How to Grow Grasses

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Grasses

Poaceae (family)

grass

Grasses are monocotyledonous plants in the Poaceae family, including both ornamental varieties and those used for lawns, pastures, and grain production. They are characterized by hollow jointed stems, narrow leaves, and small flowers arranged in spikelets. Grasses are among the most economically important plants globally, providing food, fiber, and habitat.

Looking for a specific variety?

Perennial Ryegrass Tall Fescue Kentucky Bluegrass Bermuda Grass Zoysia Grass Pampas Grass Fountain Grass Feather Reed Grass Blue Fescue Little Bluestem

When should you plant Grasses in your zone?

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Example Grasses timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Grasses
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Grasses
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Grasses dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun (6-8 hours daily) for most species; some ornamental grasses tolerate partial shade (3-6 hours)

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Water: Moderate water needs; newly established grasses require regular watering. Once established, most grasses are drought-tolerant. Avoid overwatering, which promotes disease. Frequency depends on species and climate.

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Spacing: 6-24 inches depending on species (refer to specific variety recommendations) inches

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Days to maturity: Highly variable by species and purpose; lawn establishment 6-8 weeks, ornamental display 1-2 years, grain crops 120-180 days

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Planting depth: Seed sown at soil surface to 1/4 inch deep; transplants at original depth

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil; preferences vary by species

pH: 6.0-7.5 (neutral preferred, though some species tolerate acidic to alkaline conditions)

Amendments:

Compost for nutrient enrichment Sand or perlite for drainage improvement Peat moss or aged manure for moisture retention in sandy soils Lime to raise pH in acidic soils

Growing Zones

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Varies by species; cool-season grasses thrive in zones 3-6, while warm-season grasses prefer zones 6-10

1a 1b 2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b 12a 12b

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Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

2-4 weeks

Seeds germinate within 7-21 days depending on species and temperature. Seedlings develop first true leaves and shallow root systems.

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide 60-75°F temperatures. Avoid foot traffic. Ensure good light.

Vegetative Growth

4-12 weeks

Plant develops tillers (shoots), extensive root systems, and multiple leaf blades. Height and density increase rapidly.

Begin light fertilization with balanced N-P-K. Mow at proper height for species (typically 2-4 inches). Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep rooting.

Tillering & Establishment

6-16 weeks

Grass forms dense root system and additional shoots. For lawns, turf density increases; for ornamentals, foliage mounding develops.

Continue regular mowing at proper height. Apply light nitrogen fertilizer. Reduce watering frequency as plant establishes.

Flowering & Seed Development

4-8 weeks

Inflorescences (flower spikes or panicles) emerge on stems. Ornamental grasses show dramatic plumes; grain crops develop kernels.

For ornamental display, avoid mowing. For lawns, some species may yellow slightly during flowering. For grain, monitor for pest activity.

Maturity & Dormancy

Variable, seasonal

Seeds mature and harden. Cool-season grasses may go dormant in summer heat; warm-season grasses dormant in winter. Ornamental grasses display dried seed heads.

Reduce water and fertilizer. For ornamentals, allow seed heads to persist for visual interest and wildlife. Collect seed if desired. Cut back dormant grasses in late winter/early spring.

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Wildflowers (coneflower, black-eyed Susan, bee balm) Legumes (clover, vetch, alfalfa in pastures) Nitrogen-fixing plants Creeping groundcovers (sedum, creeping thyme) Shrubs (for ornamental grass borders)

Avoid planting near:

Dense shade-producing trees Very wet, consistently waterlogged areas (unless wetland species) Salt-spray zones (unless salt-tolerant varieties) Allelopathic plants that inhibit grass growth

Common Pests

Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce parasitic wasps; ensure proper irrigation; avoid over-fertilization with nitrogen
Monitor for brown patches; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); use insecticidal soap; maintain proper mowing height
Aerate soil; apply beneficial nematodes; use insecticidal treatments if severe; maintain healthy turf vigor
Apply Bt or spinosad; monitor for damage; maintain proper turf health; avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization
Improve air circulation; avoid excess thatch; water early morning; apply fungicide if severe; maintain proper mowing height
Ensure adequate nitrogen; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering late in day; apply fungicide if necessary

Uses

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Grain & Staple Foods

Culinary

Grass family (Poaceae) includes wheat, rice, corn, barley, and oats—the foundation of human nutrition globally. These grains are staples in bread, cereals, and countless processed foods. [source]

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Lawn & Turf Management

Household

Turfgrass species maintain aesthetic landscapes, reduce erosion, filter water, improve air quality, and provide recreational surfaces. Proper grass selection and care creates functional outdoor spaces. [source]

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Habitat & Biodiversity

Wildlife

Native grasses provide critical habitat and food sources for insects, birds, and small mammals. Ornamental and native grasses support grassland ecosystems and pollinators. [source]

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Ornamental & Dried Arrangements

Craft

Ornamental grasses like pampas grass, feather reed grass, and fountain grass provide dramatic texture, movement, and architectural interest in gardens. Dried seed heads are prized for floral and craft arrangements. [source]

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Traditional & Nutritional Medicine

Medicinal

Wheatgrass and other grass juices are used in alternative medicine for detoxification claims and nutrient supplementation. Grain grasses provide essential carbohydrates, fiber, and micronutrients for human health. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

For ornamental grasses, cut dried seed heads anytime after full maturation (fall through winter) for arrangements or allow to persist for winter interest. Cut back dormant grasses in late winter/early spring before new growth. For grain crops, harvest when seed heads are dry and brown but before shattering (seeds falling); cut, dry, and thresh to extract grain. For pasture/hay, cut at boot stage (just before flowering) for highest nutritional value.

Fun Facts

🌱 Grasses are the dominant plant family on Earth, covering approximately 20% of global land surface and including over 10,000 species across all continents except Antarctica.
🌱 Many grass species can recover from grazing, fire, and drought because they grow from the base of the plant (meristem at the leaf sheath) rather than from the tip, allowing continuous regrowth even after damage.
🌱 The smallest grass species (Oryza barthii) is only 1-2 inches tall, while the largest grass, giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus sinicus), can exceed 130 feet in height and grow over 3 feet per day.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun N-P-K Partial Shade True Leaves

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