Variegatus were propagated from mature field stock in the Twin Cities. Little bluestem and prairie dropseed were planted from 1 x 3 plugs grown from seed. Miscanthus Purpurascens was propagated from divisions of 2-gallon containers. Propagule size was standardized within and between each container or field grown selection by the number of crowns or visible growing buds and the circumference of the propagule. Six different media or substrates were developed by varying proportions of composted rice hulls and sand from the Becker sand plain in central Minnesota.
Rice hulls is a readily available, inexpensive, consistent substrate that is highly porous.
Becker sand is very fine and has a tight compact matrix that has very low porosity. Thus these two consistent materials can be blended to achieve different soil porosities. Ten divisions or plugs were planted in each media or substrate and in each size container resulting in a total of 900 plants. Plants were uncovered in early April, 1998. Throughout the growing season standard nursery practices of irrigation and regular fertilization will be maintained based on previous container studies.