Expert: Ronald B Persaud - 10/6/2009

Question
I'm trying to grow rye in 11 inch round vases as centerpieces for my upcoming wedding.  I started with a layer of rock, about 3 inches of soil, and rye grass seed.  Then I heavily watered the vases.  They are still pretty damp 2 days later.  Should I start over?  Any tips for growing ryegrass as decoration and not in a lawn?  

Thanks for any help you can give!

Answer
In addition to water and soil, seed germination needs darkness! And temperature. Make sure that the vases are in a warm place and while I do not think that light is a problem, I would drape an opaque material over the vases for two or three days, then remove it.
Long ago and far away, it was the custom to grow rice as a house decoration over the Christmas Holiday season. The folks did it in much the same way except that they used good topsoil only, in an opaque, watertight container. As I recall, the bowls were prepared in late November (Harvest Time?) and would last at least until twelfth night.
Congratulations!!!