switch grass

Switch grass (Panicum virgatum 'Cheyenne Sky') does best when kept moist, however, it can survive in drier climates as well. During the growing season, water your switch grass every 7-10 days, providing 1”-2” of water each time. Water the soil around the base of the plant and avoid wetting the foliage, as this can lead to disease development. Reduce watering frequency as the weather cools in the fall and winter; you likely won’t need to water more than every couple of weeks. Be sure to check the soil every couple of days during times of extreme heat, drought, or winds, as you may need to water more frequently. If the soil starts to feel dry to the touch, increase the amount of water you provide.

Switch grass (Panicum virgatum 'Cheyenne Sky') prefers an average of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day during its growing season. For best growth, switch grass requires full sun most of the day during the summer months and partial sun during the cooler months. In general, switch grass prefers to have its roots in the shade. Too much shade though can lead to thinner and weaker plants. As a result, it is important to find a balance between shade and sun when selecting the ideal spot for switch grass.

Switch grass (Panicum virgatum 'Cheyenne Sky') should be pruned in late winter or very early spring, before new foliage begins to appear. Cut the grasses with pruners, loppers, or hedge shears to approximately 12-15 inches tall. This will ensure that new crowns can form with the new shoots. If pruning is needed after new growth has begun, use sharp hand shears and take care not to cut into the new shoots. Pruning can be done as much as needed to keep the clumps of grasses from becoming too crowded, though they may need to be pruned more than once throughout the season.