When seed shopping, opt for regular green dichondra seeds if you want ground cover. If you want a lovely cascading ornamental planting, choose silver falls or emerald falls dichondra. Both of these varieties will spill out of the container or bed where they’re planted. One is a grayish-silver color, while the other is green. Alternatively, you could purchase dichondra bedding plants from your local gardening store immediately before planting outdoors, which would allow you to skip starting seeds.
If you want to plant directly into the soil outdoors, wait until the temperature is consistently above 75 °F (24 °C). [2] X Research source If you live in the United States or Canada, you can find your last frost date by inputting your location into the Almanac’s date calculator: https://www. almanac. com/gardening/frostdates
You could also start your seeds in a seed starter potting mix, which you can find at most gardening stores.
If you’re planting the seeds directly into the ground outdoors, you can scatter the seeds over your plot and then sprinkle a light layer of soil over them. You can use the existing soil if it’s ready for plantings or a well-draining soil purchased from a gardening store. [6] X Research source
For example, you could keep your dichondra seeds on your kitchen windowsill.
You may need to sprinkle water over the soil about 3 times a day, especially if they’re outside. Plan to mist your soil often, but make sure that you don’t see any standing water before you spray the plants. You can find a small spray bottle to mist the plants with at a garden store or online.
It’s best to wait until the temperature is consistently above 75 °F (24 °C). [11] X Research source
Make sure that the seedlings are protected from the wind when they’re placed outside. You can protect them by placing them next to a wall, fence, or other structure that blocks part of the wind.
This plant is a perennial in warm climates and will thrive as a ground cover or turf alternative in USDA hardiness zones 10-11. [14] X Research source
It’s a good idea to observe your yard every day for a week or 2 before you plant your dichondra. Go outside at different times of the day to see how sunny the spot is at that hour.
If you do see pools of water, then the area does not have good drainage. It’s best to choose a different spot for your dichondra or amend your soil to improve the drainage. The easiest way is to raise your planting beds using loose, well-draining soil. [17] X Research source
Dichondra thrives best in dry soil.
If you are planting more than one dichondra in the same plot, the holes should be spaced at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from each other.
If your hole doesn’t seem large enough for the roots to spread out, then it’s best to dig a larger hole. Otherwise, your plant may not thrive. Plant the dichondra level with the top of the soil.
You can choose any size container, though the plant will thrive better in a medium to large container. Dichondra are often grown in window boxes or hanging baskets.
If you don’t want the excess water to stain the surface below the pot, then you can get a small planter dish that fits under the pot. This will catch the excess water. Some pots come with a drain dish attached to the pot.
When you buy soil, make sure it’s labeled as potting mix and is not intended for use in a lawn.
If you’re using small pots, it’s best to stick with one seedling per pot. You can plant more seedlings in larger pots, though the plants may not grow to be as large. It’s best to space them at least 6 inches (15 cm) apart. Dichondra can also be mixed in a pot with other plants, as long as the plants all have room to grow. They’ll grow best if they’re spaced at least 6 inches (15 cm) apart.
How much fertilizer you will need depends on your plot or container size. Follow the directions on your fertilizer to ensure you use the right amount. Don’t let the fertilizer rest on top of the leaves, as it could burn them.
When you water the dichondra, provide at least 1 inch (2. 5 cm) of water. It’s okay to provide more if the conditions are very dry or if your soil has a lot of runoff. [31] X Research source If it’s dry, water the dichondra. If the soil feels wet, wait and check it again the next day. Watering too often can cause a fungus to grow on the plants. [32] X Research source
If you think your dichondra has outgrown its container, you can transplant it. However, some people prefer to just prune it back using pruning shears.
Follow all of the instructions on your insecticide to make sure you’re using it safely. If you’d like, you can make your own natural insecticide.
