I've grown it from seed, and it is a slow grower. No amount of fertilizer will change that. Seeds which I winter sowed in February of '06 germinated in late spring, and the seedlings were potted up in August. They stayed in those pots for two full years before I planted them out in the garden.

Winter sowing is a good method for dealing with seeds which need cold strat. The natural freeze/thaw cycles of winter help to overcome their mechanical germination inhibitors.

I collect seeds in fall and store dry in the refrigerator in ziplock bags. PDS likes warm temperature to geminate and grow. I germinate mine on top of the fridge for warmth. Then transplant seedlings to flats to grow at 60-70 degree ambient household temps. They germinate within a couple of weeks. The problem with prairie dropseed is that while it is quick to germinate, it is slow to reach a sizable clump. I grow my seedling under lights then transplant directly in the garden come spring. It takes a few years before it looks like anything, but well worth the wait.

I winter sowed PDS this year and I'm finally seeing a few sprouts. If it would ever warm up, the rest will follow. It's good to know this information. I was beginning to think the seeds were duds. And now I know if they don't grow fast, it's just the way they are.

Karen