Stipa Tenacissima or Esparto grass: [Planting, Care, Irrigation, Substrate]

The Stipa Tenacissima or Macrochloa tenacissima is a perennial plant in the form of a very bushy grass that easily adapts to different types of terrain.

This is the agreed name to name it scientifically, however its common name is Esparto grass. Although in the past it was widely used to create textile products, today it has a more synthetic purpose.

However, many people still prefer to fill their spaces with some esparto grass, so it is better to know how to take care of it.

Important points when sowing Stipa Tenacissima or Esparto

When? During the spring.
Where? In a space that receives a lot of sunlight.
How do we prepare the land? It does not need major preparations because it behaves well on any terrain.
How should we water? By drip.
How often do you have to water? In the first year, 3 times a week. Then 1 or 2 times a week.
What pests and diseases do they have? None. They are very sturdy in general.

What is the Stipa Tenacissima or Esparto grass?

Stipa Tenacissima is a medium-sized herb that comes from certain areas of Spain.

During its maximum development, it does not manage to exceed one meter in height, so it is worth giving it a good location if you want to enjoy it in full view.

It generates spike-shaped flowers known as antochín.

It is a plant with a rustic texture that can withstand the most adverse weather conditions and even, if it burns, it could resurface long after from its own ashes.

Where should we plant the Stipa Tenacissima or Esparto grass?

The Stipa Tenacissima needs a lot of sunlight every day, so it is convenient to plant it in a place clear of large trees.

Since she’s not picky about soil type, site selection might be the easiest job we’ll have with her.

The only thing that is very important is that it has good drainage.

It is also capable of staying protected during the winter, as long as temperatures do not drop below 4º C.

And as for the heat, it can even live above 35º C in very arid areas.

When should Stipa Tenacissima be cultivated?

The indicated period to advance in its cultivation of Esparto grass is during the spring.

Although in itself it is a very robust plant in its adulthood, as soon as it begins to grow it must be treated with care in order for it to prosper.

So care must be taken that the climatic effects for it to be born are not very adverse and that makes the cool climate of spring the ideal.

How do we prepare the land?

The land does not need major preparations, since it grows very well on land lacking in nutrients.

In addition, these do not have to have a specific consistency since they can be rocky, sandy, limestone, among others.

The area that it likes best to grow is where there is a semi- arid climate, working well with droughts but without becoming excessive.

What must be taken care of is that the soil has very good drainage because if waterlogging occurs, the Stipa Tenacissima will die.

How to plant Stipa Tenacissima step by step?

The method to sow the Stipa Nacissima is through the seeds. This procedure must be very careful because even with all the described characteristics of the plant, the young versions are very weak.

Hence, in order for specimens to reach the adult version, it is necessary to work very carefully on the development from the seed.

In general, the Stipa Tenacissima has a difficult germination, so depending on the number of plants that we are going to obtain, it will be necessary to place up to twice as many seeds.
On the other hand, care must be sufficient around irrigation and sun exposure. Otherwise, the result that will be obtained in the journey would result in many fewer units.
The good news is that after it reaches adulthood, it can withstand almost any weather attack, living for up to four decades.
It is a plant that acts and grows in a very intelligent way, starting the new leaves from the center of it.
This makes the new leaves, which are longer and stronger, offer support and rest to the older ones.
When the esparto grass is kept in a wide field with a good wind, the most common thing is that the seeds spread through it.
As a consequence, they will spread over the ground easily, without the need for too much effort.

What care does esparto grass need?

One of the most important esparto care has to do with irrigation since it will be variable depending on the age of the plant.

As long as the Stipa Tenacissima is not a year old, it will need water a minimum of three times a week.

This irrigation should be by dripping, without flooding and preferably without moistening the leaves, only in direct contact with the soil.

By the time this time has passed, one or two irrigation days a week may be given, following the same recommendations as the previous paragraph.

Many plants need to be fertilized to grow healthy, but in the case of the Stipa Nacissima it is not essential.

What pests and diseases does it have?

It is a plant resistant to all kinds of pests and diseases.

The main reason is that its living conditions distance it from the environments that most pests and fungi require for their development.

The biggest problem that esparto grass can present has to do with its harvesting, since in many cases it is done without the pertinent security measures.

As it is a job that is usually done by hand, it is very important to wait for the plant to mature, which occurs between the months of May and July. In case of hasty harvesting, there is damage to the roots of the plants that will take time to recover, returning to produce a harvest up to six years later.

In other cases, the full exposure of the roots to the outside and with a lot of sun, can cause their death.

Harvesting should always be done in the dry season. If it is done in the rain, you can also die of drowning.