Oregon Annual Ryegrass Seed (lb)

Oregon Annual Ryegrass is a quick answer for cool-season ground that needs protection. Lolium multiflorum germinates rapidly, produces a dense fibrous root system, and begins holding soil before many slower perennial grasses are established. This combination makes it useful on erosion-prone areas, in temporary pasture, and wherever short-term green coverage is needed.

The roots knit through the upper soil profile, helping stabilize loose ground and capture nutrients. Above ground, the leafy stand competes with cool-season weeds and can reach approximately 3 feet if left unmowed. Annual ryegrass also mixes well with peas, vetches, or clovers: the grass supplies fast cover and carbon-rich residue, while the properly inoculated legumes add nitrogen fixation and improve forage diversity.

Plant in fall or spring when temperatures are cool and moisture is available. Although adaptable to many soils, annual ryegrass does not tolerate extended flooding. Its vigorous establishment is an advantage, but it also makes timely management important. Mow, graze, or incorporate the stand before mature seed develops if volunteer ryegrass is not desired in the following crop. Because this product is a grass, its seed does not require Rhizobium inoculant.

• Scientific Name: Lolium multiflorum
• Growth Cycle: Cool-season annual grass
• Application Rate: 0.5–2 lb per 1,000 sq ft or 25–50 lb per acre
• Inoculant: Not required. This is a nonlegume cover crop and does not rely on Rhizobium bacteria for nitrogen fixation.
• Germination: Approximately 5–7 days under suitable conditions
• Plant Height: Up to approximately 3 feet
• Days to Maturity: Approximately 90–120 days
• Uses: Rapid soil coverage, erosion control, weed competition, temporary pasture, forage, and mixed cover cropping
• Moisture Note: Adaptable to many soils but not tolerant of prolonged flooding
• Management: Terminate before mature seed develops to reduce volunteer plants