Big Bluestem Grass Seeds – Andropogon gerardii

Bring height, movement, and changing seasonal color to your landscape with Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii). This native, warm-season perennial grass develops tall blue-green stems in summer, followed by reddish-copper foliage in fall. Use it as a vertical accent or plant in groups for a flowing, prairie-style display.

Plant highlights

• Botanical name: Andropogon gerardii.
• Common name: Big Bluestem, also known as turkeyfoot grass.
• Life cycle: Warm-season perennial grass.
• Height: Approximately 4–7 feet at maturity, depending on conditions.
• Summer foliage: Blue-green stems and slender blades.
• Fall color: Reddish-copper tones.
• Flowers: Purplish spikes in late summer; flowering season varies by region.
• Uses: Ornamental accents, grouped plantings, prairie-style gardens, and large containers.

Choose your seed pack

Available options are 200 seeds, 1,000 seeds, a 1 oz pack, a 1/4 lb pack, or a 1 lb pack. Weight-based packs are sold by weight, not a guaranteed seed count. This listing is for planting seeds, not live grass plants.

Starting seeds

Sow into trays or pots filled with moist growing mix, or broadcast over a prepared, weed-free planting area. Cover with a thin layer of soil and water gently to settle the seeds.

• Outdoor timing: The existing growing guidance recommends sowing from late winter through late spring, adjusted to local conditions.
• Moisture: Keep the soil evenly moist during germination without waterlogging it.
• Fertilizer: Do not fertilize during germination.
• Emergence: Often approximately 3–4 weeks when moisture and soil temperatures are suitable; cooler conditions can delay emergence.
• Early growth: First-season growth is often slow while plants establish.

Establishment and garden care

Choose a sunny position with room for a tall, mature grass. Keep young plants watered while their roots develop and reduce competition from weeds. Allow time for establishment rather than expecting a full-height display immediately.

Growth can become stronger in following years as the plant develops and spreads through rhizomes. Monitor the edges of grouped plantings and allow enough space so neighboring plants are not crowded. Mature height and seasonal color vary with climate and growing conditions.

Growing in containers

Big Bluestem needs a substantial planter to accommodate its height and developing root system. Use as a tall focal point rather than crowding it into a small mixed pot.

• Container: Choose a large, deep, stable pot with drainage holes. Account for the wind exposure of stems that can reach 4–7 feet tall.
• Mix: Use a well-draining container growing mix.
• Sowing: Cover seeds with a thin layer of mix and keep evenly moist during germination.
• Placement: Provide a sunny position with space around the foliage.
• Watering: Check moisture regularly, particularly during hot or windy weather. Water when needed and let excess water drain freely.
• Long-term care: Monitor root crowding and divide, repot, or transplant into the garden as the clump develops. Protect container roots from severe winter exposure according to local conditions.

Seasonal display

Enjoy blue-green summer foliage, late-summer flower spikes, and warm copper-red fall tones. Pair with other prairie-style plants for contrasting textures, or grow a single clump as an architectural accent. As a warm-season grass, its strongest growth occurs during the warmer part of the year.