Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Timothy Grass Plant Care
Phleum pratense L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its dense cylindrical flower heads nestled among long, slender stems, this plant hails from Europe and Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to its ornamental value in gardens, as well as its use in forage for livestock due to its high nutritional content.
Every 3–7 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Timothy Grass?
Water Timothy Grass every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Timothy Grass Native To?
- Albania
- Armenia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Bahrain
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Iran
- Iraq
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Jordan
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Lebanon
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Oman
- Palestine
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- Russia
- Saudi Arabia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Syria
- The Netherlands
- Türkiye
- UAE
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Yemen
What Is the Timothy Grass?
Timothy Grass (Phleum pratense) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Phleum genus. Timothy Grass is native to most of Europe and northern and western Asia. Timothy Grass is also known as Common Timothy, Herd Grass, Cat's Tail Grass.
Timothy Grass displays a tall, grassy clumps growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Timothy Grass produces inconspicuous flowers on tall stalks.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Timothy Grass?
Phleum pratense requires watering every 3–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Timothy Grass Need?
Timothy Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Timothy Grass Prefer?
Phleum pratense grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Timothy Grass prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Timothy Grass?
Well-draining loamy soil with good fertility. Good drainage is essential for Timothy Grass to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Timothy Grass?
Feed Timothy Grass every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Timothy Grass?
Rarely needs repotting, best to leave undisturbed. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Timothy Grass?
Timothy Grass can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to purple false brome plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Timothy Grass Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Timothy Grass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Timothy Grass?
Timothy Grass is susceptible to generally pest-resistant. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Timothy Grass Need?
Timothy Grass grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Timothy Grass is native to most of Europe and northern and western Asia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Timothy Grass is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Phleum genus (family Poaceae) — search all Phleum species in the plant lookup.
Timothy Grass thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Phleum pratense L., family Poaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 59 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Timothy Grass, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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