Is Switchgrass this slow to grow?

[moellermd]

I planted a small patch of Switchgrass and Big Blue (1 acre) around my place. So far all I have is a bunch of Lambs quarter and Pig weed and a few small sprigs of grass. I have heard this is normal but I am starting to wonder.

 

[Prairie Drifter]

Normally it's not worth looking at the first year. At the end of the growing season you might find a few sprigs. The second year you'll probably be able to row it at some stage. The third year you'll wonder why you were worrying and if you should have included more forbs. That first season it's growing more below ground than above.