Erosion control: Because of its dense network of roots, Orchardgrass provides good erosion control on those soils to which it is particularly adapted. Orchardgrass has 416,000 seeds per pound. Orchardgrass is best established on a prepared seedbed, though no-till establishment into an alfalfa or red clover stand will result in satisfactory results. Orchardgrass can be excellent forage quality and can provide large yields. Tekapo Orchardgrass Tekapo is the only true grazing orchardgrass on the market today! After it starts growing in the spring, orchardgrass … The simple solution is to choose late-maturing orchardgrass varieties, but this can be easier said than done. Depending on geographic location, Orchardgrass may be planted in fall or spring (fall plantings for the more southerly or lower elevation sites). It is shade tolerant and resistant to occasional drought conditions. DOWNLOAD ORCHARDGRASS AGRONOMICS & RESOURCES (PDF) A bunch-type, tall-growing, cool-season perennial grass. It has the ability to establish and persist in areas that receive as little as 11 inches of annual precipitation. Several varieties of orchardgrass have been tested and were high-yielding in Pennsylvania variety trials. Early Forage Orchardgrass is perennial, cool season, forage bunch grass. Orchardgrass is an excellent choice for horse pasture mixes, as it typically is lower in water soluble carbohydrates. Orchardgrass is an aggressive, high yielding, bunchgrass which is most palatable when young. Seed Description Orchardgrass. Plant the proper amount of seed at the proper depth. Orchardgrass is found from Canada to the Gulf Coast states and from the Atlantic Coast to the Pascific coast. Orchardgrass grows best in a firm, moist seed bed that is somewhat loose on the surface. However, GO Seed markets the only High Sugar orchardgrass in the United States. Orchardgrass does not exhibit as much tolerance to drought or winter hardiness as tall fescue and bromegrass. Haymaster can … Carefully read the labels of seed you are purchasing to make sure that orchardgrass is not mentioned as a weed seed. If using with other grasses or legumes, seed at 8-10 lbs. I have both WP300 and Persist. Product may vary depending on premium seed in stock. Eight pounds of clean, high germination seed is usually adequate to obtain good stands of orchardgrass. Seeds sown deeper may not be able to break through the surface of the soil. It can withstand years of grazing, overcome heat and drought stresses, take cold winters and hot summers and is one of the top forage yielders. It grows in bunches and is quick to establish itself in most locations, and is best-suited as a cool season grass. Orchardgrass is considered more palatable than brome grass, and requires better soil and more active management. Bermudagrass - The best choice in Southern regions where temperatures typically climb above 80-85°F. Orchardgrass can grow up to five feet tall and prefers well-drained soils and is more tolerant of shade than other pasture grasses. Wildlife: Orchardgrass is used in grass-legume mixes for nesting, broad rearing, escape and winter cover for upland game birds and conservation plantings. Most Missouri orchardgrass is seeded with a companion legume as shown in the accompanying table. Apply fertilizer based upon soil tests. A high quality horse pasture seed mix is an important investment in your horse’s health. Page 1 of 2 - Best Variety of Orchard Grass? Perhaps the variable popularity of using orchardgrass in pastures and hayfields can partly be attributed to an individual’s experiences with a specific variety that was either well suited or … The minimum specifications for certified orchardgrass seed are 85 percent purity and 80 percent germination. Tekapo has a low set crown with multiple tillers. Here is the quick list for my picks for the best horse pasture seed mix on more time. 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