Green Spirit Italian Ryegrass Seed, 50 Lb Bag

Use this perfect combination of both diploid and tetraploid Italian ryegrasses as a rotation crop for fall planting. When planted in the spring, seed heads do not emerge during the first year. Green Spirit is a perfect high-quality emergency feed. Compared to small grains, Green Spirit offers higher yields of higher quality forage for a lower seed cost.

• Excellent Forage Quality
• High Dry Matter Production
• Great Component in Your TMR

Jumbo is a new tetraploid annual ryegrass bred by the famous University of Florida ryegrass breeder, Dr. Gordon Prine. Jumbo is a new generation tetraploid that combines superior rust resistance with great cold tolerance. It is a late maturing variety maximizing the growing season. Jumbo impresses with its vigorous growth and high yields throughout the South. The variety is suited for mechanical harvesting (silage) as well as grazing.

Establishment

HLR Orchardgrass exhibits exceptional seedling vigor and establishes rapidly. When planting north of the transition zone, HLR Orchardgrass should be planted in the early spring or late summer to take advantage of soil moisture and moderate temperatures. In the transition zone, planting should occur in the late summer or early fall. Prior to planting, take a soil test and apply adequate phosphorous and potassium if necessary. At planting, apply 35-40 lbs/acre nitrogen to ensure good establishment. HLR Orchardgrass may be established via full cultivation, no-till, or broadcast seeding. Plant no deeper than 1/4 inch below the surface in a firm seedbed.

Seeding Rate

• 10-12 lbs/acre
• No-till seeding rate: 10-20 lbs/acre
• Broadcast seeding rate: 25 lbs/acre
• Seeding with alfalfa: 2-6 lbs/acre

Management

Orchardgrass is categorized as a bunch grass. Careful stand management during the first year is essential for long-term productivity. Orchardgrass grows and spreads laterally by creating new shoots called tillers which emanate from the base of the plant forming an ever-wider bunch. To enable the production of a leafy dense stand, the height of the stand during the first year should ideally be maintained in the 4-12 inch range. This allows full sunlight penetration to the plant base which triggers production of the tillers needed for maximum plant growth and spread. Once the seedlings are firmly rooted, graze lightly by calves, or machine mow several times before heavy use. This will promote further tillering and growth. To enhance production in subsequent years, a spring application of 50 lbs/acre of nitrogen is recommended to jump start early growth, followed by periodic applications of 30-40 lbs/acre timed with rainfall or irrigation. In mild winter areas an early fall application of 50 lbs/acre of nitrogen can extend the harvest period well beyond the normal season. Cold winter survival is enhanced by entering winter with the grass left at a short but still green 4-5 inch height.