Description

Perennial ryegrass is a more persistent grass than annual ryegrass, but less than fall fescue. One of the highest quality cool-season grasses, perennial ryegrass, is high in protein, highly palatable, highly digestible, and capable of supporting high dry matter intake levels.

Growth Pattern

Growth Pattern

Growth Pattern

Lower growing with high tillering capabilities, perennial ryegrass is cross-pollinated with a branched root system. Seedheads will not form in the establishment year. Tetraploid varieties are taller, less dense, and are more digestible with additional soluble sugars, making them better suited as a mixture component. Shiny and dark green with smooth leaves, perennial ryegrass can grow up to 2 – 3 ft. tall.

Interseeding

Did You Know?

Did You Know?

Not Recommended

Did You Know?

Did You Know?

Interseeding

Seeds/Lb: 227,000 – 330,000

Adaptation

Soil Conditions

Soil Conditions

Soil Conditions

Perennial ryegrass can survive on a wide range of soils and under a wide range of climatic conditions. Perennial ryegrass will grow best on well-drained, fertile soils. Historically, perennial ryegrass has not been as productive during cold winters in the north or hot summers in the lower south. Soils with a pH below 5.5 will limit the growth of perennial ryegrass.

Soil pH: 5.0 – 8.3

Growth

Growth

Growth

Optimum Growth Range: 59°F – 77°F

Establishment

Planting

Planting

Planting

Seeding Depth: ¼” – ½”

Monoculture: 10 – 20 Lb/A

Germination

Germination

Germination

Min Time To Emergence: 5 – 10 days

Ideal Temp: 60°F – 75°F

Management

Grazing

Grazing

Grazing

Earliest Time To Graze: 8″ – 10″

Fertilizing

Fertilizing

Fertilizing

At Planting: 50 Lb/A N

During Grazing Season: 50 Lb/A N

Hay/Silage

Hay/Silage

Hay/Silage

Timing: Early Boot Stage

Cuttings During Season: 2

Recovery

Recovery

Recovery

Minimum Graze Height: 3″ – 4″

Rest Period: 24 days

Mixes

Mixes

Mixes

  • Alfalfa
  • White Clover
  • Red Clover
  • Subterranean Clover

Yield

Yield

Yield

Tons of Dry Matter/A: 2 – 5

Considerations

The expected stand life is 3 years or more when paired with an appropriate clover at greater than 15%.

Competition

Competition

Competition

More persistent than annual ryegrass, but less than other cool-season grass species.

Risks

Risks

Risks

Susceptible to a ‘summer slump’ as temperatures rise.

Diseases

Diseases

Diseases

  • Crown Rust

Pests

Pests

Pests

  • Armyworms

Please Note:

All information provided is the result of research, our own experience, or the experiences shared by our customers.

We strongly encourage consulting additional resources before planting to ensure the best fit for your location and needs.