Blue Grama — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Bouteloua gracilis |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 7–21 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–26.7 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 365–730 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature height (cm) | 30.5–61 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–9 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Sow seed in well-drained to dry soil in full sun; blue grama is one of the most drought-tolerant native grasses of the short-grass prairie, once covering vast areas of the central and western United States. Its most distinctive feature is the unusual curved seed heads, shaped like sideways combs or eyelashes that stand on stiff wiry stems and sway in the breeze from midsummer through fall. It forms a fine-textured, low, blue-green turf in natural settings and is increasingly used as a lawn substitute in arid and semi-arid climates that require dramatically reduced water use. In garden settings it mixes beautifully with wildflowers and is highly resistant to deer browsing. Leave seed heads standing through winter for maximum ornamental value.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0