- Does Chinese reed grow all year round?
- How big is the daily increase?
- When did the Chinese reed reach its final size?
It's probably no secret that Chinese reed (bot. Miscanthus sinensis) is one of the fast-growing plants. Since it is (albeit very distantly) related to bamboo, this fact is easy to understand.
Chinese reed grows several centimeters per day
Does Chinese reed grow all year round?
Chinese reed does not grow all year round, but only during the so-called vegetation phase. This lasts from spring to autumn. If the Chinese reed shows its attractive autumn colors, then the growth for this year is complete. The rest phase begins. The next year the shield will sprout again and new culms will grow. You should cut off the old stalks first.
How big is the daily increase?
Chinese reed grows about two meters high, depending on the variety. It must reach this level within a few weeks. The daily growth is therefore often several centimeters, with giant Chinese reed even up to five centimeters. After all, it grows up to four meters high. Dwarf Chinese reed grows much more slowly, it only gets about a meter high.
When did the Chinese reed reach its final size?
The Chinese reed reaches its final size at the earliest in the second, but at the latest in the third year of life. The prerequisite for this, however, are ideal growth conditions. This depends on the location, the soil and the weather. The latter refers to the climate zone and the current weather.
Chinese reed usually prefers a sunny location. It also thrives in semi-shade, but grows more slowly and usually stays smaller than in optimal light conditions. To stimulate growth, you can fertilize your Chinese reed in the spring. In very nutrient-rich soil, however, this is not necessary and may even be harmful.
The essentials in brief:
- many varieties very fast growing
- grow a little slower: dwarf Chinese reed
- maximum daily growth: up to 5 cm (for the giant Chinese reed)
- Final height only in the second or third year
- relevant to growth: location, soil and weather (temperature, solar radiation)
tips
Giant Chinese reed (bot. Miscanthus giganteus) grows the fastest, it gains about five centimeters per day.