Perennial Ryegrass
Description
Perennial ryegrass is a valuable forage and soil stabilization plant. This species is the predominant forage grass in Europe and is used extensively in the United States.
Perennial ryegrass is used for pasture and hay in sheep, dairy and beef production. It is often used in mixes with alfalfa, clovers and other grasses. Perennial ryegrass has the highest forage quality of all cool season grasses.
Management
Ryegrass is generally cut for hay when seed heads start to emerge. Pastures should be rotationally grazed when spring growth is 3 to 6 inches high. Allowing 7 to 10 inches of regrowth between grazings will benefit yield and persistence. On new seedings, harvest or grazing should be delayed until plants are 10 to 12 inches tall. Ryegrass responds well to good management, such as intensive rotational grazing and fertilizer applications.
When used for turf, mowing height should be 1 – 2". Mow frequently enough so no more than 1/3 of the total leaf area is removed. Perennial ryegrass requires moderate to high watering and moderate to high fertilizer requirements. Disease control measures may be needed depending on conditions during the growing season.
Buying details
Price (per lb)
contact for price
Seeds (per lb)
330,000
Seeding rate (lbs per acre)
30 – 40 (planted alone for forage or pastures)
6 – 10 (mixtures)
Seeding Depth
1/4" – 1/2" deep
Seeding date
March, April or May
Note: Turf seeding rates are 5 – 7 pounds per 1000 sq. ft. for new lawns, 3 – 4 pounds per 1000 sq. ft. for established lawns and 30-35 pounds/1000 sq. ft. for overseeding.