Pampas grass has established itself as a new design trend for an exciting ambience. The straws can be harvested and dried without any problems if the pampas grass is also to be used as decoration.

In a nutshell

  • Cut off the culms to dry after the flowering period has started
  • do not cut off too many stems per plant
  • tie together and hang to dry
  • after a few weeks they have dried
  • after drying, they can be used in a vase or in other decorative ways

Harvest: timing

In order to dry the pampas grass, you must first harvest it. Cortaderia selloana is known for the numerous culms and the large panicles of flowers that attract attention in clusters. For the cut you have to wait for the right time, which depends on the flowering time of the grass. In Central Europe, this begins in mid-August and the panicles then remain until next year. For editing, wait until a tag with the following properties is available:

Cortaderia selloana, pampas grass
  • dry
  • no risk of precipitation
  • covered

Notice: Don't prune after frost. This takes a toll on the plants and could damage them permanently.

cut in detail

You shouldn't just reach for pruning shears, because drying pampas grass is dangerous for the hasty gardener. Cuts should always be made with the right protective clothing, as the blades of grass are extremely sharp. Some strains even have dangerous barbs. Rely on the following protective clothing:

  • safety goggles
  • garden gloves
  • long sleeve tops
  • long trousers
  • closed shoes

As a precaution, use a sturdy material for the clothing so that the straws cannot cut through it or get caught. A thick leather or outdoor jacket is particularly suitable for the cut. In addition to protective clothing, you will need large pruning shears that are disinfected and sharpened. This will prevent you from getting injured while drying pampas grass. Then follow these instructions to harvest the stalks:

  • sort out desired stems
  • select only a few per plant
  • cut right off the ground
  • never in the middle
  • this promotes the entry of pathogens
  • Set the cut stalks aside
  • cut one by one

Notice: If you want to buy the stalks of Cortaderia selloana, they are usually already dried.

Drying instructions

In order to properly dry the pampas grass, you need to follow a few guidelines. The process is not really complicated and can be implemented effectively. The following steps will help you:

  • Tie several stems together in a bundle
  • use a sturdy cord for this
  • e.g. parcel cord
  • Straws are tied together in the middle
  • hang upside down
  • Choose an outdoor space
  • ideally dry and dark
  • also possible in well-ventilated interior rooms
  • The suspension point must be protected from precipitation
  • Drying time: 7 to 21 days

After the pampas grass has dried, you can unhook the stalks again and prepare them for the vase or other decorative options. Cut the stems back to the desired length. Wear gloves when doing this as pampas grass is sharp even when dry. Before putting them in the vase, it is worth sealing them with a suitable means. This keeps them looking fresh for longer. Are suitable:

  • hairspray
  • clear coat
  • Florist Preservative Spray

Tip: Shake out the pampas grass stalks well before use so that they don't fluff too much after drying. Ideally outdoors.

frequently asked Questions

How long can the dried straws be used?

A big advantage of dried pampas grass is its long shelf life. If they are completely dry, you can use the stalks for years. However, make sure that they are not placed in a container with water, otherwise the stems will start to get moldy. Otherwise nothing stands in the way of long use.

Do the tufts need to be cleaned?

It is advisable to clean the tufts at regular intervals. Since they can be used for an extremely long period of time, dust accumulates on them. Use a feather duster or a cloth to carefully remove the dust. Other care measures for the decorative straws are not necessary.

How can the development of magnificent panicles be supported?

So that you can harvest more stalks for drying next year, the grasses must be thoroughly cut or combed out in spring. To do this, separate the dry stems from the green stems after the frost period. Don't forget your gloves. Discard the dried grasses.

Why do the panicles no longer have any volume after drying?

Do not worry. The panicles need a little time before they regain their original shape. As moisture is withdrawn from them during drying, the fronds sag. After a few days they regain their characteristic volume and delight in the vase.

Category:

Vegetable garden