Feathertop ornamental grass brings an ethereal elegance to gardens across zones 9 and 10, with delicate, feathery seed heads that seem to float above compact foliage. Growing 12 to 24 inches tall, this open-pollinated grass develops in just 100 to 120 days, making it a rewarding choice for gardeners seeking both speed and sophistication. Whether harvested fresh or dried, the seed heads capture light beautifully and hold their ornamental appeal long after the growing season ends, provided you time your harvest carefully before pollen shed.
—
—
9-10
24in H x ?in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
The seed heads emerge in a soft, almost iridescent light green before maturing, and therein lies the critical harvest window: pick them just as they're about to shed pollen, and you'll preserve their delicate structure and prevent the frustrating shattering that occurs once pollen has fully released. This grass thrives on simple care and spacing of just 12 inches apart, making it efficient to fit into garden beds or containers. The combination of fine, feathery texture and reliable 100 to 120 day timeline creates a variety that delivers visual impact without demanding fussiness.
Feathertop shines as a fresh cut flower, where its airy texture and architectural form complement both contemporary and traditional arrangements. It also dries beautifully for longer-lasting displays, holding its elegant structure for months indoors when harvested and dried properly.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep into cell trays or seedling containers 5 to 7 weeks before your last frost date. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during germination and seedling growth. Maintain warm conditions indoors to encourage germination and strong early development.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after your last frost date once they've developed true leaves and the soil has warmed. Space plants 12 inches apart in full sun. Harden off seedlings gradually by exposing them to outdoor conditions for increasing periods over 7 to 10 days before final planting.
Direct seeding is possible only in warm climates with a long growing season; sow after your last frost date directly into garden soil. This method requires warm soil and ample time for the grass to reach seed head maturity within the 100 to 120 day window.
Harvest seed heads just before they shed pollen, when they're still light green in color. This is the critical window: once pollen has been released, the delicate seed heads begin to shatter, scattering their contents and losing their ornamental appeal. Cut the stems at the base or partway down with sharp scissors or pruners. For drying, tie small bundles and hang upside down in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight for 2 to 3 weeks until completely dry.
Feathertop ornamental grass does not require pruning during the growing season to maintain its bushy habit. However, after the growing season ends and you've harvested the seed heads you want, you may cut back spent foliage to the base. In zones 9 and 10, where the grass may persist, removing old growth in late winter encourages fresh shoots in spring.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.