How to Grow Switchgrass 'Kanlow'
Switchgrass 'Kanlow'
Panicum virgatum 'Kanlow'
grassSwitchgrass 'Kanlow' is a warm-season perennial grass prized for its tall, upright growth habit and deep root system. This cultivar is particularly valued for biomass production, erosion control, and ornamental landscaping. It features fine-textured foliage that turns attractive burgundy-bronze in fall.
When should you plant Switchgrass 'Kanlow' in your zone?
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Example Switchgrass 'Kanlow' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Switchgrass 'Kanlow'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Switchgrass 'Kanlow'
Around Oct 14≈ 180 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Switchgrass 'Kanlow' dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9, with superior cold hardiness compared to other switchgrass cultivars
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Dormancy
November-MarchPlant remains dormant underground over winter, with dead foliage present. Deep root system develops during this period.
Do not cut back until late winter or early spring (after last frost). Dead stems provide wildlife habitat and erosion protection.
Spring Emergence & Vegetative Growth
April-JuneNew shoots emerge 4-6 weeks after last spring frost. Dense clumps of fine-textured green foliage develop rapidly as temperatures warm.
Cut back old growth to 2-4 inches before new growth emerges. Remove any weeds competing for nutrients. Light fertilization optional (low nitrogen).
Flowering
July-SeptemberTall panicle inflorescences develop on stems reaching 4-8 feet tall. Flower heads are open, airy, and initially reddish-purple, maturing to tan.
No deadheading necessary; flowers attract pollinators and beneficial insects. Support tall cultivars if wind is excessive.
Seed Maturation & Color Change
September-OctoberSeeds fully mature and dry; foliage transitions to deep burgundy-bronze or purple tones. Biomass reaches peak weight.
Monitor for harvest timing if collecting seed or biomass. Allow seeds to fully dry for collection.
Senescence & Winter Dormancy
November-MarchFoliage dries to tan-brown; stems become woody and sturdy. Plant transitions to winter dormancy as temperatures drop and day length shortens.
Leave standing through winter for habitat, erosion control, and mulch. Cut back in late February-March before spring growth resumes.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Rarely damaging on established plants; monitor for outbreaks. Cultural control through maintaining plant health is usually sufficient.
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Minimal concern in most regions; allow natural predators to manage populations.
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Usually not economically damaging; tolerate minor feeding damage.
Uses
Wildlife food source
CulinarySwitchgrass seeds provide nutritious food for songbirds and game birds throughout fall and winter. The dense foliage offers shelter and nesting habitat for grassland birds and small mammals. [source]
Biomass fuel production
Household'Kanlow' is a leading cultivar for cellulosic biofuel and bioethanol production due to its high yield, low input requirements, and excellent energy content. It produces 5-10 tons of dry biomass per acre annually with minimal fertilizer. [source]
Erosion control & land reclamation
HouseholdThe deep, extensive root system (10-12 feet) stabilizes soil, prevents erosion on slopes and disturbed areas, and improves soil structure. Widely used in restoration of marginal and contaminated lands. [source]
Ornamental landscaping & dried arrangements
CraftTall, graceful stems with attractive foliage color changes provide textural interest in landscape designs. Dried seed heads are prized for fall and winter floral arrangements and add visual appeal through the seasons. [source]
Grassland habitat restoration
WildlifeSwitchgrass is a keystone species in native prairie and grassland restoration, supporting diverse invertebrates, birds, and mammals that depend on grassland ecosystems. It improves soil health and increases carbon sequestration. [source]
Harvest Tips
For biomass: Harvest in late fall (November) after senescence when moisture content drops to 10-15%, improving fuel value and reducing transport costs. For ornamental use: Cut back to 2-4 inches in late winter (February-March) before spring growth. For seed: Collect mature seed heads in fall, dry completely, and thresh or strip seeds from panicles.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 'Kanlow' was developed in Oklahoma and specifically selected for superior winter hardiness and yield, making it one of the most cold-hardy switchgrass cultivars available.
- 🌱 Switchgrass has one of the deepest root systems of any grass, reaching 10-12 feet deep, which allows it to thrive in drought and poor soils while sequestering significant carbon in the soil.
- 🌱 A single switchgrass plant can live for 20+ years, making it a truly perennial investment with minimal yearly maintenance once established.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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