How to Start Pampas Grass From Seeds

Pampas grass is an ornamental grass used to complement the plants in many gardens. It grows quickly, and some variations can grow up to 12 feet. It takes about three years for pampas grass to bloom into white, pink or purple plumes. This pest-resistant grass enjoys a lot of sunlight and does well in hot climates. Once established, the grass does not need watering. Although it requires very little maintenance, it is important to cut it annually so it does not choke the other plants in your garden.

Things You'll Need

• Pampas grass seeds
• Rake or shovel
• Garden hose
• Container

Instructions

1. Wait for an appropriate planting season. Plant the seeds at the start of spring or in late autumn
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2. Estimate the number of seeds to plant. If you want a three-foot clump of grass, plant 100 seeds in an area measuring about two feet in diameter.

3. Choose a sunny patch of your garden for the pampas seeds. Pampas can withstand a little shade, but it thrives in sunlight. Do not plant the seeds close to a walkway, and keep the eventual girth in mind. "Caution and forethought should be given to the placement of pampas grass in the garden because of its enormous size", say John Greenlee and Derek Fell in "The Encyclopedia of Ornamental Grasses: How to Grow and Use Over 250 Beautiful and Versatile Plants."

4. Aerate the soil with a rake or a shovel. Any type of garden soil is fine for pampas grass as long as it drains well and contains organic elements. Reserve some amount of the soil in a container.

5. Spread the seeds on top of the soil, and then cover lightly with the soil in the container. This will stop the seeds from blowing away in the wind and prevent birds from eating them.

6. Plant the seeds in a pot indoors, if you wish. Plant the seeds 10 weeks ahead of the recommended planting time for autumn or right before the end of spring. Use lightweight potting soil for the planter.

7. Water daily to keep the soil moist while you wait for the seeds to grow. Pampas grass seeds usually germinate two to three weeks after planting.

References

• The Encyclopedia of Ornamental Grasses: How to Grow and Use Over 250 Beautiful and Versatile Plants; John Greenlee and Derek Fell; 1992