How to Grow Northern Sea Oats

Northern sea oats are versatile ornamental grasses that will grow in all light conditions. But the highlight of sea oats comes in July, when flower stalks emerge with light-green spangle-like seed heads that dance in the breeze. Turning tan in winter, this grass makes an interesting addition to the all-season garden.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Northern sea oats
• Shovel
• Water
• Mulch or other organic material

1. Prepare your planting site by removing any existing plant material and debris. Make sure soil drains well. Like most ornamental grasses, Northern sea oats may be planted any time during the growing season, but does best when planted in the early spring.

2. Dig your planting hole approximately 18 inches deep and 3 times the width of the root ball or plant container.

3. Fill the planting hole with water and allow soil to absorb. "Watering in" ensures that delicate roots receive moisture immediately and helps prevent shock.

4. Remove sea oats from container and place in the planting hole making sure that the root ball is level with the ground. After removing sea oats from the container you may see a thick concentration of roots indicating it is slightly root bound. Use a sharp knife to cut an "X" across the bottom and gently spread the roots out in the planting hole. Add soil if necessary.

5. Backfill the planting hole with the original soil and water again.

6. Spread a layer of mulch or other organic material 2 or 3 inches thick over the planting site. Maintain a good layer of mulch to keep weeds down and help maintain soil moisture.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut back sea oats to 3 inches high in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts.
• The stalks are great additions to dried flower arrangements. Cut some stalks for your autumn and Thanksgiving decorating.
• Consider growing sea oats in a container for your patio. Ornamental grasses are often overlooked for patio pots, but they do extremely well.
• Sea oats does well in full sun, partial sun and even shade.
• Northern sea oats grows well in Zones 5 and 6 and is a native grass of the United States. Check the plant tag and the U. S. Hardiness Zone map to make sure your plant is suitable for your area.
• This grass does reseed itself. Make sure your plant site allows for expansion. The good news is that you will have plenty of new sea oats plants to share. The bad news is that it is a bit invasive because of the seeding.