Ovate goatgrass
Aegilops geniculata · Poaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant ovate goatgrass: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, herbaceous
- Blooming
- Spring (April-June)
- Adult size
- 30-60 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Mediterranean Basin and Middle East
- Soil type
- Well-drained, drought-tolerant
Care
Exposure
Aegilops geniculata thrives in full sun, where it develops its optimal structure. It also tolerates partially shaded situations but with reduced vigor. Choose an open, well-ventilated location to promote balanced growth.
Watering
This grass is very drought-tolerant once established. Water moderately during the spring growing period, then gradually reduce through summer. Excess moisture, particularly in winter, promotes rot and should be avoided.
Soil
Aegilops geniculata prefers well-drained, light soils. It adapts to chalky, sandy, or even poor soils. Avoid heavy, compacted soils that would retain too much moisture and slow its development.
Pruning and cutting
Cut the foliage to ground level in late winter or early spring, before growth resumes. This operation encourages new growth and maintains a compact shape. Also remove dead or diseased stems throughout the seasons.
Fertilizer
Aegilops geniculata requires very minimal fertilizer. A light application of balanced fertilizer in spring can support growth, but the plant remains vigorous without supplementation. Poor soils suit it naturally.
Diseases and pests
This grass is generally very robust and rarely subject to diseases. Above all, maintain good air circulation and avoid stagnant moisture, which could promote fungal rots. Specific pests are rare.
Did you know?
Aegilops geniculata, nicknamed 'inclined wheat,' is a wild ancestor of cultivated wheat: its genes contributed to the evolution of modern wheat varieties through natural crossings. This grass ranks among the key species for understanding cereal domestication in the Neolithic.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Tufted hair grassDeschampsia cespitosa
- Wavy hair-grassAvenella flexuosa
- Purple moor-grassMolinia caerulea
- Reed canary-grassPhalaris arundinacea
- Common quaking grassBriza media
- Creeping soft-grassHolcus mollis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.