If it's a good trade gallon (and not a 4" pot recently transplanted to a trade gallon pot), I'd say the second growing season...otherwise, the third.

Keep it good and moist, give it good rich soil, and it will fill in faster.

FYI, Black Mondo, AKA Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' isn't a grass. It's a herbaceous perennial in the Ruscaceae family.

thanks , mr donn

i do not post much on this forum - but read it regularly - enjoy your post and knowledge

mr toad

I live in northern Ohio and purchased Black Mondo a few years back. I was unfamiliar with it and purchased it because I found it to be interesting. Here it has spread very slowly but my guess is that it would do so much quicker in NC. However, I am quite happy with the plant, it keeps its color all winter and has spread to about five times the size of the original plant. I will be dividing mine in the next few days.

Saw a lot of great information on Black Mondo Grass on classygroundcovers.com including care, starting from seed, etc. Am located in Central Connecticut (06111) which is Zone 5 (or maybe 6 depending on Zone map used). Wondered if there are any CT members with experience? Also looking for a (reasonably) local source for plants. The one I did find in GA sells in quantities of 24 @ approx. $10.00 per plant. Would rather experiment with a couple beforen I commit. Thanks in advance.