In the nursery we grow them in 1" plugs of approx. 6-10 seeds. Then sow multiple plugs in the container or area to be filled. If you want a 3-4' base then you'll need over 1200 plugs!

A 2x2' base (approx. 550 plugs) will be approx. 3-3.5 feet spread to the top.

Dave

Oh. Well that's a lot of plugs. Thanks for letting me know I'd only need a 2x2-foot base to get the effect I'm looking for. Would sowing larger plugs work out?

Also, I did find out that purple fountain grass doesn't come true from seed, but I have some maiden grass I'd like to try.

Dave - where the heck are you finding seeds of Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'???!!!

Dave - where the heck are you finding seeds of Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum'???!!!

Not. Oh Rubrum seeds are offered for sale out there but are a rip off. Not so much that they are sterile but 99% are harvested too early and aren't mature enough to be viable.

I should have been more clear that I was addressing the title of the post - sowing ornamental grass seeds in general.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Rubrum viability discussion

Really? I got them in a trade and then threw them out thinking they were sterile. So how would I know they're mature?