Once you’re sure the grass is free of critters, you’re ready to begin. Cut through the leaves near the base of the plant to leave a tuft of foliage 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm.) tall. You may have seen people burning off the remaining stubs, but you’ll get healthier and stronger regrowth if you leave it alone.

Pampas grass blooms in late summer and early fall. Depending on your growing zone and season, pampas grass may bloom (or maintain its blooms if not cut) throughout the winter. To harvest pampas, simply snip the stalk of the plumes at your desired stem length.

Native to South America, pampas grass houses around 100,000 seeds in its flower heads, and these are known to spread in a 25-kilometre radius from light winds. Fluffy and feather-like, the heads are incredibly flammable and it’s said any florist found selling the grass in banned areas will be slapped with a hefty fine.

Presumably, you cant to trim your pampas grass to use the foliage as decoration. In that case, the best time for you to trim the plant is in the late winter or the early spring. This is when the plumes and leaves are going to be open, giving you that feathery flowers-like look.

Prune: Pampas grass grows quickly. To keep it under control, prune the grass stalk to the ground with gardening shears in late winter or early spring. Wear gloves and long-sleeve clothing to protect yourself from its sharp leaves. Water: Pampas grass care is low-maintenance when it comes to watering.

Harvest stems at midday after the dew has dried. All but 1 to 2 inches of the grass stem may be removed for faster drying; simply attach the plume to a wire stem for flower arrangements. Always wear long sleeves, pants and work gloves when handling pampas grass due to the sharp edges of the leaves.

You may have to use long-handled pruners to reach the stems and tongs to remove them from the clump. Divide pampas grass in early spring after pruning the dead foliage. Dig up the clump and divide it into several sections. The tough, matted roots may need to be cut apart with a sharp shovel or saw.

Cut through the leaves near the base of the plant to leave a tuft of foliage 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm.) tall. You may have seen people burning off the remaining stubs, but you’ll get healthier and stronger regrowth if you leave it alone.

When is Late Winter? Late winter is 4 to 6 weeks before spring thaw begins. This could be any time in January to May, depending on your climate.

Keeping the plant intact through the winter makes it look good and enhances its ability to tolerate cold. Use pruning shears or hedge clippers to cut back your pampas grass. To make trimming and cleanup easier, first bind the old leaves together with string, packing tape, or a bungee cord.

When to Cut Back Pampas Grass. The best time to cut back pampas grass is in late winter just before the plant begins sending up new foliage. Waiting until the end of winter allows you to enjoy the plumes all year. Every once in a while, clumps of pampas grass form smaller clumps off to the side.

Protect yourself as well — even dry, pampas grass leaves have sharp edges, and they will slice easily through your skin if you aren’t careful. Wear safety goggles, long sleeves, long pants, closed-toe shoes and elbow-length gloves when cutting back the plant.

You may have to use long-handled pruners to reach the stems and tongs to remove them from the clump. Divide pampas grass in early spring after pruning the dead foliage. Dig up the clump and divide it into several sections. The tough, matted roots may need to be cut apart with a sharp shovel or saw.

In order to dry the pampas grass before arranging it in a vase, hang a small bunch of it upside down and tied together with rubber bands in a warm, dry place for about two weeks.