Annual Ryegrass
1500–4500
Dry matter (lbs/A)
5.6–6.2
Preferred pH
0
Total nitrogen (lbs/A)
Planting information
- Planting window: February–May/August–October
- Planting depth (in): 1/8–1/4
- Seeding rate (lbs/A): 30–35
- Mix seeding rate (lbs/A): 10–20
- Length of stand (yrs): 1–2
- Days to germination: 5–7
Joseph M. DiTomaso, University of California - Davis, Bugwood.org
Performance
Annual ryegrass is quick establishing and capable of producing high forage yields in a short period of time. It is a very competitive winter annual cool-season grass that works well as a cover crop, forage, and erosion control. Do not use common varieties of annual ryegrass as a cover crop because they may not have adequate winterhardiness, may not have an adequate disease package, or may not break dormancy evenly in the spring.
Precautions: Can be considered invasive