QuestionQUESTION: Hello:
I live in San Francisco Bay area, I dont' know what zone i am in but the weather is mainly cool & dry with clay soil. I am going to use Irish moss as ground cover. I am planning to start from seeds. I don't have any experience in this, should I start the seeds in containers first and then transfer? or just spread the seeds directly? How fast do they grow and how often should I water? do they need more water in the beginning?
Please suggest. thank you
min
ANSWER: Hi Min,
Thanx for your question. Irish moss, Sagina subulata, is easily started from seed. It can be started outdoors or indoors. The seed are tiny. If starting outdoors, clear the desired area of vegetation and then rake the soil gently. Sprinkle the seeds lightly over the desired area and press the seed into the soil but do not cover. Moisten with water and keep moist but not soggy. Germination will occur in 10-20 days. Keep the area moist but not soggy. When the plants become established, you can simply transfer clumps to new areas you want the plant to cover.
When starting indoors, press the seed into damp potting soil and keep moist but not soggy. Transplant outdoors when the seedlings are large enough to handle.
I hope this helps.
Tom
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hello Tom:
your info is very helpful, just one more question. the weather now is sometimes warm and sometimes cool. is it better to start the plant from indoor? or I should wait until the weather gets warmer?
How often should i water? thanks
min
AnswerHi Min,
Thanx for the follow up. I used live in Monterey many, many moons ago, so I am familiar with the climate around the Bay Area. As you know, it can be quite variable being cooler in the San Francisco area and warmer inland. The key to starting outdoors is to maintain dampness. The soil should be free draining and moist but not soggy. Don't allow the soil to dry out. You can plant outdoors if there is no frost. You still need to keep moist soil if growing indoors. I hope this helps.
Tom
