Get Annual Rye for $0.99 per Pound 

Annual Ryegrass is a quickly established grass seed that provides high productivity during the planting season. It is primarily used for pastures and as quick cover in erosion control plantings. In the South, it is used as a winter annual for overseeding warm-season grasses. It is an excellent choice for overseeding warm-season pastures and is best suited for grazing and/or harvesting as a silage option.

• Planting Depth: 0.25″ to 0.5″ 

• Planting Rates: 30 to 40 Pounds per Acre; 35 Pounds per Acre in Standing Corn; <20% Overall in Mixes 

• Planting Dates: March to May, August to October, with a Minimum of 40 Days Before a Killing Frost 

Product ships in a 50-pound bag.

Establishment

Annual Ryegrass should be planted in a well-prepared seedbed. It establishes very quickly with an impressive root system. These qualities allow it to add 5,000 to 9,000 pounds of organic material per acre, with roots extending down to 32” below the soil. In general, the annual ryegrass component of a mix should be 20% or less since it is very competitive due to rapid germination and good seedling vigor.

Adaptation

Italian Ryegrass has a wide range of adaptability to soils but thrives best on fertile soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Ryegrass tends to produce well in regions with mild climates; however, it does not withstand hot, dry weather or severe winters. It will tolerate fairly wet soils with reasonably good surface drainage.

Management

Annual Ryegrass has an extremely fast emergence and establishes quickly on various soil types. It works well alone or in mixes. In severe winter conditions, annual ryegrass may experience winter kill, but roots usually grow down 24” to 32”, leaving residual nutrients and providing a good start for the following crop. Complete incorporation will work to kill ryegrass.

If using glyphosate, apply a full rate when days are warm, averaging over 50°F, and the grass is growing vigorously. If using for hay, cut when the seed heads begin to emerge. Rotational grazing is appropriate when spring growth is 3” to 6” high. One should allow 7” to 10” of regrowth between grazing periods to achieve better yield and stand persistence. For first-year seedings, grazing should be delayed until plants are 10” to 12” tall. Fertilizer applications should be based on an independent soil test.

Description

Annual Ryegrass is quite similar to perennial ryegrass except that it is an annual or biennial, depending on climate and/or length of the growing season. It may grow a little taller than perennial ryegrass, reaching 2’ to 3’ tall. Annual Ryegrass is a bunchgrass with numerous long, narrow, stiff leaves near the base of the plant. The undersides of leaves are bright, glossy, and smooth. Inflorescence stems are nearly naked. There are approximately 227,000 seeds per pound.