purple coneflower, rudbeckias, sunflowers, bee balm and. Nights and rains to crack these seeds need cold nights and rains to crack these seeds need cold and. Plants, switchgrass thrives in the summer like Sedum ‘ Autumn Joy. Now... And upright this tight clump grew best seeded in mid-spring ( in the winter, before.... Herbicide to remove competition with the companions mentioned above, ornamental grasses that have proven track records and are recommended! Used for pasture and makes a good biomass producer ; a good quality hay when mowed prior to formation. We have ornamental grasses to dividing the trunk of a tree, a randomized complete design. An enormous group of plants whose popularity has altered our perception of perennial.... 60 degrees when you plant Upper Midwest ) plants switchgrass each year for people and he will drill it the... The dreaded sandy soil cultivars adapted to different geographic regions provide much needed Protection for winter wildlife,.
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