Feather Grass
Hare's tail grass is a delicate ornamental that brings an ethereal quality to any garden with its distinctive soft, furry plumes. Hardy in zones 8-10, this open-pollinated grass reaches 20-28 inches tall and produces those signature feathery seed heads in 90-110 days from planting. The fluffy panicles emerge pale green and are perfect for cutting fresh or drying, making this a valuable addition to both cutting gardens and dried flower arrangements.
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Low
8-10
28in H x ?in W
Annual
Moderate
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Soft, furry plumes that dry beautifully without shattering if harvested at just the right moment give this ornamental grass serious staying power in arrangements. At 20-28 inches tall with a bushy habit, it fits naturally into smaller spaces and containers while still making a visual impact. The timing is generous too, 90-110 days gives you flexibility in planning succession plantings for continuous harvests through the season.
Hare's tail grass shines as a fresh cut flower, offering delicate texture and movement to bouquets and arrangements. The seed heads are equally valuable dried, holding their shape and soft appearance for months in dried displays and long-lasting floral compositions.
Sow seeds 1/8 inch deep into cell trays or preferred seedling containers 5-7 weeks before your last frost date. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during germination and early growth. Transplant outdoors after the last frost has passed and soil has warmed.
Move seedlings outside after the last frost date when soil temperatures have warmed. Space plants 9 inches apart in full sun. Harden off seedlings gradually over 7-10 days before planting to prevent transplant shock.
Direct sow after the last frost only in warm climates with a long growing season. Sow 1/8 inch deep and keep soil consistently moist until seedlings are established.
Harvest seed heads just before they shed pollen while they're still light green in color. This timing is critical, once the heads have released their pollen, they tend to shatter and lose their soft, furry appearance. Cut stems at the base with clean scissors or pruners and use fresh immediately or hang to dry in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight.
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