Drying the pampas grass yourself: this is important to note

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

Harvest: timing

To dry the pampas grass, you need to do it beforehand to harvest. Cortaderia selloana is known for the numerous stalks 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 grasses. In Central Europe, this begins in mid-August and the panicles then remain until the next year. For the cut, wait until a tag with the following properties is available:

• dry
• no risk of precipitation
• covered

Note: Stop cutting after frost breakdown. This is very tough on the plants and could permanently damage them.

Cut in detail

You shouldn't reach for secateurs just like that, because drying pampas grass is dangerous for the hasty gardener. Cuts should only be carried out with the right protective clothing, as the blades of the grass are extremely sharp. Some varieties even have dangerous barbs. Put on the following protective clothing:

• safety goggles
• Gardening gloves
• long-sleeved 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 secateurs that will be disinfected and sharpened. In this way you prevent injuries from drying out pampas grass. Then follow these instructions to harvest the stalks:

• Sort out the stalks you want
• choose only a few per plant
• cut off directly at the bottom
• never in the middle
• this promotes the penetration of pathogens
• Put cut stalks to one side
• cut one at a time

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

Drying: Instructions

In order to be able to properly carry out the drying of 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 stalks together in a bundle
• use a sturdy cord for this
• e.g. Package cord
• Straws are tied in the middle
• hang upside down
• Choose an outdoor space
• ideally dry and dark
• also possible in well-ventilated interiors
• The place of suspension must be protected from precipitation
• Drying time: 7 to 21 days

After the pampas has dried, you can remove the stalks again and prepare them for the vase or other decor options. To do this, cut the stalks back to the desired length. Wear gloves as pampas grasses are sharp even when dry. Before putting them in the vase, it is worth sealing them with a suitable agent. This makes them look fresh longer. Are suitable:

• Hairspray
• Clear coat
• Florist Preservation Spray

Tip: So that the stalks of the pampas grass do not fluff too much after drying, shake them well before use. Ideally outdoors.

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