Ornamental Grasses

Feathertop Grass (Cenchrus longisetus) - Key Growing Information

Feathertop grass, with its white bottlebrush plumes and trailing clumps of narrow green foliage.

DAYS TO GERMINATION:

10-14 days at 65-70°F (18-21°C)

SOWING:

Transplant (recommended) - Sow 5-7 weeks before last frost. Sow 1/8" deep into cell trays or preferred seedling container, 5-7 weeks before last frost. Transplant outside after the last frost. Direct seed - After last frost, only in warm climates with a long growing season. Direct seed - After last frost.

LIGHT PREFERENCE:

Sun.

PLANT HEIGHT:

12-24".

PLANT SPACING:

12-18".

HARDINESS ZONES:

Zones 9-10.

HARVEST:

Fresh cut or dried – Harvest just before seed heads shed pollen and are still light green in color. Seed heads harvested once they have shed pollen tend to shatter.

SOIL REQUIREMENTS:

Average to light, porous soil.

USES:

Excellent fresh cut flower. May be dried. Charming in naturalistic or mixed grass plantings. Effective planted in masses, tubs, and containers.

SCIENTIFIC NAME:

Cenchrus longisetus