Northern Sea Oats has many names: Inland Sea Oats, Indian Wood Oats, Wild Oats, River Oats, Flathead Oats, Upland Oats, and Upland Sea Oats. It is a clump-forming, upright, ornamental grass that usually grows 2 - 5 feet tall.

Plant indoors 4 - 6 weeks before the last frost. Or, start directly outdoors in late summer, fall, or early spring (before March).

Plant in full sun to deep shade with medium to wet, well drained soil.

• You have two options for planting seeds: Sow them directly into the garden, in late summer, fall, or early spring (before March). Surface sow seeds by pressing them into soil. Alternatively, start seeds indoors four to six weeks before the average last frost date in spring.
• If planting indoors, seeds need to have a cold treatment prior to planting. To do this, place seeds in a sealed plastic bag and place in the refrigerator for 60 days.
• Presoak seeds overnight before planting 2 - 3 seeds per cell or plant.
• Once seedlings sprout, ensure they receive plenty of light by placing them on a sunny windowsill or positioning them 3-4 inches below fluorescent plant lights that are switched on for 16 hours daily and off for 8 hours at night. Adjust the lights as the plants grow taller. Avoid using incandescent bulbs as they generate excessive heat. Remember, most plants need a period of darkness to thrive, so do not keep the lights on for 24 hours.
• Transplant into garden when temperatures are consistently warm.
• Before transplanting seedlings into the garden, it's essential to "harden them off". This involves acclimating young plants to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered outdoor area for about a week. Initially, shield them from strong winds and direct sunlight. If there's a risk of frost overnight, either cover the plants or bring them indoors, then return them outside in the morning. This hardening off method helps strengthen the plant's cell structure, minimizing transplant shock and sun damage.
• Space plants 12 - 30 inches apart in garden.

• Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating.
• Mulches play a vital role in preserving soil moisture and ensuring consistent soil temperatures. When it comes to annuals, using organic mulch made from shredded leaves not only enhances the appearance of the bed but also enriches the soil as it decomposes over time. Remember to keep mulch away from the plant stems to avoid potential rot issues.
• During the first year of establishment, water regularly. Once established the plant is fairly drought-tolerant, so watering only once per week should be plently.
• In the winter, cut back plant to a couple of inches above the ground to encourage new growth.
• To harvest seed heads, do so when they have matured but are still somewhat green in color.