Big Bluestem Growing Guide

Andropogon gerardii

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Established plants of big bluestem are winter hardy to -34°C (-30°F).

Feeding

None needed. Plants that are too well fed or overwatered are prone to falling over.

Spacing

Single Plants: 90cm (2' 11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 90cm (2' 11") with 90cm (2' 11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

You can plant big bluestem from seed when sowing a wildflower meadow. Plant in autumn or spring, barely covering the seeds with soil. For more managed areas, set out container-grown plants from spring to early summer in sunny, unimproved soil. Young plants need water their first year, but after that big bluestem becomes very drought tolerant. Big bluestem is a bit slow to establish, but should form a vigorous clump by its third year. You can increase your supply of plants by digging divisions from the outside of the clump in late spring and transplanting them to a new location.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Big bluestem is native to much of eastern North America, and it is one of the dominant prairie grasses of the Midwest. Taller and showier than other native grasses, big bluestem makes a great backdrop for smaller wildflowers. Leaves of the species show a blue cast in spring. The divided seed heads that appear in late summer resemble a turkey’s foot. Several improved varieties are available with leaves that start out green and darken to purple in response to warmth and sun. ‘Red October’ become redder as the season progresses. Shorter than big bluestem but equally useful in meadows, little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) grows to 1m (3 feet) high, and makes a wonderful grass for windswept hillsides. Its is grown just like big bluestem. Big bluestem leaves host several species of skipper and other small butterflies, and birds nest in the low foliage. Wait until late winter to cut old foliage to the ground.

Harvesting

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Big Bluestem

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail