Also known as Cocksfoot, Cat Grass can handle both low light and drought conditions so it makes a very nice indoor plant that is also safe for pets--cats, dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs like to nibble it. It is highly palatable to animals and it is often used as forage in pastures. It can be grown in your garden and in xeriscaping designs as well because it is also the food plant of choice for many butterfly caterpillars and other pollinators. When grown for pets, use a heavy low container filled 3/4 full of potting soil to make it harder to topple the pot. Cat Grass is an attractive, easy to grow animal-friendly plant.
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- Thrives in cool weather but tolerates summer heat
- Can be used as erosion control and animal feed
- Great choice as fall/spring sown soil builder when used as a cover crop
Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before planting out. Or direct sow in early spring or early autumn. Expect germination in 10-14 days. Use 50 seeds per two-foot diameter planting to create a dense clump look.
Trim off dead leaves occasionally for a tidier look. Expect two to three years of growth before it flowers. Pampas grass can handle a wide range of growing conditions. It is drought tolerant and suitable for xeriscaping.
