How to Grow Ornamental Grass From Seed

Ornamental grass adds texture and visual interest to any landscape. Miniature varieties are attractive tucked into flower beds to add contrast and depth with their richly colored leaves and blooms. Large varieties, growing to a height of 15 feet or more, make a dramatic backdrop or can be used on hillsides or in ditches where other plants will not grow. Easy to start and virtually maintenance-free once established, ornamental grass returns year after year with its striking foliage and unusual blooms.

Things You'll Need

• 10-10-10 fertilizer Garden tools

Instructions

1. Prepare the soil in the fall by tilling to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Broadcast all-purpose fertilizer over the area and till it in. Ornamental grass does not require high amounts of fertilizer. Add 1 lb. of 10-10-10 per 100 square feet.

2. Cover the area with a black plastic tarp during the winter. This will prevent the growth of weeds and will encourage the soil to warm more quickly in the spring. Remove the plastic in the spring, as soon as the soil has warmed. Follow the planting directions on the seed packet for proper depth and spacing. Outsidepride.com provides a chart with instructions for individual grasses. (See Resources.)

3. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate and become established. Weekly watering may be necessary for young plants, but ornamental grasses require little watering unless you experience extremely dry weather. Pull weeds as soon as they appear to prevent them from robbing your plants from valuable nutrients and water. Apply mulch around the base of the plants to prevent weeds, and to discourage the plants from spreading and becoming unmanageable.

4. Allow foliage to remain on the plant through the winter. Not only is it attractive even in winter landscapes, but the leaves will protect the crown from freezing. Cut back to 4 inches in the spring when new shoots appear. Lift and divide ornamental grass once it is well-established and begins to spread. Simply dig up the plant and pull or cut apart the root ball to create new plants.

Tips & Warnings

• Cut and dry ornamental grass blooms to use for crafts or to display in dried-flower arrangements.

• Always read the directions for planting carefully. Some seeds need to be soaked in water prior to planting. Others require exposure to cold temperatures in order to germinate.

Resources

• Planting instructions at Outside Pride