The farm was established with a goal toward introducing Miscanthus x Giganteus as a viable energy crop. Besides using the tall grass as an alternative energy source (Briquetting and Pelletizing) we have discovered that Miscanthus Giganteus makes an excellent privacy screen. In relation to that use, our deer population increased dramatically. The miscanthus field is being used as a bedding/hide area for not only deer but quail and turkey.

Planting - The individual rhizomes should be planted 2-4" deep, horizontally with nothing above the ground. Any new growth on the rhizome, such as pink shoot or grass blade, can be planted above ground and in shallower soil with 1" of soil on top. A well-tilled bed does help the roots establish quicker but is not necessary. A ground temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit on average for planting is best. Soil only needs to be kept moist and warm, do no over water, this will cause them to rot before they root. Do not worry so much about grass competition, but more so with broad leaf weeds that block sunshine, just during the first year establishment. Second year growth will out pace everything. PH should be between 5.5 and 7.5.

Expected Growth - The first year growth of an individual rhizome is 1-3 stalks, 1-3' tall. The second year you will get an average of 7 stalks, 6-7' tall, and the third year the clusters diameter will be approximately 14", with about 25 stalks at full height (11+). By the fourth year, two rhizomes planted 18" apart will grow into each other. Rhizomes spread slower in heavy soil (clay) and a little faster spread with sandy loam.The heaviest growth is always on the new outside spread of the cluster.