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Muhly Grass
Muhlenbergia capillaris
Reviewed by Kiersten Rankel M.S.
QUICK ANSWER
Clump division is the fastest and most reliable method and produces a flowering plant in 2 to 4 weeks by lifting and splitting a mature plant in spring. Seed propagation works in 8 to 12 months and produces many plants from a single seed head, though seedlings take a year before they bloom.
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Division
Best when your clump is at least three years old
From seed
Best for many plants for mass plantings
Division
Time
2–4 weeks
Level
Beginner
Success rate
High
You'll need
Sharp spade or garden fork
Sturdy knife or pruning saw
Compost
Watering can or hose
1 gallon pots if not replanting in ground
1
Divide in early spring
Wait until you see fresh green growth pushing through the dormant tan stems, usually March or April in zones 5 to 11. Spring division gives the plant a full growing season to reestablish before fall. Avoid summer division during heat or stress.
2
Cut back old growth
Shear the dormant tan foliage down to four inches above the crown before lifting. This makes the clump easier to handle and lets you see what you are working with. Bag the clippings or compost them.
3
Lift the entire clump
Slide a sharp spade six inches outside the clump's edge and rock it back to lift the whole root mass. Muhly grass forms a dense fibrous root ball that comes up cleanly when the soil is moist. Water the day before lifting if the ground is dry.
4
Cut into sections
Use a sturdy knife or pruning saw to cut the clump into three or four wedge shaped sections. Each section needs healthy roots and at least a fist sized portion of crown.
Mature clumps often die out in the center, so the outer sections are the most viable for replanting.
Mature clumps often die out in the center, so the outer sections are the most viable for replanting.
5
Replant immediately
Dig holes the same depth as the original clump in a sunny spot with well drained soil. Set divisions at the same level they were growing before, fill in with soil amended with compost, and firm gently. Space divisions 24 to 36 inches apart so they have room to fill in.
6
Water deeply for two weeks
Water right after planting and every three days for the first two weeks. New green growth from the center within two weeks confirms the division has rooted. After that, treat divisions like established plants and water only during dry spells.
WATCH FOR
Divisions stay tan and never push fresh green blades. The crown was damaged during cutting or the section had no living roots attached. Dig one up and check for white root tips. If the crown is brown all the way through, the section failed and should be composted.
From seed
Time
8–12 months
Level
Beginner
Success rate
Moderate
You'll need
Fresh muhly grass seeds (from this year's heads)
Seed starting tray with drainage
Light seed starting mix with sand
Clear plastic dome
4 inch pots for transplanting
1
Collect seed in late fall
Wait for the pink fluffy plumes to fade and dry to tan in November or December. Run a paper bag along the seed heads and shake. The tiny tan seeds drop into the bag. Older seed germinates poorly so use this year's harvest.
2
Sow in late winter
Start seeds 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost date. Fill a tray with light seed starting mix amended with sand for drainage. Press seeds onto the surface and cover with just an eighth inch of mix. The seeds need light to germinate.
3
Cover and warm
Mist the surface until evenly moist. Place a clear dome over the tray to hold humidity. Set in bright indirect light at 70 to 75 degrees.
Germination takes 3 to 5 weeks, sometimes longer with old seed.
Germination takes 3 to 5 weeks, sometimes longer with old seed.
4
Remove the dome at sprouting
Once half the seeds have sent up grass like blades, take off the cover to prevent damping off. Move the tray to direct sun or under grow lights so seedlings stay stocky. Thin to the strongest one or two per cell.
5
Pot up at 3 inches
When seedlings reach 3 inches tall, transplant them individually into 4 inch pots with regular potting mix. Keep in bright light and feed every two weeks with diluted liquid fertilizer to push growth.
6
Plant out after frost
Once the last frost has passed, harden off seedlings over a week and transplant to a sunny spot with well drained soil. Most seed grown muhly grass blooms in its second year. The first season focuses on building roots and a small clump.
WATCH FOR
Seedlings yellow and stall after the first true leaves. This often means the soil drains too poorly or stays too cold. Move to a warmer brighter spot, water from below to keep the surface dry, and confirm the tray drains freely.
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About This Article
Kiersten Rankel M.S.
Botanical Data Lead at Greg · Plant Scientist
Editorial Process
Propagation methods verified against Muhlenbergia capillaris growth data from Greg's botanical database, cross-referenced with USDA hardiness zone data and published horticultural research.
158+ Greg users growing this plant
USDA hardiness zones 5a–11b