Annual Ryegrass
Lolium multiflorum
Ryegrass is a great nitrogen scavenger and can assimilate as much as 200 lb./acre/year of nitrogen. Most of that nitrogen then becomes available to subsequent crops, thus saving on fertilizer input. Annual ryegrass is a very competitive winter annual, with good seedling vigor, fast germination (with adequate moisture) and rapid establishment. Annual ryegrass is a bunch grass, yellowish-green at the base, with long glossy green leaves up to 12" each. It will overwinter in certain years. When used as a cover crop, annual ryegrass is killed in the spring before it reaches seed formation stage. Sow from early spring through late summer. As winter cover, ryegrass will winter kill, but still help protect the soil. Sow, then rake to lightly cover.
Harvest
50-70d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
4–9
USDA hardiness
Height
2-6 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Annual Ryegrass in USDA Zone 7
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Annual Ryegrass · Zones 4–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand, Shallow Rocky. Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Wet. Height: 0 ft. 2 in. - 0 ft. 6 in.. Spread: 0 ft. 8 in. - 0 ft. 10 in.. Growth rate: Rapid. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Bloom time: Winter
History & Origin
Origin: Europe
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Foot Traffic
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
White Clover
Fixes nitrogen in soil, improves grass growth and reduces need for fertilization
Red Clover
Adds nitrogen to soil through root nodules, enhances pasture quality
Chicory
Deep taproot brings nutrients to surface, extends grazing season
Plantain
Provides minerals and improves soil structure with deep roots
Alfalfa
Nitrogen fixation benefits ryegrass, creates diverse forage mix
Timothy Grass
Compatible growth habits, extends hay cutting season
Crimson Clover
Cool season legume that complements ryegrass growing period
Vetch
Nitrogen-fixing vine that doesn't compete heavily with grass
Keep Apart
Johnson Grass
Aggressive competitor that can outcompete and suppress ryegrass establishment
Tall Fescue
Can be allelopathic to ryegrass seedlings and competes for resources
Bermuda Grass
Aggressive warm-season grass that can overtake cool-season ryegrass
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Generally disease resistant due to short lifespan
Common Pests
Aphids, cutworms, occasional grub damage
Diseases
Crown rust, leaf spot in wet conditions