Red Grass Growing Guide

T. triandra (synonym Themeda australis)

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

No. Red grass grows best in subtropical climates with no freezing weather. Established plants will tolerate a light frost.

Feeding

None needed.

Spacing

Single Plants: 50cm (1' 7") each way (minimum)
Rows: 50cm (1' 7") with 50cm (1' 7") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow fresh seed from spring to early autumn, while the soil is warm. Less than half of the seeds collected from wild plants are viable, so be generous when planting in a meadow situation. Better yet, cut mature seed-bearing awns from established plants in late summer and scatter them where you want it to grow. Plants grown in containers can be set out from spring to early summer. Young plants need water their first year, but after that Red grass becomes very drought tolerant. Red grass is a bit slow to establish, but should form a vigorous clump by its second year. You can increase your supply of plants by digging divisions from the outside of the clump from late spring to early summer, and transplanting them immediately to a new location.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

An important native plant in Australia’s grasslands, Red grass is also used in parts of Africa for food and fibre. This perennial, tuft forming grass does a beautiful job of dramatising wind, and large plantings can be used as lawn alternatives. Kangaroo grass leaves host several species of native insects, and birds nest in the low foliage. Old foliage can be cut away at any time, preferably in spring just before new growth begins.

Harvesting

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Red Grass

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail