Cenchrus alopecuroides 'Black Purple', commonly known as Chinese Fountaingrass or Black Purple Fountain Grass, is a warm-season perennial ornamental grass native to Eastern Asia and Australia. This cultivar is prized for its distinctive deep purple-black bottle brush-like flower spikes that emerge in late summer and contrast beautifully with fine green foliage. Seeds germinate readily with no special treatment required, making this species easy to propagate from seed in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Before sowing
No pre-treatment needed — sow directly.
Sowing
What to expect
Tips
Sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost or directly outdoors after soil has warmed. Keep soil moist and lightly covered with vermiculite or sand; gently press seeds into soil surface. Germination occurs faster at warmer temperatures (20-25°C). Provide bright light after germination, and maintain moderate moisture without waterlogging. Seeds can be sown year-round indoors if proper temperature conditions are maintained. For best results, sow 2-3 seeds per cell or pot to allow selection of strongest seedlings.
Sources: North Carolina State University Extension, Wisconsin Horticulture Extension, SeedAholic, Outside Pride, Plant Finder databases
