I love Silver Falls Dichondra dripping densely from my containers. Buying 40 or so plants a year is expensive, so I decided to try to germinate from seed in 2023. I tried both Silver Falls and Emerald Falls. I found germination difficult (especially Emerald Falls) and growth slow. I thought about over-wintering a mother-plant, but getting 40-plus starts from that seemed like more work than germinating from seed, so I’ll try once more in 2024.
This is my personal growing guide. I use it to track seed sources, when to start seeds and if I should adjust growing conditions in my own greenhouse and garden. Please don’t consider this professional grower’s advice. I like the plant information cards from Ball Seed Company. Here is the card for Silver Falls Dichondra.
FAVOURITE VARIETIES AND SOURCES
In 2023, I tried both Silver Falls and Emerald Falls. I ended up with only one Emerald Falls to add to a container, and frankly, it was underwhelming. So, I’ll stick with Silver Falls for 2024. I’m also going to double source some seeds to see if the multi-pelleted seeds from Swallowtail were the issue, although I’ve always been happy with their seeds in the past.
- Dichondra, Silver Falls – 10 multi-pelleted seeds from Swallowtail Seeds
| Hardiness | Light frost, tender perennial |
| Exposure | Sun, part sun |
| Deer Resistant | Seems to be |
| Bloom | None |
| Deadheading | None |
| Water/soil | Prefers warm, dry |
| Height | 2-6 inches |
| Width | Trails up to 48 inches, spiller |
| Fertilize |
SEED STARTING
- 10 weeks before frost is Mar 11
- Sow in cell packs, press into soil, do not cover. Needs light to germinate.
- Kept at 70-75° F., germination is in 4-15 days.
- Use a heat mat and warm water for young starts
GROWING CONDITIONS
- Grows cooler 65-75°F (18-24°C) so place plugs in the cooler section of the greenhouse
- Grows best in warm and dry conditions.
- Use light feed. Rinse foliage after feeding to avoid salt burn.
- Higher light levels result in foliage that is more silver and denser.