I've tried several dozen named grass cultivars from seed. If the archives go back that far, you'll find extensive posts on the WS forum in 2004 and 2005.

I've only found one which is reliably true to the parent; Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Moudry.'

Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus' is about 50% reliable, and some of the not-true outcomes are as nice or nicer than the parent. Some had narrower blades and some had wider blades.

Almost all of the species grasses were fairly easy to grow from seed, and I got lots of interesting sports in the process.

I also found most grasses, both warm and cool season varieties, did better with spring and summer sowing than with winter sowing. The seeds tended to rot before germinating when winter sown.

Thanks soooo much for the information Donn! Would you mind if I added your experiences with grass cultivars from seed(both on this thread and any others I might find on GW) to my seed database?

By the way, have you ever tried Pennisetums 'Karley Rose', 'Hameln' , or any of the dwarf cultivars from seed??
Thanks much!
CMK

Here is a link that might be useful: My Seed Database

You're free to use anything I've posted on the forums.

I haven't tried any of the dwarf Pennisetums. For the most part, I've gotten away from growing perennials from seed. These days I only grow veggies from seed. I have so many perennial grasses I'm swimming in divisions. I still cull interesting volunteers, though. I've gotten some really unique sports from Festuca, Miscanthus and Panicum.

Thanks donn_ ;-)
CMK