Stipa tenuissima 'Mexican Feather Grass'
Stipa tenuissima 'Mexican Feather Grass'
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200 Seeds
Seeding Stipa tenuissima (now more commonly classified as Nassella tenuissima)—commonly known as Mexican Feather Grass—is a beautiful way to grow a soft, flowing ornamental grass that adds fine texture, movement, and elegance to gardens. Its wispy, hair-like blades and delicate blonde seed heads shimmer in the breeze and are perfect for modern landscapes, prairie-style plantings, gravel gardens, and even containers.
Growing from seed is slow but effective, and with a bit of patience, you’ll get graceful, drought-tolerant clumps that can self-sow in the right conditions.
🌾 Stipa tenuissima ‘Mexican Feather Grass’ – Seeding Guide
✅ Quick Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Perennial grass (zones 6–10) |
| Height | 45–60 cm (18–24 in) |
| Spread | 30–45 cm (12–18 in) |
| Bloom Time | Summer (plumes persist into fall/winter) |
| Light | Full sun |
| Soil | Well-drained, sandy or gravelly |
| Water | Low (drought-tolerant) |
| Use | Borders, modern landscapes, meadows, containers |
| Deer/Rabbit | Resistant |
🌱 Step-by-Step Seeding Instructions
1. When to Sow
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Indoors: 8–10 weeks before last frost
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Outdoors: After danger of frost has passed in spring
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Fall sowing (mild climates): Encourages natural stratification
2. Seed Preparation
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No stratification or scarification needed
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Seeds are very fine – handle with care and avoid overcrowding
3. Indoor Sowing (Recommended)
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Containers | Use shallow seed trays or small pots |
| Soil | Light, gritty, well-draining seed-starting mix |
| Sowing Depth | Surface sow or lightly press into soil (no cover) |
| Light | Needs light to germinate – keep in bright light |
| Temperature | 18–22°C (64–72°F) |
| Germination | 14–28 days (slow and erratic) |
4. After Germination
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Transplant seedlings once they have 2–3 true leaves
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Handle gently – avoid disturbing roots too much
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Harden off for 7–10 days before moving outdoors
5. Planting Outdoors
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Spacing: 30–45 cm (12–18 in) apart
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Site: Full sun, very well-drained soil
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Ideal for slopes, gravel beds, or xeriscaping
☀️ Growing Conditions
| Factor | Ideal Conditions |
|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (essential for compact, upright form) |
| Soil | Free-draining; tolerates poor or sandy soils |
| Water | Low – water deeply but infrequently |
| Fertilizer | None needed; avoid rich soil |
✂️ Care Tips
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Do not cut back hard in spring – instead, rake out old blades gently
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Self-seeds freely in some areas – deadhead if you want to control spread
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Looks best when planted en masse or near hardscaping like stone or gravel
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Avoid overwatering – promotes rot and floppy growth
⚠️ Invasiveness Warning
In some areas (like parts of California, New Zealand, and Australia), Stipa tenuissima is considered invasive due to its ability to self-seed aggressively. Check local guidelines and use responsibly.
Alternatives for invasive-prone areas:
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Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie dropseed)
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Bouteloua gracilis (Blue grama)
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Festuca glauca (Blue fescue)
🌾 Companion Planting Suggestions
Pairs beautifully with:
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Lavender
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Sedum 'Autumn Joy'
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Echinacea
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Salvia nemorosa
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Agastache
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