Cat Grass, Variegated

Sowing Seed Indoors:

• To grow as a houseplant, sow indoors at any time.
• Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in seed starting formula in the container where the plants will grow.
• Keep the soil moist at 70 degrees F
• Seedlings emerge in 7-14 days
• As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours.

Sowing Directly in the Garden:

• Sow outdoors in spring after all danger of frost has passed in average soil in full sun.
• Remove weeds and work organic matter into the top 6-8 inches of soil; then level and smooth.
• Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in rows 1 inch apart.
• Firm lightly and keep evenly moist.
• Seedlings emerge 7-14 days.

• Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating.
• For best results, water just as soil surface dries.
• Re-sow often to maintain months of vibrant grass.
• Trim back to 1 inch every second week to promote fresh growth.
• Cat grass usually re-grows quickly several times after being nibbled.
• Monitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.

Harvesting and Preserving Tips:

• Pets may graze plants at will.
• People can make smoothies with young green leaves cut at 1 inch from the ground as needed.