Greater Quaking Grass is the tallest and most dramatic member of the quaking grass family, reaching 20 to 30 inches with delicate, papery seed heads that tremble and dance in the slightest breeze. This open-pollinated ornamental grass produces abundant, coin-shaped seed heads perfect for fresh arrangements or dried bouquets, maturing in 90 to 110 days from sowing. The seed heads are the real show here: large enough to command attention in any arrangement, yet ethereal enough to catch light and movement in ways that transform a simple vase into something alive.
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Low
6-10
30in H x ?in W
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High
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The seed heads are substantial and graceful, larger than other quaking grass varieties, with a papery texture that catches light beautifully. Harvest them when still green before pollen sheds to prevent the heads from shattering, or wait until they turn golden if you prefer a different aesthetic. Either fresh or dried, these heads bring movement and texture to arrangements that few other ornamentals can match, and they're remarkably easy to grow from seed.
Greater Quaking Grass is grown almost exclusively as a cut flower for fresh or dried arrangements. Gardeners harvest the seed heads at their peak and either use them fresh in water or hang-dry them for long-lasting dried bouquets that retain their delicate movement and papery texture for months.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep in 72-cell flats or your preferred seedling container 5 to 7 weeks before your expected last frost date. Keep soil consistently moist until germination.
Transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Space plants 9 inches apart in full sun.
Direct seed after danger of frost has passed.
Harvest seed heads when they reach maturity but while still green and before pollen sheds; this timing preserves the heads and prevents shattering. If you prefer the golden appearance of fully mature heads, harvest once they've turned color, but handle carefully as these tend to shed pollen and may shatter more readily. Cut stems at the base and use immediately in fresh arrangements or hang in bundles to dry.
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