Pampas grass denotes the giant grass reaching 2.5 m in height. It belongs to the family of Poacea and is native only to South America. These are defined as the floriferous plants providing benefits to humans. People are very familiar with the creamy white foliage of the pampas grass. These are attractive grasses grown in so many landscapes.

Further, these are very easy to grow. Being fast growers, they reach around 5 to 10 feet in significantly less time. Pampas grass is the newest trend found in almost every home. Keeping just one stalk of the grass complements the look of the room.

How to grow pampas grass?

The pampas grass complements all other plants indoors and in the gardens. Likewise, this grass acts as a filler for filling all those sparse areas in the parks. It looks grand in places like around the pool or near corners, etc. It is straightforward to maintain and keep. Pampas grass requires adequate sunlight with fertile soil.

Sowing the seed

The growth of pampas from the seed is elementary. Just select the variety you want to keep and sow the seeds in early springtime. Besides, pick up one spot in your garden that allows full sunlight. It’s not necessary to cover all the seeds in the soil. It’s best to give a little raking before sowing. Raking helps to loosen the roots allowing the soil to get more space for the pampas grass.

Keeping the seeds indoors is also a great idea. Mix the grass using perlite and sol at a 1:2 ratio. Perlite helps in providing better drainage for the plants to bloom. The container where you put the plants must be under adequate sunlight.

Choosing the right location for the grass

Firstly, look at the height and width of the pampas grass. Secondly, pampas plants grow so tall that the area starts looking dirty if you are not prepared. Select a location receiving full sunlight throughout the day. Please don’t plant it near the driveway. The tall grass can also obstruct the vision leading to accidents.

Be sure of keeping the grass away from the children’s reach. The pampas grass also blooms with beautiful flowers. But the leaves are razor-sharp, and children might hurt themselves while pulling them. If you want to transplant the grass, digging a hole to know the height and width becomes so crucial.

Use your hands for separating the root ball while planting. Pat the soil and grass gently just after planting. Also, it’s crucial to water the grass thoroughly.

When to Plant Pampas Grass?

Pampas Grass is best grown during the summer months. It is not suited for the cold months when kept under pots. The grass is grown indoors during the winter months, while it is put back to its position in spring. Pampas grass requires full sunlight, but with partial light also, they know what to do.

How to care for Pampas grass?

Water the plants daily after transplanting. Further, the roots need moisture for reducing the stress of transplant. The pampas grass requires water continuously, failing which the plant might die. It’s necessary to keep the soil moist. To get the moistness, put your finger directly an inch to the ground. If your finger gets into the dirt quickly, it means the soil is moistened enough.

While in the early years of planting, fertilize the grass right in the early spring and early summers. Also, it would be best if you fertilized it at the beginning of the fall. Cut down on the fertilizers once it has been appropriately given. You are required to fertilize the grass only during the springtime. The Pampas grass takes about 3 to 5 years to come into its form ultimately. It’s crucial to prune the tips now and then so that the grass grows strong.

Since these are long grasses, keep a minimum of 6 feet of space between the plants. The grass can tolerate drought also and is flexible withstanding wind. The Pampas grass works excellent near any seaside cottage garden.

How to Prune Pampas Grass?

The Pampas Grass requires annual pruning so that it grows back solid and sturdy. Pruning helps the plants to develop new room for growth. The foliage is so tough you will require leather gloves and long pants to avoid cutting yourself. The pruning is easy if you have the right tools. Chainsaw is the best tool that can prune the Pampas grass. Also, the long-handled loppers can do the job right. The long handles are known to providing more support than the shorter ones.

Pruning is also simple in Pampas grass. Firstly, start by poking the base of the plant. Make sure that there is nothing inside. Many small mammals use the foliage to make their nests. So, you have to be careful from the beginning. Start cutting the leaves from the base to the vegetation around 6 to 8 inches tall.

Is it necessary to cut pampas grass?

Pampas grass doesn’t need much maintenance. But pruning helps in the initial growth of the plants. During the autumn and winter months, the grass tends to dry up. But they don’t fall off by themselves. You have to prune the grass for protecting its leaves. The first shoots appear in the grass right from early spring. After the shoots reach about 10 to 15 cms, cut the old shoots tied together.

 It all depends on the weather and new shoots. March to May is the right time for pruning. While cutting the grass in spring, take a tape to tie the leaves together. Take a bundle of the leaves and flowers and cut them from a height of 20cm right above the ground. The new shoots start appearing at this point. Make sure you are not missing any new node. The recent growth requires enough space and light.

What is the right time to cut pampas grass?

Winter months are the suitable time to cut pampas grass creating disturbance. It is right before new shoots start appearing. After the cold weather sets, the foliage becomes so dry and damaged. They start turning brown and then die. It also becomes a fire hazard. It’s best to cut them to the ground. This way you can prevent any kind of havoc.

Cutting pampas grass is not easy because it grows up to 10 feet in height. Electric chainsaw and power hedge trimmers are perfect for cutting pampas. Sterilize the equipment by rubbing alcohol. Also, you can dip the blades into any household cleaner. The tools have to be dried before using to cut them. It prevents bacterial growth. Protect yourself while cutting by wearing a long shirt as the leaves tend to be very sharp.

Pampas turns to be a vibrant flower growing at greater heights. Likewise, cutting it back to the ground won’t affect its height. Even if you don’t have the tools, remove the dead plants by combing the grass. You can even take a garden rake to pull out any dead foliage from the plants. The feathery plumes in the pampas grass used for decoration purposes, especially dried flower arrangements. Hang the plumes upside down in a dry location. Keep it for about two weeks. Spray acrylic fixture so that the seeds remain intact to the plants.

Ways to kill Pampas Grass

• The grass must be cut to the ground

The best way to kill pampas grass is by cutting it down to the grass. Take a hedge trimmer or a weed tracker with a sturdy blade to cut it. Cutting it down to the ground also helps in the growth of the plants.

• Non-chemical alternatives

Herbicide is another way to kill pampas grass. It doesn’t take much longer to kill, and the process is 100% effective. Herbicide helps in killing the clumps in the pampas grass.

• Covering the grass

You can kill the grass but cutting it low. And then cover it by using a sharp tarp.  If you don’t allow light or moisture to get in, the grass slowly begins to die. But it takes from weeks to months. Dig out as many roots as you want after removing the tarp. The work is hard, but this process doesn’t have any chemicals.

• Post-emergent herbicide

The post-emergent herbicide is a chemical applied on the top and side of the grass. Since every herbicide is different, check the formulations on the bottle. With just one or two applications, you can kill the grass. Once the pampas grass is dead, it simply decomposes. As another option, you can pull out the grass manually.