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Whether you like the look of Cyperus zumula or want to wow your cat, planting cat grass is not difficult. In this article you will find all information about sowing and care.

In a nutshell

  • Cat grass can be sown all year round
  • germinates after about 2 weeks
  • undemanding to care
  • Cutting measures only slightly necessary
  • must be repotted regularly

Sow cat grass: timing

Before you plant the cat grass, you need to know the right time for sowing. Best of all: As classic cat grass, Cyperus zumula only needs a sufficiently high temperature and can therefore be sown all year round. This is particularly effective if you decide to provide your cats with the nibbling fun at short notice.

location

Another point that you should consider before planting cat grass is the right location. You should prepare this so that you can place the culture vessels directly. This will speed up germination. Another advantage of the right location is the fact that you do not have to choose a new place for further cultivation. Both the seedlings and the adult specimens prefer the following site characteristics:

  • Light requirement: bright, shady
  • avoid direct midday sun
  • warm (18°C to 25°C)
  • window sills are ideal
  • alternatively use conservatories or bright corridors

Notice: Fully grown cat grass can easily be kept on the balcony or in the garden over the summer. Fresh air and sunshine have a positive effect on the vitality of the sour grass family (Cyperaceae).

Sowing instructions

Sowing cat grass is not difficult. In addition to the selected spot, the substrate used is particularly important when planting cat grass. In order for the seeds to germinate effectively, the following substrates are recommended:

  • potting soil
  • herbal soil

Select either small seed pots or seed trays for sowing. Alternatively, you can use a mini greenhouse if you have one available. You don't need more for the cultivation. Once you have the right vessel, follow this guide, which will walk you through the process step-by-step:

  • Soak seeds before sowing
  • 12 hours in room-warm water
  • Fill the cultivation vessels with substrate
  • strain seeds
  • distribute on growing substrate
  • Lightly press
  • Spread thin layer of soil over seeds
  • moisten well
  • use soft water
  • place in the selected cookie
  • cover with foil or close the mini greenhouse
  • Germination time: 12 to 14 days
  • Check substrate for moisture daily
  • spray with water if necessary
  • remove foil after germination
  • then observe care measures

pour

When caring for cat grass, watering is one of the most important points. The plants prefer a lot of moisture and should therefore never dry out. A lack of water can be recognized by the brown tips of the stalks. In this case, you should water immediately so that the plants do not shrink. The marsh plant has no real problem with waterlogging. The following points will help you water cat grass properly:

  • water several times a week
  • Always keep the soil slightly moist
  • use soft water
  • e.g. filtered or stagnant water
  • alternatively fill coasters with water
  • refill regularly
Fill coasters regularly with water.

Tip: To optimize the vitality of the grasses, you should regularly spray the plants with water to improve the humidity. This is especially recommended in winter when dry heating air puts the cat grass under pressure.

Fertilize

When cultivating cat grass for your cats, there is no need to fertilize. Additional fertilization measures are only necessary if you keep Cyperus zumula as a houseplant. Then proceed as follows:

  • Time: spring to autumn
  • every 2 weeks
  • in winter every 5 to 6 weeks
  • Use green plant or herb fertilizer
  • Only administer via irrigation water

repot

Cat grass is not repotted after planting. This is only necessary after a period of one to two years, when it has become too big for the bucket. You can use the top layer of earth for orientation. If it is completely rooted, it is time for a new container and fresh substrate. The following is recommended as a substrate for the adult specimens:

  • sterilized garden soil
  • Mix in quartz sand for structure

Prepare a pot about an inch larger in diameter than the previous one. It should have drainage holes and a coaster. Then proceed as follows:

  • Remove cat grass from pot
  • check roots
  • remove dead, dried up or rotten ones
  • fill a new pot with fresh substrate
  • insert plant
  • Fill in the rest of the substrate
  • Lightly press
  • moisten well

Notice: Another sign of repotting that you can use as a guide is brown colored culms with ideal care measures. A lack of space means that more and more culms turn brownish.

To cut

Whether you have to cut the cat grass after planting depends on the use. If your cat is a fan of the grasses, you don't have to reach for the scissors yourself. Since the stalks are constantly being eaten away, they remain soft and usually do not grow higher than 10 to 15 cm. On the other hand, if your house tiger rarely eats the cat grass or if you use the grass purely as a houseplant because of its appearance, pruning measures are required. This prevents lignification and the bucket is not filled up so quickly. At the same time, long blades of cat grass form sharp-edged leaves that could injure your cat's mouth. Regular pruning prevents this problem and protects velvet paws that only occasionally nibble on cat grass. The cut works as follows:

  • use sharp and disinfected scissors
  • wear gloves if necessary
  • Take cat grass between your fingers at the desired height
  • cut thoroughly
  • Dispose of leftovers in organic waste or on compost

hibernate

An important aspect of cat grass care is overwintering. Since Cyperus zumula is not a hardy plant, it is brought indoors in October or November at the latest when it has been able to enjoy a spot outside. You then go back to the care measures already mentioned. To ensure that the plants do not suffer from drought stress over the winter, you should adjust the location as follows:

  • Temperature: 14°C to 18°C
  • avoid direct sun
  • not in close proximity to radiators
  • avoid cold drafts

Notice: So that the plants do not burn in the spring, you need to slowly accustom them to sunshine. Slowly increase the number of hours of sunshine over a period of several weeks and avoid the midday sun consistently.

frequently asked Questions

Why is cat grass good for indoor cats?

Cats need to eat grass regularly in addition to their food to promote the passage of indigestible hair from the stomach. This means that with enough cat grass, you make it easier for your velvet paws to regurgitate hairballs. This will prevent constipation. If your cats are outdoors, you don't have to worry about them as they will take care of themselves.

Which sweet grasses are also offered as cat grass?

In addition to Cyperus zumula, various oat, wheat and rye varieties are also available. Due to the softer structure, they are better suited for cats that have a sensitive mouth and for whom Cyprus grass is too hard. Seychelles grass (Pogonatherum paniceum) is another option. The maintenance measures do not differ.

How much cat grass can house tigers eat every day?

The cats decide for themselves. The animals instinctively eat as much cat grass as they need. Of course, your cat has to accept the grass in the first place. Not everyone is enthusiastic about potted plants and prefers the freely available grasses in the garden.

How can cat grass be propagated?

You can share the growths. It will be shared in the spring. To do this, remove the plants from the pot and separate the rhizomes from each other. Use a sharp and disinfected knife for this. Then put the sections in a pot with a suitable substrate and care for the plants as usual.

Is cat grass susceptible to pests or diseases?

Cat grass is hardy and not prone to disease. Pests are the only problem. The plant most often has to struggle with spider mites when the cat grass suffers from drought stress. In this case, either give the plant a good shower or spray it. Simply remove dead stalks. If the infestation has been contained, you must preventively ensure a permanently high level of humidity.

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Vegetable garden