Fountain grass is a total garden MVP—it’s hardy, low-maintenance, and looks stunning in almost any landscape. The best part? You don’t have to spend a fortune at the nursery to fill your yard with it. Propagating this ornamental grass is actually super easy and budget-friendly!
What are the best ways to propagate fountain grass?
Since fountain grass doesn’t spread through underground runners, you’ve basically got two main options to get more plants:
- Dividing the root ball
- Growing from seed
How do you propagate fountain grass?
Timing is everything here, regardless of which method you choose. You’ll want to get your new grass planted in the spring. This gives the plant the entire summer to establish a strong root system at its new spot before the cold hits.
Propagation by Division
Dividing your grass is by far the easiest and most reliable way to get new plants. You’ll want to do this in early spring before the new growth starts popping up. Before you start digging, cut back all the old stems to about 4 inches. Then, follow these steps:
- Use a spade to dig up the entire root clump.
- Slice the clump into two to four sections. Make sure each piece has a healthy chunk of roots and several stem bases.
- If the root ball is being stubborn, don’t be afraid to use an axe or a garden saw to get through it.
- Replant one piece back in the original hole.
- Move your new “babies” to their new homes in the garden.
Pro tip: Plant the new divisions slightly deeper than they were originally growing—this really helps kickstart that fresh new growth!
Propagation from Seed
Heads up: Not every variety of fountain grass produces viable seeds, and starting from seed can be a bit hit-or-miss. But if you’re up for a little gardening challenge, here’s how to do it:
- Fill small starter pots with high-quality seed-starting mix.
- Scatter your seeds on top and cover them with just a very thin layer of soil.
- Give them a gentle misting with water.
- Cover the pots with a clear plastic dome or some plastic wrap to keep the humidity in.
- Take the cover off for a few minutes every day to let some fresh air in.
- Keep the soil moist with a spray bottle whenever it starts to feel dry.
- Once your seedlings hit about 1.5 inches tall, it’s time to prick them out and move them to individual pots.
