Does meadow foxtail need fertilizer to bloom?

A light application of balanced liquid fertilizer in early spring can help. Do not overdo it, as too much nitrogen encourages leaves over flowers.

When should I expect flowers?

You will typically see the flower spikes appear in late spring or early summer. They look like soft, cylindrical brushes.

Why is my meadow foxtail not flowering? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Measure the hours of direct sun the plant receives.
Check if the roots are circling the bottom of the pot.
Ensure the plant is in its active growing season.

Likely causes

Insufficient light
Most likely
How to tell: The grass looks thin and stretched out rather than dense and upright. It fails to produce any flower stalks during the growing season.
What to do: Move your plant to a location that receives full sun for at least 6 to 8 hours a day. If you are growing it indoors, place it in your brightest south facing window.
Root bound
Possible
How to tell: The plant stops growing new blades and the roots are circling tightly around the inside of the pot. It lacks the energy to push out flower spikes.
What to do: Repot the grass into a container that is 2 inches wider than the current one. Use a fresh, nutrient rich potting mix to encourage new growth.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your meadow foxtail

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

It is normal for young plants to skip flowering in their first year. Worry only if a mature, healthy looking plant fails to bloom for two seasons in a row.

Stopping it coming back

Provide plenty of direct sunlight and repot every 1 to 2 years to ensure the roots have space to grow.

Meadow foxtail: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your meadow foxtail and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Does meadow foxtail need fertilizer to bloom?: A light application of balanced liquid fertilizer in early spring can help. Do not overdo it, as too much nitrogen encourages leaves over flowers.
When should I expect flowers?: You will typically see the flower spikes appear in late spring or early summer. They look like soft, cylindrical brushes.

Why is my meadow foxtail not flowering?