Sweet Vernal Grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum) is a low-maintenance, aromatic grass valued for its sweet vanilla fragrance and soft green foliage. Perfect for ornamental borders, dried flower arrangements, and craft projects, this grass adds both beauty and scent to gardens and indoor décor.
This hardy perennial thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. Its compact growth and fragrant leaves make it ideal for pollinator-friendly gardens, natural landscaping, or home crafting projects.
Features
- Premium Non-GMO Anthoxanthum odoratum seeds
- Produces fragrant vanilla-scented foliage
- Hardy perennial, low-maintenance, and easy to grow
- Ideal for ornamental gardens, dried arrangements, and crafts
- Attracts pollinators including bees and butterflies
- Suitable for borders, meadows, and containers
- Adds natural fragrance to landscapes and indoor décor
Specifications
- Scientific Name: Anthoxanthum odoratum
- Common Name (US): Sweet Vernal Grass
- Plant Type: Perennial ornamental grass
- Flower Color: Pale green spikes
- Foliage: Soft green, fragrant, vanilla-scented leaves
- Height: 12–24 inches (30–60 cm)
- Spread: 6–12 inches (15–30 cm)
- Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil
- Soil pH: 6.0–7.5
- Watering Needs: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
- Temperature Range: 50–80°F (10–27°C)
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4–9
- Days to Germination: 14–28 days
- Seed Depth: Lightly cover seeds with ¼ inch of soil
- Plant Spacing: 6–12 inches (15–30 cm)
- Life Cycle: Perennial
- Pollinator Friendly: Yes
- Deer Resistant: Moderate
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Maintenance Level: Easy
- Uses: Ornamental gardens, meadows, dried arrangements, crafts, natural landscapes
Planting Guide
- When to Sow: Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost or direct sow outdoors after frost passes.
- Seed Depth: Cover lightly with ¼ inch soil.
- Germination: Maintain soil at 65–75°F (18–24°C); germination occurs in 14–28 days.
- Light: Full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist during germination; reduce after establishment.
- Transplanting: Space seedlings 6–12 inches apart outdoors.
- Maintenance: Cut back after flowering if desired; leaves release fragrance when crushed.
