Annual Ryegrass is quick to germinate and is often used to overseed the warm-season grasses. The warm-season turf is sometimes mowed lightly to allow the ryegrass seed to get good soil contact, but the seed is often just spread on top of the established turf and watered in.  Annual Ryegrass is lighter green and slightly coarser than perennial ryegrass. It is also less heat-tolerant than perennial. This could be an advantage for overseeding since Annual Ryegrass should disappear before it interferes with the growth of the warm season grass.  Warm season grasses go dormant during the winter months and can be overseeded with a cool season grass variety to maintain green color and adequate quality.

Annual Ryegrass, perennial ryegrass or rough bluegrass are the standard grasses used for overseeding.  The best time to overseed the home lawn is mid to late October, but more accurately after the first frost. Annual Ryegrass is the fastest germinating of the three varieties and often the least expensive.  Annual and perennial ryegrass both grow quickly, especially during late fall and early spring. Their water use rates are moderate and fertility requirements are low, maybe one to two pounds of nitrogen over the winter months.

LAWNS:
You should overseed at a rate of about 10-12 pounds of seed per thousand square feet and keep the lawn irrigated for several weeks to insure germination.

• • May be sown under unfavorable wet or dry conditions

• • Normally germinates in a matter of 7-10 days

• • If sown under dry conditions, normally germinates after the first solid rain

• • Always in excellent supply and competitively priced

• • Forage preferred by livestock • Vigorous fall and spring growth

• • Left uncut Annual Ryegrass grows to a height of 2-4 feet

Either Oregon-grown common Annual Ryegrass or Gulf Annual Ryegrass will provide cattlemen with an additional six to eight months of abundant, nutritious pasture which will see a young cow continue to grow and gain while nursing a calf which is also gaining and thrifty. Annual Ryegrasses may be sown alone or in combination with legumes or small grains. For decades the Annual Ryegrasses have demonstrated the ability to produce high quality forage which will not go dormant or off color through the chill of winter and remain productive on into the spring. Normally, Annual Ryegrass germinates in a matter of 7-10 days or even less in ideal conditions. Sowing dates vary according to area. Some growers prefer to winterseed pastures after the first killing frost as a means of eliminating competition from native grasses. Others prefer to sow earlier to give the Ryegrass seedlings an opportunity to flourish while the ground is still warm.

While soil fertility and weather conditions are determining factors, light grazing is often available in about 90 days after sowing. Some farm operators feel light grazing can begin when the new grass is 4-5 inches high, while others wait for greater growth so that the new plants will not be uprooted by grazing animals. Because Annual Ryegrass quickly develops a strong root system it helps prevent bogging in moist areas and stabilizes precious topsoil.

Recommended rates of nitrogen application and other fertilizers vary according to soil conditions and the region but, in general, applications of up to 150 pounds per acre at or before planting are desirable.

• • Normally supports a growing cow and calf per acre

• • May be sown on existing sod, clean-burned stubble or land not plowed or otherwise prepared

• • May be sown under unfavorable wet or dry conditions

• • Oregon-grown Annual and Oregon-grown Gulf Annual are considered disease-tolerant

• • Does not present endophyte fungus problems as do some tall fescues

• • Recovers rapidly from overgrazing and trampling

• • Usually germinates in 7-10 days

Annual Ryegrass pastures are used for stocker cattle, replacement heifers and lactating dairy cows. Its strong seedling vigor, high yield and high quality also make it valued for temporary pastures in the coastal Northwest. Although Annual Ryegrass grows quickly and is highly productive, its short-lived and aggressive nature make it less desirable in permanent pasture mixes.

Annual Ryegrass often is harvested for silage. The high production capacity of this grass makes it popular for additional feed when short hay supplies are expected. As with all forage species, silage quality is influenced greatly by maturity stage at harvest. For the optimal compromise between quality and quantity, cut Annual Ryegrass in the boot to early-heading stage. Harvesting Annual Ryegrass for hay is not recommended in high rainfall/humidity areas such as the coastal Pacific Northwest. Good hay-curing weather typically occurs too late in this region for producing high-quality Annual Ryegrass hay.

Annual Ryegrass is an excellent wildlife feed. Forage provides high-quality grazing and a quick source of energy for geese, coots, widgeons and other ducks, wild turkeys, rabbits, deer and elk.

Annual Ryegrass varieties are grouped into three maturity categories: early, intermediate and late. These groupings are somewhat helpful, but there is substantial overlap among them.