How to Grow Eragrostis Plants in your Garden

Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Lovegrass, Candygrass, and Stinkgrass

Eragrostis grasses can either be hardy perennials or hardy annuals.

They reach a height of between 90 cm and 1.2 m and have pale leaves and spiked flowers, which flower from the end of spring to autumn (species specific).

Some of the common names for Eragrostis include Love grass and Lace grass.

How to Grow Love Grass and other Eragrostis Plants in the Garden

Love grass and similar Eragrostis plants should be sown on the surface following the last frost of spring.

They prefer to grow in an area that is sunny, has good drainage and a fertile soil; due to their delicate flowers they should be grown in a sheltered area of the garden. You can prepare Eragrostis grasses such as love grass indoors first by sowing about 8 weeks before they are due to be transplanted outdoors in the garden after the last frost of spring. They should be spaced at about 60 cm apart, or grown individually.

Caring for and drying Eragrostis grasses

Eragrostis like most grasses will require plenty of watering, following flowering and before seed has dried out they can be harvested and dried out for use in flower arrangements. It is best to cut the grasses down to about 30 cm in height at the end of the growing season. If you require more plants of the perennial varieties then they can be divided in the spring.