The pampas grass needs enough nutrients for its rapid growth. We reveal what you have to consider when fertilizing pampas grass.
It is towering, indeed arrogant Pampas grass (Cortaderia). The fast-growing plant becomes really impressive in autumn, when the large inflorescences appear. In order for the pampas grass to develop properly, a balanced supply of nutrients is of course crucial. As its name suggests, pampas grass comes from the vast grasslands of South America. There it feels particularly at home along streams or in other damp, yet very sunny locations. The grass forms a rhizome underground - a perennial organ in which it can store nutrients and energy. The soils of the pampas are well suited for this because they are deep and rich in nutrients. And “nutrient-rich” is also the catchphrase when it comes to fertilization in the following.
Fertilizing pampas grass: when is the right time?
In spring the pampas grass starts growing after its winter break. Now is the best time to fertilize. An administration in late summer, on the other hand, would damage the frost-sensitive plant, as it would then no longer be able to mature properly before winter.
What should you fertilize pampas grass with?
A very special type of soil can be found in the pampas: it is very deep and mainly mineral, but due to the high activity of the soil organisms, it is heavily permeated with humus. If you want to do something good for your pampas grass, then you should follow this example. Organic fertilizers that promote soil life and humus build-up are therefore ideally suited. Also, beware of using too much nitrogen. Although this nutrient is essential for every plant, an overdose can be harmful, especially with towering grasses such as pampas grass. The grass then loses its stability and stability and is also more susceptible to cold and frost.
Remember that pampas grass does not only thrive on its favorite soil, but increasingly also areas disturbed by humans such as old industrial sites, railroad tracks or roadsides populated. The soil there is often sandy and less rich in nutrients. Nevertheless, the grass grows extremely well on these soils and has developed into an invasive species in large parts of southern Europe without any fertilization whatsoever. Very regular fertilization is therefore not important for the pampas grass. It is extremely easy to care for and can also cope with fewer nutrients. However, since you will most likely remove the dead leaves - unlike in the wild - you regularly remove nutrients from the circulation. This loss has to be compensated from time to time.
Note: Grasses in pots, however, should be fertilized regularly, as they cannot stretch their roots as far as they want. However, the pampas grass is clearly considered a solitaire for beds.
Organically fertilizing pampas grass: the right approach
If you want to fertilize your pampas grass, then organic fertilizer is the means of choice. Either you use compost from your own garden, which you work into the soil in the spring at the beginning of growth, or you rely on a primarily organic fertilizer like ours Plantura organic tomato fertilizerthat the plant gratefully accepts. This saves you from having to rearrange your compost and can easily work the fertilizer into the soil once in spring.
Fertilize pampas grass with minerals
Mineral fertilization is actually not in the nature of pampas grass. In its homeland, it uses the nutrients that are released when organic matter decomposes. This happens gradually over the summer when it gets warm and humid. However, mineral fertilization is usually available quickly and does not last long. Soon the plant will have to be fertilized again and so, as a gardener, you are constantly busy fertilizing a wide variety of plants. If it is to be mineral fertilizer, then it is better to use depot fertilizers with a moderate nitrogen content. This protects your nerves as well as the groundwater and also meets the needs of the plant.
Fertilize pampas grass with home remedies
Pampas grass is not very demanding, actually it is probably most happy about compost. The second variant, which perhaps comes closest to the natural environment of the grass, is manure. Feral horses and cattle live in the vast grasslands of South America as well as the wild relative of the llamas and alpacas, the guanaco (Lama guanicoe). Their nutrient-rich legacies can be found everywhere. If you want to fertilize your pampas grass in a particularly stylish way, then keep an eye out for an alpaca keeper in your area. He will surely be happy to provide you with alpacamist. And by the way: The manure of this camel species is probably one of the highest quality natural fertilizers, and not just for pampas grass.
Fertilize pampas grass - the most important things in a nutshell:
- Thrives naturally on nutrient-rich and deep soils with a high proportion of humus
- Can also develop very well on sandy and disturbed soils
- Fertilization makes sense every now and then, because of that Cutting back the pampas grass stalks Nutrients are withdrawn from the cycle
- Fertilize in spring
- Use only fertilizers with a moderate nitrogen content
- Prefers compost, alpaca manure or organic fertilizers