Orchard Grass - Dactylis glomerat

More commonly known as cat grass.

I adore ornamental grasses in the garden and as a cat owner, it is natural that I would plant this one. However, this year I discovered the seed heads are excellent to use in floral work.

This grass has health benefits for cats as it contains folic acid, fibre, niacin and vitamins A, B & D. It also contains a substance called Chlorophyll that can aid in pain relief and infection but also helps to freshen breath. As a result it helps aid digestion, provides natural fibre, and can assist in reducing hairballs.

Dactylis glomerata is a cool climate grass that grows in tufts that can get up to 1 metre tall. It is tolerant of a wide range of conditions but thrives in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Distinctive flowers appear in summer and consist of densely clustered, green spikelets on branched stems, with conspicuous cream, pink or purple anthers providing valuable pollen for bees and other insects. It has relatively broad, coarse leaves creating substantial tussocks providing overwintering habitat for wildlife.

If you are growing this plant in the garden for seed heads, ensure you harvest seeds before they set or contain them so they are unable to self seed.

Sprinkle seeds on well-drained soil either directly into the garden or in pots. Lighly cover seeds with soil. Water and keep damp but not wet. Germination will occur within 5 to 10 days. Grow until plants are 10cm in height, harden off and plant into the garden.

For cats either harvest the grass when it is around 10cm high or let them chew the grass from the pot. Sow seeds every few weeks for a steady fresh supply. 

Seeds currently available.

$5.00 - 50 open pollinated seeds

$4.00 - postage within Australia

Email to order - fascinatingbotanicals@gmail.com

Payment - Bank Deposit or Paypal