What makes Festuca a must-have for ornamental grass growers?
Festuca glauca is a straightforward crop to grow. It is a uniform, consistent grower for predictable start to finish scheduling. It is a cool season grass, best grown when media temperatures average 60 – 75 degrees. This dovetails nicely with either greenhouse or nursery production, before and after production of warm season grasses. Festuca is recognizable and popular with consumers. It is durable and has great shelf life in both the greenhouse/nursery and in the retail setting.
Which species and varieties should growers include in their program?
Festuca glauca cultivars are the most commercially familiar of the Festuca species. They are easy to care for and complement other grasses and perennials in the landscape. ‘Elijah Blue’ is the standard-bearer with good name recognition. It still holds up and is our number #1 seller. Here are more cultivars that offer some distinction in the blue green color range and heat tolerance:
Cool as Ice is notable in that it maintains its appearance in the heat of the summer.
Beyond Blue is also heat tolerant and offers intense icy blue foliage.
Boulder Blue offers a more compact but cascading growth in the landscape with good heat tolerance.
What are the best uses for Festuca in the garden and landscape?
Festuca glauca can be grown in dry areas of the landscape but needs full sun. It is a good out-by-the-mailbox landscape plant. It partners well with other grasses and perennials, complementing the various textures and colors of the landscape palette. Grow in as much sun as possible.
What type of growing media and fertilizer are best for Festuca?
Festucas can be grown in a range of different media components with a general pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The key is good drainage as you move up in container size.
Inside the greenhouse, we use a balanced water-soluble fertilizer. We use 20-10-20 or 21-5-20 at 100 ppm with every watering to root and establish our young plants. As they develop and become approximately 2/3 of the way to being ready, we pause all nutrient applications. The discontinuing of fertilizer extends the shelf life and does not have a negative impact on the appearance. Controlled release options are suitable for outdoor growing only! Again, use a low to medium rate with a short release longevity. Do not over fertilize. Use low to medium rates during the juvenile growing time of establishment.
What are the best pot sizes to grow Festuca in?
Festucas are best grown in the quarts to 1 gallon pots range. During optimal growing conditions, expect the crop to finish a quart in 5 – 7 weeks and a one gallon in 8 – 10 weeks when started from one 50-cell liner. Plant in early spring in a heated greenhouse for mid to late spring sales, or plant in fall for following year spring sales. Certain geographical areas can plant in summer/early fall for same fall season sales, especially in quarts.Are there any pests or diseases that growers need to watch for?
Insect problems are rare. Diseases can be an issue if over-watered, particularly when the plants are not actively growing during hot, humid weather. Treat with a regular rotation of fungicides during hot and humid weather.
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