When considering where to plant big bluestem, it’s important to keep in mind that this prairie grass thrives in specific conditions. To ensure its successful growth, choose a location that receives full sun throughout the day. Big bluestem requires a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight to reach its full potential.
Additionally, well-drained soil is crucial for the health of big bluestem. This grass prefers lean, dry soil, similar to the conditions found on prairies. The soil should not retain excessive moisture, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. If your soil tends to be heavy or clay-like, consider amending it with organic matter or sand to improve drainage.
It’s worth noting that big bluestem has a tendency to flop over in moist soil or soil that is rich in nutrients. This can be mitigated by choosing a site with well-drained soil and avoiding excessive fertilization. While some nutrient content is necessary for the grass’s growth, too much can cause it to become top-heavy and prone to falling over.
In terms of water requirements, big bluestem is quite drought-tolerant once established. This makes it an excellent choice for areas that experience long periods of dry conditions. However, during its initial establishment phase, it’s important to provide regular watering to help the grass develop a strong root system. Once established, occasional deep watering during dry spells should be sufficient.
If you’re considering growing big bluestem from seed, it’s worth mentioning that this grass has a tendency to self-seed freely in optimal growing conditions. So, if you have an area where you’d like big bluestem to spread naturally, planting from seed is a viable option. However, if you prefer to control its spread, consider using transplants instead.
When choosing a location to plant big bluestem, prioritize full sun and well-drained soil. Avoid overly moist or nutrient-rich soil to prevent the grass from toppling over. Keep in mind that big bluestem is drought-tolerant once established and self-seeds freely in optimal conditions. By providing the right growing conditions, this beautiful prairie grass can thrive in your garden or landscape.
