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French Grass Seeds

Psoralea onobrychis

  • HOW TO GROW
  • FAST FACTS

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: To help soften the hard coating on these seeds and speed germination, pour hot water over the seeds and allow them to soak for 24 hours before planting. Mix the soaked seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 10 days before planting. Plant in the spring as soon as the soil has warmed. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination.

Growing: Water seedlings regularly until they become established, and control weeds. Mature plants tolerate drought fairly well. Over time, this plant will spread by rhizomes to form a natural colony. This plant attracts bees.

Harvesting: These blossoms do not perform well as cut flowers, and are best enjoyed outdoors.

Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, oblong seed pods will form. When ripe, the seed pods will turn black; cut them off and spread them out to dry away from direct sunlight. Split the pods open to remove the seed. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Psoralea onobrychis

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7

US Regions: Midwest, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 1,200

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 36 Inches

Color: Blue

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer

Size Price Quantity
XL Mylar Packet (~20 Seeds) $3.75 Notify Me
1/16 Oz Mylar (1.77g) $7.96 Notify Me
1/4 Oz Mylar (7.09g) $14.00 Notify Me
1 Oz Mylar (~1,200 Seeds) $40.00 Notify Me
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DESCRIPTION

Valued for its attractive green foliage, this decorative native plant does not look like grass at all! It bears pretty purple flowers, which then form a leguminous hard seed pod that turns black with age. This perennial is usually used in native restoration projects.
Though this plant's connection to grass seems mysterious, the species name "onobrychis" provides a clue. This name, which means "devoured by donkeys," is the genus name of a similar but unrelated plant species used throughout Europe as a replacement for grass in grazing areas; this look-alike plant is often grown in pastures because of its high nutritional benefits. In spite of its similar appearance, French Grass itself usually grows as a decorative plant valued primarily for its attractive foliage and blooms.

HOW TO GROW

Sowing: To help soften the hard coating on these seeds and speed germination, pour hot water over the seeds and allow them to soak for 24 hours before planting. Mix the soaked seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 10 days before planting. Plant in the spring as soon as the soil has warmed. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination.

Growing: Water seedlings regularly until they become established, and control weeds. Mature plants tolerate drought fairly well. Over time, this plant will spread by rhizomes to form a natural colony. This plant attracts bees.

Harvesting: These blossoms do not perform well as cut flowers, and are best enjoyed outdoors.

Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, oblong seed pods will form. When ripe, the seed pods will turn black; cut them off and spread them out to dry away from direct sunlight. Split the pods open to remove the seed. Store the seed in a cool, dry place.

FAST FACTS

Latin Name: Psoralea onobrychis

Species Origin: US Native Wildflower

Type: Native Wildflowers

Life Cycle: Perennial

USDA Zones: 4, 5, 6, 7

US Regions: Midwest, Southeast

Seeds per Ounce: 1,200

Stratification: Cold/Wet for 4 Weeks

Germination Ease: Stratify 4 Weeks

Sunlight: Full Sun

Height: 36 Inches

Color: Blue

Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer