Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis)
Description:
- Appearance: Blue Grama forms dense tufts of fine, blue-green foliage. It has distinctive seedheads that resemble eyelashes, which appear in summer and persist into fall.
- Growth Habit: Blue Grama has a bunchgrass growth habit, forming clumps rather than spreading by rhizomes or stolons.
- Height: Typically grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches, though it can vary depending on environmental conditions.
- Adaptability: Blue Grama is well-adapted to dry, arid climates and thrives in full sun. It is commonly found in prairies, meadows, and open grasslands.
Description:
- Appearance: Blue Grama forms dense tufts of fine, blue-green foliage. It has distinctive seedheads that resemble eyelashes, which appear in summer and persist into fall.
- Growth Habit: Blue Grama has a bunchgrass growth habit, forming clumps rather than spreading by rhizomes or stolons.
- Height: Typically grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches, though it can vary depending on environmental conditions.
- Adaptability: Blue Grama is well-adapted to dry, arid climates and thrives in full sun. It is commonly found in prairies, meadows, and open grasslands.
Description
Blue Grama (Bouteloua gracilis) is a warm-season grass native to North America, particularly prevalent in the western United States. It’s known for its fine texture, drought tolerance, and distinctive seedheads.
Description:
- Appearance: Blue Grama forms dense tufts of fine, blue-green foliage. It has distinctive seedheads that resemble eyelashes, which appear in summer and persist into fall.
- Growth Habit: Blue Grama has a bunchgrass growth habit, forming clumps rather than spreading by rhizomes or stolons.
- Height: Typically grows to a height of 6 to 12 inches, though it can vary depending on environmental conditions.
- Adaptability: Blue Grama is well-adapted to dry, arid climates and thrives in full sun. It is commonly found in prairies, meadows, and open grasslands.
Planting Instructions:
- Blue Grama is best planted in late spring or early summer after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed.
- Timing:
- Site Selection: Choose a planting site with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. Blue Grama is drought-tolerant and does well in poor, sandy soils.
- Soil Preparation: Prepare the planting area by removing weeds, rocks, and debris. Loosen the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches to promote good root growth.
- Seedbed Preparation: Rake the soil to create a smooth, level surface. Blue Grama seeds require good seed-to-soil contact for germination
- Seeding Rate: Blue Grama is typically seeded at a rate of 1 to 2 pounds of pure live seed per 1,000 square feet for new plantings.
- Seed Distribution: Broadcast the seeds evenly over the prepared soil surface. It’s beneficial to mix the seeds with sand to help distribute them more evenly
- Covering the Seed:Lightly rake the soil to cover the seeds to a depth of about 1/4 inch. Avoid burying the seeds too deeply, as they require light for germination.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the germination period, which typically takes 10 to 14 days.
- Establishment: Once the grass is established, gradually reduce watering frequency to encourage deep root growth. Blue Grama is drought-tolerant once established and requires minimal irrigation.
- Maintenance: Blue Grama is a low-maintenance grass and generally does not require fertilization or mowing. However, if desired, it can be mowed in late winter or early spring to remove dead growth and improve its appearance.
- Fertilization: Blue Grama typically does not require fertilization in native or naturalized settings. In lawns or landscapes, a low-nitrogen fertilizer can be applied sparingly if needed.
- Watering: Once established, Blue Grama is drought-tolerant and requires minimal irrigation. Water deeply but infrequently during prolonged dry periods.
- •Weed Control: Blue Grama forms a dense turf that suppresses weed growth. Hand-pull or spot-treat any weeds that may emerge.
- Thatch Control: Blue Grama lawns generally do not develop thatch buildup. Core aerating can help improve soil aeration and water infiltration if necessary.
