Although we have lived in the desert for more than 20 years, I had never seen Mexican Feather Grass until this past fall when I saw them in a local garden center. There are many large, ornamental grasses dotting the landscape here since they tend to do well with minimal water and add some softness to the landscape. However, the Mexican feather grass is smaller and a lush, soft green in summer rather than the dull earth tones of most ornamentals. Although they do turn buff color in winter, it is summer when a touch of green is needed here. In addition they are smaller, reaching only about a foot tall and wide.
The plants I saw were so lovely that I thought they would be the perfect addition to a xeriscape Victorian garden look we want for the most public section of our front yard, edging the driveway and front walk. But digging holes in our hard desert soil for forty plants was a little more than I wanted to take on. So I decided to try seeds. Most plants native to Mexico do very well here with minimal supplemental water once established.
Unfortunately the first packet of 2000 seeds I ordered was accidently thrown away and I ordered another 1000. Both orders of Outsidepride Mexican Feather Grass were shipped from Outsidepride and came in a nice little packet, clearly labeled with planting instructions. Something very important that I've learned in ordering seeds is PAY ATTENTION to the seller and their reviews! I've ordered a least a dozen different kinds of seeds. Most come in tiny, clear plastic baggies with no labeling or instructions. A good seller will at least include a page with instructions. But one order for three different kinds arrived with no labeling so I have guess which are poppies, daisies or wildflowers! Since the poppies were Outside Pride poppy seeds that means that that particular seller had actually removed the Outside Pride exterior packaging with the labeling info.
By the time the second order of 1000 seeds arrived we already had our Christmas light up which made planting impossible. So I decided to start some of the seeds inside. The organic eggs I buy come in a clear plastic container with a "double" lid, i.e., there is an egg shaped lid that fits around the eggs and another flat top that closes over that. I decided to use the empty container as twelve little terrariums for the seeds. I put a mix of seed starter and potting soil in each section and then put in about six of these tiny seeds (this is a grass and the seeds are VERY tiny). I used a dropper to add water. Then I closed it up and set it on the sill of a south facing window. Less than two weeks later- every single compartment has little blades of grass coming up!
The instructions say to keep moist until germination so I am going to open the "terrarium" now but leave in the same window. When I can see a root system I will use a deep waterer to put holes along the drive and walk and transfer these seedlings. I don't know if they will have a better chance of survival than planting from seeds but at least I will be able to tell the difference between them and the little weeds that have started coming up since out winter rains :-)
So I am going to start a few more cartons of seeds to finish out the front and also have some for around the pool area in back. But I will keep a few seeds to try starting outside.
Update 4-18-15 California residents see comments. It took me forever to find it (does google have something against California?) I didn't find an actual law but did find that the California Native Plant society does consider this a noxious plant because its seeds are so invasive. Only one of my plants has "seeded" but the Arizona desert is so inhospitable that I'm not expecting an invasion. But in fairness to my neighbors, I did cut off the "feathers" with the seeds just in case :) Really too bad- it was pretty.
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Product Description
Ornamental Grass
Golden Millet is a decorative grass that has a bit more of a natural appearance than other more flamboyant grasses.
Golden Millet (Milium effusum)
If you have a shaded area that you want to fill with a decorative plant, try planting Golden Millet! Most ornamental grasses need full sun, but this little ornamental Millet Grass actually prefers a shady location. The golden, chartreuse leaves will brighten any shady spot in your landscape, and it will gently spread to create a bright ground cover.
Also called Golden Wood Millet Grass, this ornamental's foliage is bright yellow in spring, and turns greenish gold in summer. The plant only grows to about 18 - 24 inches tall, and spreads just as wide. This is a drought tolerant plant that is perfect for xeriscape landscaping where water conservation is an important factor in the grasses you choose. Golden millet can naturally be found in the northern United States, Canada, and parts of Europe.
Decorative Perennial
How to Grow
Golden millet seeds should be started indoors in the early spring. Use small pots filled with a standard seed starting mix. Surface sow the seeds and cover thinly with sand or soil.
Keep the seeds moist until germination. Germination is quite erratic, and may occur anywhere from 10-90 days after sowing.
Once seedlings are established and all danger of frost has passed, they can be transplanted outdoors to their final growing location. Grow in a shady area with evenly moist soil that still drains well.
Plant Specifications
- Season: Perennial
- USDA Zones: 5 - 8
- Height: 24 inches
- Foliage Color: Yellow
- Environment: Partial shade to full shade
- Soil Requirement: Evenly moist, well-drained soil, pH 5.5 - 6.5
- Sowing Rate: 4 - 5 seeds per plant
- Plant Spacing: 24 inches
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Mexican feather grass
Great germination rate. I did discover however that this is not a perennial in my area. No fault but my own. I am not sure what I will do with them as I was looking for boarder grasses that would come back every year in my area. There are several reviews stating these do not germinate but I had no issues at all.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2014
Size: 1000 SeedsStyle: Mexican Feather GrassVerified Purchase
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Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2024
Size: 1000 SeedsStyle: Mexican Feather GrassVerified Purchase
Great germination rate. I did discover however that this is not a perennial in my area. No fault but my own. I am not sure what I will do with them as I was looking for boarder grasses that would come back every year in my area. There are several reviews stating these do not germinate but I had no issues at all.
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