How to Grow Foxtail Barley
Hordeum jubatum from Seed
The iridescent prairie grass -- feathery arching plumes that emerge in shimmering pink-purple and fade to warm golden-beige; in constant motion in any breeze, glowing from within when backlit by the morning or evening sun; a fast-growing ornamental grass (12-14 weeks to flower) that softens bold companions, excels as a cut and dried flower, and self-seeds freely to renew its colony year after year
Hordeum jubatum -- foxtail barley, or squirrel-tail grass -- is the ornamental grass that provides something no other plant quite replicates: iridescent colour combined with genuine constant movement. The flower heads, which emerge in June on 30-50cm arching stems, are extraordinary in strong or angled light. Each individual awn (the long hair-like bristle that makes up the feathery tail) catches and reflects light independently, so the whole plume shimmers as the viewer or light source moves -- the characteristically iridescent pink-purple of the emerging heads fading through buff to warm golden-beige as the season progresses. And because the awns are so fine and stems so responsive to air movement, the plumes are in constant motion at any wind speed -- a rippling, oceanic quality that no rigid-stemmed flower can provide.
The backlighting effect is the key to understanding this grass. Positioned where the rising or setting sun shines through the plumes rather than onto them, the awns become translucent -- glowing from within with a warmth and softness unlike any other garden effect. This is a plant to position thoughtfully, not just to fill gaps.
Quick Facts at a Glance
Plant Type
Hardy Annual / Short-lived Perennial H4 -- best results grown as annual
Plumes
Pink-purple iridescent then golden-beige; feathery arching; June-Aug
Height
30-50cm; loose clumps; maximum impact in drifts and backlit positions
Key tip
Backlight for the glow -- position where sun shines through, not onto
Fast
Flowers 12-14 weeks from seed -- quickest ornamental grass
Difficulty
1 out of 5 -- sow, thin, admire
Understanding the Iridescence
The Iridescence -- What Causes It and How to Maximise It
The iridescent pink-purple sheen of fresh Hordeum jubatum plumes is caused by the fine translucent nature of the awns -- the long bristles forming the feathery tail. When light strikes these awns at an angle, they act as miniature prisms, separating and reflecting different wavelengths. The pink-purple component is most intense when plumes first emerge and before the pigment fades to golden-beige. To maximise the effect, position the plants where the sun shines through the plumes from behind -- from the east for morning sun, from the west for evening sun. Full overhead midday sun reduces the iridescent quality.
Annual vs Perennial -- Why Growing as Annual Is Best
Hordeum jubatum is technically a short-lived perennial (H4), and plants will often survive mild UK winters to flower again. However, second-year plants typically produce smaller, less iridescent plumes on less vigorous growth than first-year plants. For the most spectacular display, treat it as an annual -- sowing fresh each year -- or allow it to self-seed naturally (which it does freely) and simply thin resulting seedlings. The self-sown plants effectively renew the colony without further seed purchase.
Sowing & Growing On
Direct Sow Preferred -- Fast Germination, 12-14 Weeks to Flower
Hordeum jubatum germinates quickly and reliably, and the plants are best grown without root disturbance. Direct sow into prepared, well-drained soil in full sun from March-April. Thin to 20-25cm. Can also be started indoors in March in individual modules for an earlier start, but direct sowing usually produces equally strong plants.
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Direct sow outdoors March-May, or indoors February-April in modules. Surface sow with a light covering of 3-5mm compost or grit. Keep moist at 15-20C. Germination 7-14 days.
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Thin to 20-25cm apart when seedlings are 5-8cm tall. Foxtail barley is most effective in drifts -- a minimum of 5-7 plants creates a meaningful rippling drift effect.
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Water until established; then drought-tolerant. Once roots are established (4-6 weeks), Hordeum jubatum requires no supplementary watering except in extreme drought.
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Harvest for drying as soon as plumes fully emerge -- before they turn gold. For dried arrangements, cut plumes at peak iridescent pink-purple colour before the fade to golden-beige begins. Hang upside down in small bunches in a warm, dark, well-ventilated space.
Garden Use & Care
The Backlight Position
Hordeum jubatum is the only ornamental grass whose display depends on where the light comes from rather than simply where the plant is placed. Position in a spot where the rising or setting sun shines through the plumes from behind -- from the east for morning display, from the west for evening display. A row of foxtail barley along a path that runs east-west, lit by morning sun from behind as you walk toward it, creates a uniquely beautiful daily moment.
The Softener for Bold Flowers
Hordeum jubatum occupies visual space without blocking it -- the fine airy texture creates a veil through which larger flowers behind are visible, softened and romanticised. Plant a drift of foxtail barley in front of Dahlias, Echinacea, or Rudbeckia -- the combination of fine grass movement with bold structured flowers is one of the most sophisticated contrasts in the summer border.
For Cutting and Drying
For fresh arrangements, cut plumes when fully formed and at maximum colour. Vase life 7-10 days. Handle gently as fine awns can shatter if roughly handled. For drying, cut at the same early stage and hang upside down in small loose bunches -- do not overcrowd. Dried foxtail barley adds exceptional airy texture to arrangements and holds its structure for many months.
In the Border
In a mixed border, plant in drifts of 5-15 plants between and in front of mid-height perennials and annuals. Classic pairings: with Gaura Pink Bouquet (both plants defined by movement -- a prairie-style duo); with Echinacea (the pink iridescence echoes the rosy petals); with Scabious Black Knight (dark purple globe against soft pink-buff plumes).
Self-Seeding
Hordeum jubatum self-seeds readily and reliably. Self-sown seedlings appear in early spring as narrow-leaved grass seedlings -- easily identifiable and easy to thin. In well-drained positions where the grass is happy, the self-seeding colony gradually fills available space.
Livestock Note
Hordeum jubatum should not be grown adjacent to fields grazed by horses, cattle, or sheep. The barbed awns of the ripening seed heads can cause physical injury to the mouth, nose, and eyes of grazing animals. In a domestic ornamental garden without livestock access, this is not a relevant concern.
Sowing & Flowering Calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
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| Direct sow (Mar-May) |
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| Indoors (Feb-Apr) |
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| Plumes (Jun-Aug) |
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| Fading gold (Aug-Oct) |
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Common Problems & Solutions
| Problem | Likely Cause | What to Do |
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| Floppy plumes | Shade; rich soil; overcrowding | Needs full sun -- shade produces weak growth. Grow in lean well-drained soil. Thin adequately: crowded plants produce weaker stems that lean rather than stand cleanly. |
| No iridescence -- just beige | Plumes viewed too late; wrong light angle | The iridescent pink-purple fades to golden-beige naturally over 3-5 weeks -- this is the seasonal progression. For vivid iridescence, observe in early morning or evening light from behind the plumes. |
| Plants rotting in winter | Wet heavy soil | Winter waterlogging kills the roots. Add grit to clay soil, or treat as a reliable annual -- resowing each spring. The self-seeding habit means the colony renews itself effectively without intervention. |
| Dried plumes shattering | Harvested too late; rough handling | Harvest when plumes are fully formed and at maximum colour, before the golden transition begins. Handle gently, hang in loose small bunches with good airflow. |
Plant Specifications
The grass that glows -- iridescent pink-purple plumes in constant motion, backlit to perfection
Direct sow in full sun in well-drained soil from March. Thin to 20-25cm in drifts. Position where the low morning or evening sun can shine through the plumes from behind. Watch the shimmer. Cut for drying at full iridescent colour. Leave some to self-seed. Repeat each year, or let the colony renew itself.
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