When Do Ornamental Grasses Start Growing

When do ornamental grasses start growing? With the rising popularity of ornamental grasses, this is a question many gardeners ask. It’s important to understand how these plants work to be able to grow them correctly.

The onset of their growth depends on temperature. Some grasses grow best when the soil is warm and the temperatures are stable, while others start growing early spring when the temperatures are still cool.

When Do Ornamental Grasses Start Growing

Cool-Season Ornamental Grasses

As mentioned, cool-season grass usually grows early in the spring and it will remain semi-evergreen during the winter season. If you give them enough water during hot weather, they’ll grow better during cool temperatures. If you don’t, your ornamental grasses will go dormant and will have brown foliage.

To keep them healthy, they may need frequent division, or else they’ll die out in the center. For semi-green ornamental grasses, cut off the browning parts or the winter-injured areas.

Some examples of cool-weather ornamental grasses include Autumn Moor Grass, Blue Oat Grass, and Tufted Hair Grass.

 

Warm-Season Grasses

Some ornamental grasses thrive best during warmer weather. They remain to look healthy under high temperatures and limited moisture. These grasses do not grow until the weather becomes more stable and the soil temperature increases.

If you planted your grasses in the previous seasons, they’ll begin to brown in the fall. When this happens, you may need to trim them when spring season comes (around four to six inches). These grasses don’t need frequent division compared to cool-season grasses.

Some examples of warm-weather grasses include Japanese Silver Grass, Prairie Cord Grass, and Hardy Pampas Grass.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Ornamental Grasses

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about ornamental grasses:

 

Do I need to cut back ornamental grasses?

Yes, it’s necessary to cut ornamental grasses to keep them looking beautiful and healthy. For cool-season ornamental grasses, trim them in early spring, remove dead leaves, and cut back the entire plant above the crown or on its base.

For warm-season grasses, you can cut them back during late winter or the first few weeks in spring. You can leave the seed heads to preserve its winter aesthetic.

 

When should I divide ornamental grasses?

There are several instances when you need to divide your ornamental grasses. You need to do so when the grass is already too big for its space, your plants are growing all over the place and are floppy, and if the central portion of the clump looks dead or is browning.

The best time to divide your plants is before the active growth cycle begins – usually in early spring for cool weather grasses and late spring for warm-weather ones.

You don’t have to dig the entire plant; instead, dig around the outside of your ornamental grasses using a spade. Get small sections of the outer edges and replant them wherever you please.

 

Can I grow these grasses from seeds?

Definitely! In fact, starting from seeds is more cost-effective than buying ornamental grasses. But keep in mind that it may take several years before you’ll have fully grown ornamental grasses.

 

6 Reasons Why You Should Invest in a Mini Greenhouse

There are several reasons why you should grow your plants inside a mini greenhouse. Whether you’re growing ornamental grasses or produce, here are some of the reasons why a mini greenhouse kit is a great investment:

 

Protect your plants from harmful insects and animals

Aphids, beetles, caterpillars, snails, raccoons, rodents, and other insects and animals can pose a threat to the growth of your plants. These pesky critters love to munch on your leaves and produce, which could lead to poor plant growth and less harvest. Keeping them inside a greenhouse keeps them away from insects and animals that could potentially destroy all your hard work.

 

Great for people with limited garden space

Ornamental grasses are not only great for gardens, but also for smaller spaces. With a mini greenhouse, you’ll be able to enjoy growing ornamental grasses regardless of where you live. You can place small greenhouses anywhere – on balconies, decks, patios, and even on tabletops. Even though they’re small, you’ll be able to enjoy the same benefits that regular greenhouses provide.

 

Start planting early

With a mini greenhouse, you can start planting early – even before the cold season begins in your area. You can transfer your plants into your garden if once the weather gets better. This is advantageous for those who grow crops since you don’t have to wait for spring to start planting. In this way, you’ll be able to harvest your crops earlier than usual.

 

Keep your plants safe from harsh weather conditions

Mini greenhouses are great if you have tender perennial plants. Placing them inside a mini greenhouse keeps them safe from snow and frost during the winter season. You can place your plants in a greenhouse so they’ll continue to grow until spring comes around. Once the weather is suitable for plants, you can transplant them again into your garden.

 

The Bottom Line: When Do Ornamental Grasses Start Growing?

So, when do ornamental grasses start growing? The answer depends on whether they’re a warm season or cool season ornamental grasses. Cool-weather grasses start growing early spring, while warm-weather variants thrive best in warm weather.

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