Description
Get Reed Canary Grass CTD for $3.95 per pound!
Reed Canarygrass is a cool-season perennial grass. Even though slow to establish, it can be very persistent once established. It can reach 6”-8” tall in fertile soil if not grazed or cut. Reed Canarygrass is primarily adapted for permanent hay or pasture on sites too wet for good performance of other forage plants. Canarygrass does well in wet soils that are prone to flooding. Is also one of the most drought tolerant of cool season grasses.
Planting Depth: .5”
Planting Rates: 8-10 lbs per acre, 4-8 lb per acre in mixes
Planting Dates: Mar-May, Sep-Oct
*Product ships in 50 pound bag.
Establishment
When planted in the spring it needs a firm, clean, moist seedbed. Typically one will find less weed competition if planted in the fall. If necessary irrigate to maintain surface moisture until plants are well established.
Adaptation
In areas that are too wet for bromegrass, fescue, and orchardgrass, Reed Canarygrass is well adapted. It is quite cold tolerant and frequently withstands temps below 30F. Although moderately drought tolerant it does require 18: of annual precipitation or irrigation for best performance. It can grow on a wide range of soil conditions but is mostly used on poorly drained soils or those subject to flooding. If established, Canarygrass can withstand floofing for 60-70 days. It also does well on soils that range from moderately acidic, to weakly saline-alkaline.With natural flooding or frequent irrigation it will withstand saltier soils.
Management
New seedings should not be grazed until fully established. It is best to harvest as hay 1-2 times before grazing. To maintain plant vigor and promote rapid regrowth, leave a stubble of 3”-4” after mowing or grazing. Start spring grazing after plants reach a height of 10”-12”. Maintain grass height below 12” during rapid spring growth. Harvest hay when the first seedheads appear. Reed canarygrass will persist under close, frequent use, but yield will be greatly reduced. Its persistence under heavy use makes it well suited for calving, lambing, holding areas or other special-use pastures. To maintain good yields, an annual application of fertilizer will be required on most fields depending on soil test results. Due to its extensive root system and dense growth Canarygrass will provide excellent erosion control.
Description
Phalaris arundinacea L. reed canarygrass, is a vigorous, productive, long-lived, perennial, sod forming grass. It is a widespread species native to North America, Europe and Asia. The numerous broad, moderately harsh, erect leaves are dominantly basal. The coarse, erect stems may reach a height of 6 to 8 feet. Seed is borne in an open panicle which ripens from the top down and shatters readily as it matures. There are approximately 480,000 seeds/pound. The seed has a short storage life and should be checked for germination within 6 months of its use. Reed canarygrass has excellent frost tolerance and is well suited to wet soils that are poorly drained or are subject to flooding. It also has good drought tolerance. Growth begins in early spring and continues through the growing season. Regrowth following mowing or grazing is rapid on fertile sites. Forage quality is good prior to heading but then declines rapidly.