Ornamental Grass Growing Guide
Growing Ornamental Grass is easier than you think. This guide walks you through everything you need — from planting your first seed to harvesting.
At a Glance
Difficulty
Easy
Category
Flower
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Frost Tolerance
Frost Hardy
Growing Zones
Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Plant Family
Poaceae
Growing Season
Cool & Warm Season
Plant Lifecycle
Perennial
Also grows well as
When To Start
First Chance to Plant
30 Days Before Last Frost
Last Chance to Plant
30 Days Before First Frost
When should you plant Ornamental Grass?
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Your Ornamental Grass Planting Window
Start planting
May 15, 2026
Last chance
Sep 10, 2026
The Journey Ahead
Ornamental Grass's Lifecycle
Seedling
Mature Plant
Seed Production
Step 1
Prepare Your Space
1 cm
Seeding Depth
10 cm
Plant Spacing
20 cm
Row Spacing
4
Plants / Sq Ft
Vertical Growing
Yes – Hanging.
Method: Hanging.
Succession Planting
Yes.
Step 2
Planting & Sprouting
Expect sprouts in 7–21 days
Growing Tips
- 1Ornamental grasses thrive in full sun, so plant them in a spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight daily.
- 2Water them regularly, especially during dry spells, but ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot.
- 3Use well-draining soil and space the plants according to their mature size to allow for proper air circulation, which helps prevent diseases.
- 4Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and treat them with insecticidal soap if necessary.
Seedling Phase
Step 3
Growth & Maturity
~30
Days to Maturity
120 cm
Mature Height
90 cm
Mature Width
Pests to Watch For
Diseases to Watch For
Mature Plant
Step 4
Harvesting
Harvest Window
60 days
When to Pick
Cut seed heads or plumes when mature
How to Harvest
- 1Harvest ornamental grass in late summer or early fall when the seed heads are fully developed and dry.
- 2Use sharp, clean shears to cut the stems just above the base, leaving a few inches to encourage regrowth.
- 3Avoid damaging the plant by cutting at an angle and not pulling on the stems.
Step 5
Saving Seeds
How to Save Seeds
Saving seeds from your ornamental grass is easy and rewarding! Once the grass flowers and the seed heads turn dry and brown, simply snip them off and gently shake or rub the seeds free over a clean surface. Let the seeds air dry for a few days, then store them in a labeled paper envelope or a small glass jar in a cool, dry place. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is—and next season, you’ll have your very own homegrown grasses to plant or share!
Seed Production
