How to Grow Love Grass
Wikimedia Commons
Love Grass
Eragrostis
grassEragrostis is a diverse genus of ornamental and forage grasses known for their delicate, airy seed heads and fine-textured foliage. These warm-season grasses are prized in landscapes for their graceful movement, drought tolerance, and extended seasonal interest. Many species are native to warm regions and adapt well to poor soils.
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Example Love Grass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Love Grass
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Love Grass
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Varies by species; most thrive in zones 5-10, with some hardy to zone 3
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Get my Love Grass timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksFine, hair-like seedlings emerge with minimal foliage visible. Young plants develop a shallow root system.
Keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged. Provide full sun. Thin seedlings if crowded. Avoid transplanting if direct sowing.
Establishment & Growth
4-8 weeksFine, feathery foliage develops and expands. Plant height increases gradually, establishing a deeper root system.
Water moderately during dry spells. Minimal fertilizer needed; most species prefer lean soil. Remove weeds competing for space.
Vegetative Development
6-10 weeksPlant reaches near full size with dense clumps of fine-textured foliage. Foliage color may deepen as plant matures.
Continue regular watering during establishment. Once established, reduce watering frequency. No significant pruning needed.
Flowering & Seed Head Formation
6-8 weeksDelicate, airy panicles emerge above foliage with tiny flowers arranged in open, loose clusters. Seed heads dry to golden or reddish tones.
Do not deadhead if you want seed production or seasonal interest. Avoid fertilizing to prevent weak growth. Allow seed heads to mature fully.
Maturity & Senescence
8-12 weeks or until frostSeed heads fully mature and dry. Foliage may turn burnished gold, red, or brown depending on species and temperature. Plants enter dormancy.
Leave seed heads standing through fall and winter for wildlife habitat and visual appeal. Cut back in late winter before new growth. Do not water.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Rarely problematic on established ornamental Eragrostis; remove by hand if visible. Use spinosad or neem oil on seedlings if needed.
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More common on fine-textured lawn grasses; soak base of plant with water, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil if severe.
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Improve air circulation by spacing adequately. Avoid overhead watering. Remove affected foliage. Apply sulfur-based fungicide if widespread.
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Provide good drainage and air flow. Remove dead foliage in spring. Avoid overhead irrigation. Apply fungicide if severe.
Uses
Ornamental Grass & Visual Interest
LandscapeEragrostis species provide graceful movement, fine texture, and extended seasonal appeal with feathery seed heads in summer through fall, turning burnished colors in cool weather. Their light, airy form complements perennials and shrubs beautifully. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Food Source
WildlifeSeeds and standing plant matter provide food and shelter for birds, insects, and small mammals. The fine foliage offers nesting material and cover for beneficial insects. [source]
Forage for Livestock
CulinarySome Eragrostis species (particularly E. curvula, weeping lovegrass, and E. tef, teff) are cultivated as nutritious forage crops or pasture grasses for grazing animals and hay production. [source]
Cut Flowers & Dried Arrangements
CraftDelicate seed heads are excellent for fresh and dried flower arrangements, adding movement and texture to bouquets and long-lasting dried displays. [source]
Erosion Control & Ground Stabilization
HouseholdFine-rooted Eragrostis species help stabilize soil on slopes and disturbed areas, reducing erosion while establishing with minimal maintenance. [source]
Harvest Tips
Eragrostis is primarily grown as an ornamental or forage plant, not for harvest in the culinary sense. For seed collection: allow seed heads to mature fully and dry on the plant (late summer to fall). Cut seed heads when fully dry and brown, then strip seeds into a container. For forage: cut green material before seed formation if using for livestock. For landscape interest, leave standing through winter and cut back in late winter before new spring growth.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Eragrostis tef (teff) is an ancient grain native to Ethiopia and Eritrea, with grains so small (about 1mm) that 150 grains weigh only 1 gram; it is gluten-free and highly nutritious.
- 🌱 The genus name Eragrostis comes from the Greek 'era' (love) and 'agrostis' (grass), meaning 'love grass,' reflecting the delicate, romantic appearance of the airy seed heads.
- 🌱 Some Eragrostis species are highly invasive in certain regions (like E. lehmanniana, Lehmann lovegrass, in southwestern North America), while others are native forage grasses important to ecosystems.
Gardening Terms
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