Stipa tenuissima 'Mexican Feather Grass'

100 Seeds

Mexican Feather Grass is an elegant ornamental perennial grass with fine, silky, arching green foliage that turns golden as it matures. It creates a soft, flowing effect in the landscape and is highly valued for xeriscaping, rock gardens, borders, containers, and modern landscape designs. It is drought tolerant once established and performs best in the Gulf during the cool season.

Best Planting Time

• October to January (recommended)
• Sow during the cool season for strong establishment.
• Avoid sowing during the hottest summer months.

Seed Preparation

• No soaking is required.
• Refrigerate seeds for 2 weeks (optional) to improve germination.
• Use fresh, high-quality seeds.

Soil Preparation

Mexican Feather Grass prefers light, sandy, well-drained soil.

Recommended mix:

• 50% Sandy garden soil
• 20% Compost
• 20% Coco peat
• 10% Perlite or coarse sand

Ideal soil pH:

• 6.5–7.8

Sowing Method

• Sow seeds in seed trays or directly into the garden.
• Scatter seeds on the soil surface.
• Cover lightly with 2–3 mm of fine soil or vermiculite.
• Keep the soil lightly moist until germination.
• Transplant seedlings when they develop 4–5 true leaves.

Temperature & Light

• Ideal germination temperature: 18–24°C
• Ideal growing temperature: 18–32°C
• Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Full sun produces the healthiest, most graceful plants.

Watering

• Keep the soil lightly moist during germination.
• After establishment, water when the top 5 cm of soil becomes dry.
• Once mature, the plant is highly drought tolerant.
• Avoid excessive watering and poorly drained soil.

Germination Time

• 10–21 days

Plant Spacing

• 40–50 cm between plants.
• 50–60 cm between rows.

Growth & Maintenance

• Forms graceful clumps within 3–5 months.
• Flowering seed heads appear in spring.
• Comb or trim old foliage in late winter to encourage fresh growth.
• Divide mature clumps every 3–4 years if needed.

Fertilization

• Mix compost into the soil before planting.
• Apply a light balanced fertilizer once every 8–10 weeks during active growth.
• Avoid excessive fertilizer, as it reduces the plant's natural compact form.

Gulf Climate Tips

• Grow during the cool season.
• Water early in the morning.
• Ensure excellent drainage.
• Apply gravel mulch around the base to reduce humidity around the crown.
• Avoid heavy clay soils.
• Monitor for crown rot under excessively wet conditions.
• Mexican Feather Grass is ideal for rock gardens, borders, containers, xeriscapes, Mediterranean-style landscapes, and modern gardens throughout the Gulf.