Hanging basket of Dichondra Emerald Falls grown from seed, showing lush trailing green foliage cascading down with rounded leaves

How to Grow Dichondra Emerald Falls from Seed – Complete Growing Guide

Dichondra Emerald Falls (Dichondra repens) is a beautiful trailing plant known for its compact, cascading foliage and fresh green leaves. Unlike the shimmering silver tones of its cousin Silver Falls, Emerald Falls offers a denser, tighter growth habit with rounded green leaves that hug the stems. This makes it an excellent choice for hanging baskets, container edges, and as a lush, heat-tolerant groundcover.

Gardeners love Dichondra Emerald Falls because it’s versatile, low-maintenance, and creates stunning visual impact throughout the summer. If you’re ready to grow this beauty from seed, here’s everything you need to know.

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Why Choose Dichondra Emerald Falls?

Compared to Silver Falls, Emerald Falls has some unique benefits:

  • Compact growth – Naturally dense, no pinching or PGRs required.

  • Leaf structure – Rounded medium-green leaves that give a fuller appearance.

  • Versatility – Great for baskets, mixed containers, or as a low-growing groundcover.

  • Heat tolerance – Thrives in hot summer weather without fading.

  • Low maintenance – Requires only light feeding and occasional trimming.

With a mature height of just 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) and a trailing spread of up to 36 inches (91 cm), Emerald Falls is perfect for overflowing baskets or green carpets in the garden.

How to Start Dichondra Emerald Falls from Seed

Growing Emerald Falls from seed is straightforward when you follow the correct cultural steps.

  • Plug crop time: 5–6 weeks

  • Transplant to finish: 7–8 weeks

  • Recommended plug size: 288 cell trays

  • Seeds per cell: 1

  • Germination time: 4–5 days for 50%–maximum germination

  • Media pH: 5.5–6.3 with EC ~0.75 mmhos/cm

  • Seed cover: Light covering after sowing

Moisture control is crucial in the early stages. Start at Moisture Level 4 (fully saturated but not waterlogged).

Propagation by Growth Stages

Stage 1 – Germination

  • Moisture: Level 4

  • Temperature: 72–76°F (22–24°C)

  • Light: Optional, 1,000–2,500 f.c.

  • Fertilizer: Very light (<100 ppm N)

At radicle emergence, feed with 50–75 ppm N (15-0-15).

Stage 2 – Cotyledons

  • Moisture: Level 3–4

  • Temperature: 65–72°F (18–22°C)

  • Light: 1,000–2,500 f.c.

  • Fertilizer: Increase to 100–175 ppm N

Stage 3 – Seedling Growth

  • Moisture: Level 2–3

  • Temperature: 65–70°F (18–21°C)

  • Light: 2,500–5,000 f.c.

  • Fertilizer: Maintain 100–175 ppm N

Avoid keeping seedlings too wet at this stage to prevent root rot.

Stage 4 – Pre-Transplant Toning

  • Moisture: Level 2–3

  • Temperature: 62–65°F (17–18°C)

  • Light: 2,500–5,000 f.c.

  • Fertilizer: 100–175 ppm N

  • Optional PGR: Daminozide (B-Nine) spray at 2,500 ppm one week before transplant to promote branching

Always rinse foliage after fertilizing to avoid salt buildup.

Growing On After Transplant

Once plugs are ready, transplant into baskets, containers, or the garden.

  • Day temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C)

  • Night temperature: 62–65°F (17–18°C)

  • Media pH: 5.5–6.5

  • EC target: 1.2–1.5 mmhos/cm

  • Fertilizer: 175–225 ppm N (constant feed works well)

  • Daylength requirement: None (day-neutral plant)

Care & Maintenance Tips

  • No pinching required – naturally compact.

  • Light feeding only – excessive fertilizer may stretch growth.

  • Trim back if stems get too long – promotes fresh branching.

  • Best performance in warm, dry conditions.

  • Avoid waterlogged soils – moderate drying between irrigations keeps roots healthy.

Best Uses in the Garden

Hanging Baskets

With trailing strands up to 3 feet long, Emerald Falls creates lush, cascading baskets. Pair with upright flowers for a dramatic effect.

Groundcover

At just 2–4 inches tall, it forms a dense green mat perfect for edging beds, covering soil, or softening pathways.

Containers

Works well in patio pots where it drapes elegantly over the sides. Ideal partner for petunias, verbena, or tropicals.

Garden Beds & Landscaping

Plant in sunny borders or partial shade for a living carpet of fresh green. Its spreading habit helps suppress weeds while adding vibrant color.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Overwatering – Leads to root rot; let soil dry between waterings.

  • Fertilizer burn – Avoid over-feeding; always rinse leaves after fertilizing.

  • Low light – Causes stretching and weak growth.

  • Holding plugs too long – Transplant at the proper stage for best results.

Quick Growing Checklist

  1. Sow 1 seed per 288 plug cell.

  2. Lightly cover, keep pH 5.5–6.3, EC 0.75.

  3. Germinate at 72–76°F.

  4. Step down temps gradually as seedlings grow.

  5. Light feed: 50–75 ppm N → 100–175 ppm N → 175–225 ppm N after transplant.

  6. Spray B-Nine if branching boost is desired.

  7. Transplant after 5–6 weeks.

  8. Maintain 65–75°F days, 62–65°F nights.

  9. Allow slight drying between irrigations.

  10. Enjoy cascading green growth!

Where to Buy Dichondra Emerald Falls Seeds

Whether you’re filling baskets for your backyard or producing trays for retail sales, Emerald Falls is a top-performing foliage plant.

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