When Is the Ideal Time to Grow Perennial Ryegrass?

Perennial ryegrass is a fast-growing, hardy, and versatile cool-season grass well-suited to many climates. It is an excellent choice for lawns, sports fields, and pastures, providing a lush green turf or forage for livestock. Commonly, the perennial ryegrass blend is used for agricultural purposes as a high-quality pasture grass. Known for its weather tolerance and ability to withstand light shade, perennial ryegrass is an ideal grass to grow. The following blog talks about this cool-season grass in more detail.

The Cultivation of the Perennial Ryegrass

1. Annual Ryegrass vs. Perennial Ryegrass

As mentioned above, it is used both as turf and pasture grass. Usually, it is associated with annual ryegrass, but there are key differences between the two. The annual ryegrass is a short-lived grass with short-term erosion control and a quick color. On the other hand, turf-type perennial ryegrass can survive year after year, particularly in northern climates, compared to annual ryegrass, which can survive only for a particular season. Accordingly, one of the biggest advantages of having perennial ryegrass seed is that it doesn’t need to be purchased season by season compared to annual ryegrass, which has to be purchased and planted every year and can prove to be costly over time.

2. Germination Rate

Perennial ryegrass, in particular, the Grand Slam perennial ryegrass blend, has a fast germination rate, compared to other grass seeds, usually germinating anywhere from five to fourteen days. However, once it is established, it spreads at a slower pace. Perennial ryegrass is a bunch-forming grass that spreads in terms of clumps.

3. Required Weather Conditions

The turf-type perennial ryegrass needs to be seeded only once a season. It usually prefers areas that experience moderate summers and cool winters. In other words, it is best grown in areas that don’t experience harsh weather. It is not as resistant to cold as tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass; therefore, it thrives best in the states found in the Pacific Northwest.

4. Growing Time

The best time to plant perennial ryegrass blend is in the late summer or early spring. It is recommended to prepare the seedbed at least six months before the planting date. In this way, soil amendments can get the right time to react.

Similar to other cool-season grasses, perennial ryegrass seeds also undergo various growth points. The seeds utilize the time from September to March to gather energy.

Farmers further recommend sowing the seeds at least one-fourth to half an inch deep inside the soil with the help of a spreader. A grain drill can also be used to deposit the seeds on the soil’s surface.

Conclusion

In conclusion, perennial ryegrass is a great choice for landscapes due to its fast germination rate, hardiness, and ability to withstand a variety of weather conditions. The ideal time to grow perennial ryegrass is in the spring or fall when temperatures are mild, and the soil is moist. With proper care and maintenance, perennial ryegrass can provide a lush, green landscape for many years. If you are searching for this cool-season grass, get in touch with us today. We are home to some of the best seeds in the region that can help fulfill all your seed mix and turf grass needs.