planting grass seed in southern california California Native Biofilter Grass Seed Mixture

planting grass seed in southern california California Native Biofilter Grass Seed MixtureNotice: Pictures are general representations of seed mixtures. Actual results may vary due to seasonal and site conditions and cultural practices. DESCRIPTION California Native Biofilter Grass Seed Mixture A mixture of California native grasses that exhibit extensive root systems and grow in a wide range of soil types and conditions. It is an ideal product for use in bioswale landscape areas because of its adaptability, low water use and ability to

Notice: Pictures are general representations of seed mixtures.  Actual results may vary due to seasonal and site conditions and cultural practices.

DESCRIPTION

California Native Biofilter Grass Seed Mixture
A mixture of California native grasses that exhibit extensive root systems and grow in a wide range of soil types and conditions. It is an ideal product for use in bioswale landscape areas because of its adaptability, low water use and ability to contain sediment and recharge ground water. It can be either mowed or left unmowed for a more natural look. Grasses in this mixture are classified as “California Friendly” by California Water Agencies and recommended for use in landscapes as a low water user.

CHARACTERISTICS

USES
• Bioswales • Roadsides • Non-irrigated conditions • Erosion Control  • Commercial Sites

Specifications: NATIVE BIOFILTER SEED MIXTURE

Molate Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra ‘Molate’). Perennial, cool season, fine textured native bunch grass that also spreads by rhizomes. An attractive ornamental grass either mown or unmown. Popular for natural landscapes and low maintenance buffer areas.

Purple Needlegrass (Nasella pulchra). Perennial, cool season bunch grass. Official California State Grass. Once established, it is tolerant to extreme heat and drought. Attractive and interesting seed panicles with a purple cast. Widely distributed.

California Barley (Hordeum californicum). Perennial, cool season, California native bunch grass. Loose green foliage. Exhibits good mowing tolerance and grows in full sun to light shade. Salt tolerant.

Creeping Wild Rye (Leymus triticoides). Perennial, cool season, rhizomatous grass. California native. Vigorous grower. A vigorous, rhizomatous perennial grass that grows on a wide range of soils. It is well adapted to alkaline soils and tolerates high summer temperatures.

Meadow Barley (Hordeum brachyantherum) A drought tolerant bunchgrass that grows in a wide range of soils and climates. Native to Western North America. Early maturing, grows 24-36 inches high.

Thingrass (Agrostis pallens). Perennial, cool season. A native rhizomatous bentgrass that grows in sun or shade.

SEEDING RATES
Suggested seeding rate for new establishment is 1.5 pounds per 1,000 square feet or 65 pounds per acre. Lighter rates can be used for overseeding depending on the existing stand. 

ESTABLISHMENT
Best times for seeding are September through April. Summer seeding can be achieved with supplemental irrigation.

Weed control prior to seeding is strongly recommended.
Seed-to-soil contact is critical for success either by seed drilling, hydroseeding or hand seeding with mulching.

CULTURAL INFORMATION

Water Requirements
The native grasses in this mixture will withstand prolonged periods of drought. If some green vegetation is desired then supplemental summer irrigation is necessary. If no summer irrigation is provided the grasses will become a dormant golden color and green up inthe fall with rainfall. It is recommended that supplemental irrigation is supplied through one summer season in order for the grasses to establish deep root systems.

Climate Conditions
This seed mixture is suitable for foothill, valley and coastal regions of California.

Soil Conditions
This mixture performs best in clay or sandy soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 8.5.

Fertilization
Use of a starter fertilizer when seeding is highly recommended. While fertilizer on native grasses is not critical it is recommended to promote growth and increase establishment. Fertilize during periods of active growth in Spring and Fall with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid using products with a high nitrogen (N) content as that will increase water usage. Apply no more than 4 pounds of N per 1,000 square feet per year.

Mowing
It is not necessary to mow the Bioswale Mixture but it can be mowed if a neater look is desired. Mowing height should be no lower than 3 inches. Never mow more than 1/3 of the leaf blade on a mowing cycle.

CLICK HERE for instructions on planting and maintaining native grasses.