Cat Grass, Zumula
Short Description
Cats really, really like eating this plant.
Full Description
Cyperus alternifolius, best known as umbrella plant, is an appealing grass-like plant related to sedge grass. ‘Zumula’s compact 10" height is perfectly suited for indoors. Young foliage is fresh and bright-green; in due course, distinctive “umbrellas” make their appearance. Cats really enjoy it, but no worries—it’s not poisonous. And just listen to what they have to say!
“Prrrh! Meow meow meooow Zumula. Prrr meep—mmph brrep. Meow mroww meow-meow oof! Meep prrr Zumula. Meewr!”
Product properties
Sun The amount of sunlight this product needs daily in order to perform well in the garden. Full sun means 6 hours of direct sun per day; partial sun means 2-4 hours of direct sun per day; shade means little or no direct sun.
Full Sun
Days To Maturity The average number of days from when the plant is actively growing in the garden to the expected time of harvest.
30-40 days
Life Cycle This refers to whether a plant is an annual, biennial or perennial. Annuals complete their life cycles in one year; biennials produce foliage the first year and bloom and go to seed the second year; perennials can live for more than two years.
Annual
Height The typical height of this product at maturity.
10-12 inches
Spread The width of the plant at maturity.
10-12 inches
Additional Uses Additional ways in which the product may be used in the garden.
Container Plant
Plant Shipping Information
Plants begin shipping week of:
Apr 27, 2020
Click here for Spring shipping scheduleRestrictions:
Item 23512 cannot ship to: AE, AK, AP, AS, CN, FM, GU, HI, MH, MP, PR, PW, VI
See all Burpee plant shipping restrictions for your state
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Cat Grass
Start Indoors Starting seeds indoors is called Indoor Sow or Indirect Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds indoors in the spring or summer
Transplant When to transplant bulbs or roots in the garden for spring
Start Outdoors Starting seeds outdoors is called Outdoor Sow or Direct Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the spring or summer
Start Indoors Fall Starting seeds indoors in the fall called Indoor Sow or Indirect Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the fall
Transplant Fall Transplant Fall-When to transplant bulbs or roots in the garden for fall
Start Outdoors Fall Starting seeds outdoors in the fall is called Outdoor Sow or Direct Sow and these dates are when to sow seeds outdoors in the fallFirst Date: May-02 - Last Date: May-30
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Sowing Cat Grass Seed Indoors
- To grow cat grass as a houseplant, sow indoors at any time.
- Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in seed starting formula in the container where the plants will grow.
- Keep the soil moist at 70 degrees F
- Seedlings emerge in 7-14 days
- As soon as seedlings emerge, provide plenty of light on a sunny windowsill or grow seedlings 3-4 inches beneath fluorescent plant lights turned on 16 hours per day, off for 8 hours at night. Raise the lights as the plants grow taller. Incandescent bulbs will not work for this process because they will get too hot. Most plants require a dark period to grow, do not leave lights on for 24 hours.
Sowing Cat Grass Directly in the Garden
- Sow cat grass outdoors in spring after all danger of frost has passed in average soil in full sun.
- Remove weeds and work organic matter into the top 6-8 inches of soil; then level and smooth.
- Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in rows 1 inch apart.
- Firm lightly and keep evenly moist.
- Seedlings emerge 7-14 days.
Keep weeds under control during the cat grass growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating.- For best results, water just as soil surface dries.
- Re-sow often to maintain months of vibrant grass.
- Trim back to 1 inch every second week to promote fresh growth.
- Cat grass usually re-grows quickly several times after being nibbled.
- Monitor grass for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.
Cat Grass Harvesting and Preserving Tips
- Pets may graze plants at will.
- People can make smoothies with young green leaves cut at 1 inch from the ground as needed.