Grass, Sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata), packet of 20 seeds
$4.95
Family: Grass (Poaceae)
Hardy to Zones 3 to 8
(Heirochloe odorata, Anthoxanthum nitens) Creeping perennial to 24 inches, native to colder zones in Europe, Asia, and in North America from Greenland to Alaska. Traditionally used in TWM and Native American medicine as a strewing herb and burnable to sanctify body and space. Plant prefers moist soils in the sun to part shade. Sow seeds fall or spring by pressing into surface of rich soil and keeping evenly moist until germination. I found that these took 3 weeks to germinate under lights, kept continually moist. You can differentiate the sweetgrass from volunteer grasses by the reddish stem of the sweetgrass, even in seedling stage. I posted a photo of what the seedlings look like. Regarding the common myth that sweetgrass seeds are sterile, a quote from Samuel Clemens sprouts to mind “The report of my death was an exaggeration.” Space plants 1 foot apart.
20 seeds per packet, open pollinated, untreated, no gmo’s
Out of stock
Suzanne –
Sweetgrass seed follows a strict timeline as one of the first native grasses to appear and flower in Spring. They need to be in place thru winter in order to germinate. I have harvested seed to sell commercially that tested at 60 % germination.
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Question
Bea Robbins –
I have 5 packets of seeds in my cart. If the sweet grass seeds will be available this year, then should I wait to order everything at one time in order to save a shipping charge for only 1 packet?
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Richo Cech –
Hello Bea, Thanks for communicating. Looks like we won’t be having sweetgrass seeds again until next year, so I would recommend completing your order. Richo
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Question
Christine –
I keep finding conflicting information on whether this is ok for cats to eat. Could you impart your wisdom on this one, Richo? Thanks!
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Richo Cech –
hi christine, my personal take on it is that sweetgrass (Hierochloe odorata) is ok for cats. I’ve never seen a cat suffer from it, and in fact access to a variety of grasses is good for cats (and dogs). Some other fast-growing grasses you might consider are: oats, annual ryegrass. These are easier than sweetgrass to start from seeds. richo
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Shaman Don (verified owner) –
My cats love sweetgrass leaves even more than normal cat grass! Must be sweet or something!
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Fawn –
When are plants/seeds typically available? I’m on the wait list just super excited!
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Richo Cech –
hello fawn, i believe we will be obtaining new seeds soon enough so that your excitement will not run flat. really, stay tuned and when you get the e-mail order ASAP. richo
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Kat –
I started from seed 6 years ago.. It is so happy getting filter sun
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Question
Carolyn –
When do you think you’ll get a resupply of sweet grass seeds in 2022?
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Richo Cech –
hi carolyn, we’re hoping to harvest these in the fall. stay tuned. sweet vernal grass (anthoxanthum) is a reasonable substitute. r
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Colette Lalande –
I would like to purchase some sweet grass seeds and sweetgrass plants when you have them available. Please let me know when you have them in stock. Thank you.
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Richo Cech –
Hi Colette, The only way we can do this for you is for you to hit “waitlist” on the items, then you’ll get an e-mail when they come back in stock. Richo
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Richo Cech –
Yes, please hit waitlist on these items.
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Question
Ashley –
Hello, my seedlings are looking so great! I have 15 little sweet grass babies in 4″ pots. Is it best to keep potting up or should I plant them out? They’re very small still. Also will these die back in winter and come back in spring or stay green all year? Thanks so much!
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Richo Cech –
Hi Ashley,
Make sure to keep them potted up until the roots fill the pot, which shouldn’t take too awfully long given that sweetgrass is a pretty vigorous rooter. Then, either pot them individually into gallons and grow that way, or plant them in a clean bed at relatively close spacing and let them develop that way. The only problem I’ve found with planting them out is that it is hard to tell the difference between the sweetgrass from regular old grass that also wants to grow there.
Richo
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Regan –
Mine just won’t germinate and get going!! Two failures now… Any tips? Do they need a freeze before sowing? Covering with a cloche whilst germinating? Help!
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Richo Cech –
Hi Regan, They are fairly difficult germinators but you can do it. No additional tips beyond the directions, but pay special attention to: a rich mix, pressing into surface, plenty of light and warmth, even watering. You can buy the PLANT from us and then propagate easily off of root runners. richo
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Nicole (verified owner) –
75% germination as of day 20 under lights at room temp, and kept consistently wet. More adorable little spikes appearing daily! Thank you for providing such lively seed, and solid germination advice.
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Julia (verified owner) –
I’ve gotten an over 50% germination rate with these sweetgrass seeds – I’m thrilled!! First time I’ve successfully germinated sweetgrass!
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Admin Richo Cech –
Hi Julia,
Honestly I know what you mean, I myself entered into working with this seed with a healthy dose of non-expectation and was pleasantly surprised. Thank you so much for the enthusiasm (it actually makes the seedlings grow better!) Richo
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