How to Grow Pampas Grass From Seed

Pampas grass is a large, showy ornamental grass that is prominent in the south. This hardy grass reaches ten feet on average, but has been known to reach up to twenty feet. Pampas grass has long white or pink plumes that reach up to three feet. Use pampas grass as a border along lawns, driveways or as a windbreak. It is very easy to grow, but be careful where you plant it, as it is invasive. It is typically grown from clumps, but can also be grown from seed.

Determine the area where you wish to plant pampas grass. Keep in mind that when planting seeds, it will take two to three years for pampas grass to grow into a large plant. The location needs full sun. It is better to plant the seeds in the spring after any danger of frost is over.

Clear the area of grass, weeds or debris. Clear only a two-foot square area for the planting of seeds. Pampas grass is very thick at the base and nothing grows under it.

Plant the seeds ¼ inch deep, with just enough soil to cover them well. They do not have to be planted deep. When left unattended, Pampas grass drops its own seeds on top of the ground to multiply.

Water the seeds well at first planting and only keep the ground moist until you see new sprouts in the ground. Pampas grass is drought-tolerant, so it does not require a lot of water or a lot of attention.

Grass To Seed Out

Stop mowing the grass in the area that you want to let seed out. In dry conditions, water the grass as needed to ensure that it continues to grow and thrive. Wait for the seed heads to develop completely and begin drying out. Harvest the seeds by grasping the stalk with one hand and sliding the fingers of the other hand up the stalk and over the seed heads; provided that the heads are fully developed, the seeds will come loose between your fingers. Mow the lawn after harvesting the seeds, setting the blade high so that you remove no more than one-third of the grass height in the first cut. Store harvested grass seed in a cool, dry location.