Pennisetum clandestinum

Pennisetum clandestinum
Kikuyu Grass, Kikuyu-grass, Kikuyu, Couch Grass

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Thank you to the individuals (Laurent for order preparation and Manon from the shipping department). Just to let you know, the seeds of Kikuyu grass are in an airtight bag, inside the box.

Thierry, 15/09/2021

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Tin

€59.00

Sku: 16075

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This plant carries a 6 months recovery warranty

More information

Grass used as an alternative to lawn in mild climates, Kikuyu has broad and villous foliage and forms a dense carpet that withstands trampling and moderate drought. The plant is sensitive to heavy frosts and its foliage may turn yellow in winter, only to green up again in spring. The seeds are sown in spring after the frosts, in the sun, in a rather rich and well-prepared soil. A 0.5kg box allows for sowing approximately 75m², 10 to 15g per m².

Height at maturity

30 cm

Exposure

Sun

Sowing method

Direct sowing

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Sowing period April to May

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Description

Kikuyu, in Latin Pennisetum clandestinum, is an evergreen grass of subtropical origin used as an alternative to turf in regions unaffected by heavy frosts. It has broad and hairy foliage and forms a dense, greasy-looking carpet that withstands trampling and drought if not too prolonged. The plant is sensitive to heavy frosts and its foliage may turn yellow in winter in the case of persistent frost. This grass, which tolerates salt spray, will work wonders on the Atlantic coast of our country, or in slightly watered gardens in the Midi. The seeds are sown in spring after frosts, in the sun, in a rather rich and well-prepared soil, preferably not too chalky.

Pennisetum clandestinum belongs to the large family of Poaceae, it is a perennial grass native to Central Africa frequently used in green spaces in Mediterranean climates, as it appreciates heat and has relatively low frost resistance. Kikuyu takes a little time to establish, but it has long trailing rhizomes that can quickly colonize the area once well established. Its foliage consists of fairly wide leaves, covered in hair and of a bright green colour. If not mowed, it forms a carpet 30 to 60cm (12 to 24in) high, which persists in mild winters. This plant adapts to dry summers: a lack of water slows down its growth, greatly reducing the number of mowing required in summer. By reducing water inputs, it is possible to maintain the carpet at an average height of 8 to 15cm (3 to 6in). It is advisable not to mow a Kikuyu lawn too often or too short. It can be mixed with semi-trailing fescue seeds for faster establishment.

Composition:

100% Pennisetum clandestinum

Usage and dosage:

Sowing rate: 10 to 15g/m2

In our driest regions, watering once a week can be beneficial to maintain a vibrant green colour in the Kikuyu lawn. The plantation should be regularly watered and cleared of "weeds" during the establishment period. Once established, the plant can become invasive in hot and humid climates. Ideal for small city gardens, kikuyu is useful for covering slopes, effectively stabilizing the soil and limiting erosion phenomena.

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Flowering

Bee-friendly Attracts pollinators

Foliage

Foliage colour green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 30 cm

Growth rate normal

Botanical data

Genus

Pennisetum

Species

clandestinum

Family

Poaceae

Other common names

Kikuyu Grass, Kikuyu-grass, Kikuyu, Couch Grass

Origin

Cultivar or hybrid

Product reference • 160751

Planting and care

Sowing:

Sow directly in place in full sun, in April-May, after the frost, in a well-cultivated soil, free from weeds, refined and raked. Sow by broadcasting on the surface of the soil and lightly rake to cover the seeds. Optionally, pass the roller to ensure good adhesion of the seeds to the soil. Regularly water with a fine rain to keep the soil slightly moist until germination if it doesn't rain. Regularly water and remove "weeds" during the first months, until the plants establish themselves.

Kikuyu prefers fertile and slightly acidic to neutral soils, but it adapts well to slightly calcareous soil. In sandy and poor soils, it is necessary to add some topsoil, potting soil or compost and regularly provide lawn fertilizer in spring.

Once well established, Kikuyu will be satisfied with rainwater. In our driest and hottest regions, watering once a week in summer (15 litres of water/m²) will keep the foliage green. Lack of water slows down the growth of this grass, resulting in less mowing. The foliage often turns yellow as soon as the soil cools too much, in November-December, and then turns green again in April. The plant dies below -10°C (14°F).

Dosage: