Even though Miscanthus is planted for a 20-year period there is an annual growth cycle. From the 3rd year after planting, the Miscanthus usually reaches its full potential for the remaining life span.
Growth cycle
In the Miscanthus growth cycle, new shoots are formed annually, they usually emerge above ground in April at a soil temperature of 10-12 degrees Celsius. In the first year of planting, the stems reach a length of about 1 - 1.5 metres with a diameter of about 10 mm by August.
In late summer, the plant begins to slowly dry out from below, this process accelerates in autumn when nutrients move to the rhizomes. At this time, the leaves fall to the ground and a dense foliage is formed. Should there be any remaining foliage, it will die off during frost, during winter the crop dries out further.
Around March - April, after the leaves have fallen off, the Miscanthus is ready for harvesting. When the outside temperature rises, the growth cycle repeats.
The stems appear to be between bamboo and cane, are usually unbranched and have a pith-filled core. From the first year after planting, the crop will develop until it can eventually reach a length of 3 - 3.5 metres (year 3), however, this also depends on conditions such as weed suppression at inception, weather and soil quality.
EARLY SPRING
Annually, after the leaves fall off, you can harvest your Miscanthus in March or April. When the temperature is you can immediately sow your new rhizomes for the next growth cycle.
SPRING
The new shoots emerge above ground, it becomes clear whether the seeding was successful and the Miscanthus will grow.
SUMMER
Until summer, Miscanthus can grow up to 1.5 metres high, at the end of summer the drying process starts from the bottom upwards.
AUTUMN
The leaves fall off your Miscanthus, thus covering the soil well. The drying process continues throughout autumn and winter.