Of the varieties you mention, I've grown C. comans 'Bronze Form' from seed from Parks. I've also grown C. muskingumensis, a semi-fine bladed Carex, from self-collected seeds. Neither required any stratification or special treatment. I start them in plant bands, outdoors, in Spring. Comans doughnuts much like Miscanthus. Divide frequently, using plugs from the perimeter of the plant, and discard the center.

Most of my Carex are tolerant of drought and heat once established (after the first year), but most look better when provided sufficient water in summer. They are also sun-tolerant with proper irrigation.

I wouldn't think the Cedar would have any negative effects. Many of my Carex are grown under and around all sorts of Conifers, and they do fine.

Jelitto's website, in addition to being a wonderful source for seed for grasses, is a great resource of information on cultivation and seed-starting.

Unfortunately, they are temporarily down right now, while they refresh their inventory information for the new season. They have a wide assortment of grasses, and they ship US orders from their Louisville office.

Here is a link that might be useful: Jelitto

Thanks.

Just one more question. I noticed many seed sources only offer about 24 seeds per pack @ around $4.50 or so. This was one reason I was wondering about ease in germination. Do you sow it like grass, putting a number of seeds per cell?

I have decided to go with Jellito. They have the best selection and you have often recommended them so highly.

When I'm pretty sure the seeds will produce similar plants, I sow clumps..that is, up to 15 seeds per square inch of cell. If I think there is a possibility for variation, I sow 1 seed per cell, in tiny-cell flats like 120s or 200s. An example of this is Miscanthus sinensis 'New Hybrids,' 'Early Hybrids' and 'Late Hybrids.' These are blends of seeds from several different hybrids which show the same general blooming characteristics. If you look closely at the seeds, you'll see differences, and they produce plants with different characteristics...blade width, markings, height, etc.. I enjoy trying to isolate plants I like by sowing only one seed per cell. It's pretty tedious, but the results are gratifying.

Jelitto gives you an indication of how may seeds you need to produce how many plants. That's based upon single seed sowing and tested germination rates.

Very interesting about seed variations. I've never checked. Thanks.