Photo: Kristian Peters -- Fabelfroh 18:00, 27 May 2006 (UTC), CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Grass-like plant
Sweet vernal grass: when and how to prune
Anthoxanthum odoratum
Sweet vernal grass is best pruned in June and September.
| Pruning months | June and September |
|---|---|
| Flowering | April–June |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Sweet vernal grass: when to prune it?
At the end of June, when the seed is ripe, and again in September.
Sweet vernal grass: how to prune it?
- Mow with a scythe, brush cutter or bar mower at 5–10 cm, not with a rotary mower that chops everything up.
- Leave the hay for 2–5 days to dry and drop its seed, then rake it away.
- Leave a strip uncut each year as shelter for insects; cut it the following year.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: June and September. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Caution: Do not mow too early: wait until the flowers in the meadow have set seed.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Sweet vernal grass · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.