Question
Hi. My question is concerning my King Tut grass. It was doing great, all green and growing well. It's planted in a large ceramic planter outside (I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba-Canada).  We are having a very hot dry summer and I've been making sure it is well watered. My backyard gets full sun and is always hotter than the temperatures state. All of a sudden it's yellowing. Not just the few larger lower leaves, all the thing spindly grass tops. It does not look as striking as it did when it was a rich green colour. Do you know the cause and the cure?
Thanks for your help.

Answer
Perry,
Sometimes a yellowing plant indicates too much water but with King Tut this isn't likely - this plant can be grown in the shallow ends of a pond and it will be happy.

Have you fertilized it recently? These are fast growing plants and they need a higher rate of fertilization than other annuals. If this was my plant I'd do two things: I'd increase the watering, even if you've watered it every day...maybe water it well once and again a short while later, or water it well morning and night for awhile. Then I'd either give it a liquid fertilizer once a week or put some time-release fertilizer on it. Although all of my vegetables, perennials, shrubs and trees are only given organic fertilizers, I use synthetic fertilizer on annuals and this is one of those plants I would recommend a synthetic for. Just be sure that before you apply any fertilizer the plant is well-hydrated...never fertilize a thirsty plant!

Finally, be sure the amount of sun the plant is getting is still the same.
I hope this helps,
C.L.