Ornamental grasses are beautiful additions to any garden, providing graceful movement and lovely textures While you can purchase mature grasses at nurseries, starting them yourself from seed is often more affordable Growing ornamental grasses from seed does require some patience and care, but the satisfaction of nurturing tiny seeds into mature grasses is extremely rewarding.
Why Grow Ornamental Grasses From Seed?
There are several key advantages to growing ornamental grasses from seed rather than buying mature plants
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Cost Savings: Purchasing potted ornamental grasses can get pricy, with each plant ranging from $5-$20. Seeds are a fraction of the price in comparison.
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Wider Selection: You’ll have access to a much greater variety of grasses by growing from seed than what’s available as starter plants at most nurseries.
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Large Quantities It’s easy to grow a high volume of grasses from seed, allowing you to create beautiful mass plantings
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Satisfaction: Watching tiny seeds you nurtured transform into mature grasses is deeply gratifying.
Tips for Successfully Growing Ornamental Grasses From Seed
Follow these tips to ensure success growing ornamental grasses from seed:
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Start seeds early indoors about 6-8 weeks before your expected last frost date. This gives plants a head start on the growing season.
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Use fresh seed packaged for the current growing season for optimal germination rates. Check package dates.
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Don’t cover grass seeds with soil when planting. They need light to germinate. Just press seeds lightly into the soil surface.
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After planting, bottom water by filling the drainage tray. This hydrates the soil without disturbing seeds.
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Provide consistent moisture to seeds, keeping them damp but not saturated for proper germination.
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Maintain a soil temperature of 65°F-75°F for best germination. Using a heat mat can help achieve this.
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Carefully transplant seedlings outside after hardening off, taking care not to disturb their shallow roots.
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Have patience! Some grasses take weeks to sprout and years to reach maturity. Give them time.
10 Popular Ornamental Grasses to Grow From Seed
Here are 10 ornamental grass varieties that are easy and fun to grow yourself from seed:
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Blue Fescue: A hardy perennial with striking silver-blue foliage. Grows just 6-10 inches tall.
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Maiden Grass: A fast-growing grass that provides excellent vertical accents. Has large plumes up to 6 feet.
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Pampas Grass: This grass is known for massive, iconic fluffy cream plumes up to 13 feet tall.
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Fountain Grass: Adds a tropical look with its burgundy foliage and pink plumes.
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Northern Sea Oats: Graceful, drooping oat-like seed heads dance in the breeze.
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Switch Grass: A tall native prairie grass perfect for mass plantings. Has feathery plumes.
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Purple Majesty Millet: Vibrant reddish-purple foliage on this 5 foot tall annual.
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Zebra Grass: Horizonal yellow banding on the blades creates a striking striped effect.
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Ravenna Grass: Red-tipped foliage turns blonde in winter for year-round interest.
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Quaking Grass: Delicate seed heads on tall slender stems tremble gracefully.
Step-By-Step Guide to Growing Ornamental Grasses From Seed
Follow these simple steps for successfully growing ornamental grasses from seed:
Purchase High Quality Seed
Buy fresh seed from a reputable source, ideally packaged for current growing season. Check package dates.
Start Seeds Indoors
Fill starter trays with seed starting mix. Plant seeds according to package directions. Lightly press into soil surface without covering completely.
Provide Warmth and Moisture
Water thoroughly by filling drainage tray beneath. Place trays on a heat mat to maintain 65°F-75°F soil temperature.
Allow Time to Germinate
Wait patiently, maintaining consistent warmth and moisture. Germination takes 2-4 weeks. Grass seedlings start tiny.
Care for Seedlings
Once sprouted, move to bright light. Prevent fungal diseases by providing air circulation and consistent moisture.
Harden Off and Transplant Outdoors
When indoor plants have 3-4 leaves, gradually expose them to more time outdoors over 7-14 days. Transplant carefully into garden beds once hardened off.
Water Well After Transplanting
Ensure transplants get 1-2 inches of water per week as they establish roots. Mulch helps retain moisture.
Be Patient for Maturity
Many grasses take 2-3 years to reach maturity. Allow time for them to establish and fill in. Remove weeds so grasses can thrive.
Divide Overcrowded Grasses
Mature grasses can be divided and replanted every 2-4 years to maintain vigor.
Enjoy the Beauty of Seeded Ornamental Grasses
When grown from seed, ornamental grasses make a lovely, low-cost addition to both flower and landscape gardens. Follow the tips and guidelines above to ensure success growing ornamental grasses from seed. Then take time to enjoy their peaceful, graceful beauty once established in your garden.
STARTING GRASSES FROM SEED INDOORS – How You Can Easily Grow Your Own Ornamental Grasses
FAQ
How long does it take for ornamental grass to grow from seed?
Depending on the type of seed, germination can occur in a week or up to a month. Once you see young seedlings, remove the pots from the bag. Move the seedlings to a location that receives plenty of light and cooler temperatures. Mist or lightly water the soil so as to prevent the plants from ever drying out.
What is the easiest ornamental grass to grow from seed?
Because it’s easily planted from seed, Blue Fescue is one of the most popular ornamental grasses.
How long does it take grass to fully grow from seed?
Whether you’re repairing bare spots, overseeding an existing lawn or starting from scratch, you can generally expect grass seedlings to emerge within seven to 21 days when grown under proper conditions. It may take another three to four weeks of growth before grass is long enough to mow.
Are ornamental grasses hard to grow?
Ornamental Grass is a no-fuss addition to any perennial garden or meadowscape. There are plenty of reasons so many gardeners are growing them: they are tough, drought-tolerant plants that add a visual appeal from summer through winter with their attractive foliage and flower heads.
How do you grow ornamental grass?
This ornamental grass self-seeds easily and spreads underground by fibrous roots, so plant it in rows, borders, or in a prairie garden where it can spread out. Full sun allows it to perform and look its best. Remove unwanted seedlings in spring. Start seeds indoors in spring on heat with access to light.
Can you start ornamental grass from seed?
While some types of grass will work well started indoors, many of the grass seeds can be planted clump style right into your garden in the fall for a spring or summer bloom the following year. That brings us to the third way you can start ornamental grass from seed. And that is to plant seeds in groupings right into your soil.
How do I sow ornamental grass seeds?
Choose the right time for planting, prepare the soil perfectly, and master sowing techniques to effectively sow ornamental grass seeds. Growing ornamental grasses from seeds can be a fulfilling endeavor, adding texture, movement, and color to landscapes.
Do ornamental grasses grow well?
Ornamental grasses are sometimes overlooked as a way to add interest, vertical texture, and romance to all types of gardens. From tall and bold to low-growing, light, and airy, there are many different types of grasses you can grow. Most ornamental grasses have very tiny seeds that easily blow away in the wind after dropping from the plant.
When is the best time to plant ornamental grass seeds?
I always wait until spring to plant ornamental grass seeds. Growing ornamental grasses from seeds can be a fulfilling endeavor. As a garden enthusiast, I’ve seen firsthand how the sway of these grasses can add texture, movement, and color to landscapes. Let me share some specific tips to help you get the best results.
How do I choose the right ornamental grass?
When selecting ornamental grass seeds, it is crucial to choose a variety that is well-suited to your climate and soil conditions. Some popular options include fountain grass, feather reed grass, and switchgrass. After selecting your seeds, prepare your garden bed for planting.