When to Plant Annual Ryegrass
Annual ryegrass is a cool-season grass, and as such should be planted in spring or fall. But the specific time you plant depends on where you live and can make the difference between a thriving lawn and bare ground. Does this Spark an idea?
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Uses
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Because this grass is an annual (meaning it often needs to be reseeded every year) and has a course texture, it is acceptable yet somewhat less than ideal as a lawn grass. It is often used as a temporary lawn, particularly in southern areas where warm-season grasses go dormant in winter. Annual ryegrass is also used by farmers as a soil-conservation crop to improve topsoil quality.
Time Frame
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Annual ryegrass has two annual growth cycles, with peak growth in spring and fall. You can plant grass at the beginning of either of these cycles, but fall is widely considered to be the superior time. The fall planting season generally starts in mid-August and ends in early October. As a general rule, you can plant sooner in cooler climates than in warmer areas.
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Considerations
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Annual ryegrass is hardy in USDA zones 6 and greater, and thrives in areas with a mild climate. It grows best in full sun with moderate to large amounts of water. It is not drought-tolerant, and does not respond well to extremes of heat and cold. Perennial ryegrass has a finer texture and often persists year after year, making it a better choice for home lawn purposes.
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References
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