Also known as Indiangrass · 207 saves
Sorghastrum
Sorghastrum, the genus most gardeners know as indiangrass. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Sorghastrum varieties
Species of Sorghastrum
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Sorghastrum in Sow
Save the Sorghastrum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Sorghastrum
Whats common across all Sorghastrum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Sorghastrum year
- PruneFebruary and March100% of varieties
Cut back foliage to the ground in late winter or early spring.
- PlantApril and May67% of varieties
Plant container-grown plants or plugs in mid-to-late spring.
- DivideApril67% of varieties
Divide congested clumps in spring, never in autumn.
Do
- Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun for strong stems.
- Plant in lean soil for the best upright habit.
- Allow it to self-sow a bit to create a naturalistic drift.
- Leave standing through winter for interest and wildlife value.
- Plant in full sun for upright stems ☀️
Avoid
- Do not plant in shade, which causes weak, floppy growth.
- Do not overwater or fertilize.
- Avoid planting in overly rich, amended garden soil.
- Do not divide too frequently; it resents disturbance.
What goes wrong with Sorghastrum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| None | This native grass is generally free of serious pest problems. | No action is typically needed. |
| Generally pest-free | No significant insect damage is typical | Monitor only; no routine treatment needed |
| Aphids | Sticky residue on leaves and distorted growth | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil organic spray |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Rust | Small orange or brown pustules on the leaves, especially in humid weather. | Generally not a serious problem. Ensure good air circulation. Remove heavily infected foliage if desired. |
| Leaf Spot | Dark spots on foliage | Remove affected leaves and improve air circulation |
Making more Sorghastrum
Division
- Divide clumps in spring just as new growth appears.
- Indiangrass has deep roots and can be difficult to divide.
- Use a very sharp spade or axe.
- Replant divisions immediately and water well.
Seed
- Collect seed in fall after it has dried on the plant.
- Sow outdoors in fall or cold stratify for 60 days before spring sowing.
- Press seeds into the soil surface as they need light to germinate.
- Keep moist until germination.
Sorghastrum questions
How many types of Sorghastrum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Sorghastrum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 207 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Sorghastrum grow in?
Across its varieties, Sorghastrum covers USDA Zones 4–9. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Sorghastrum bloom?
Most Sorghastrum varieties bloom in late summer, late summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Sorghastrum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.