Forager Orchardgrass Uncoated 25# bag

Forager Orchardgrass a classic, early-maturing orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) cultivar known historically for its strong seedling vigor, rapid early-spring growth, and high forage yield. While it delivers excellent initial production, its early maturity cycle makes it distinct from more modern "grazing-tolerant" or "late-maturing" orchardgrass varieties. It pushes out seed heads early in the spring (often mid-to-late April). 

Its erect, open-bunch habit mixes well with legumes, including alfalfa, red clover, birdsfoot trefoil, and ladino clover. The result is leafy, highly palatable forage suited to intensive rotational grazing, pasture, hay, green chop, and silage for cattle, horses, sheep, and goats.

For best results, graze or cut it higher (3-4 inches of stubble) or rotate grazing frequently. It needs tighter management than tall fescue to reach its maximum yield and quality potential, but it rewards that care with persistent, high-value forage.

Unlike K-31 fescue, it does not contain endophytes, making it nutritionally superior as forage to livestock.  

Key Characteristics and Performance

Growth Habit: It is a tall-growing, cool-season perennial bunchgrass that produces dense, upright vegetative stems and highly palatable basal leaves.

Planting & Seeding Specifications

Recommended Use: Primarily utilized in intensive rotational grazing systems, hay mixtures, or conservation programs for erosion control.

Seeding Rates: When drilled, plant at a rate of 10 to 20 lbs per acre for pure stands, or up to 25 lbs per acre for establishing new stands. If broadcast seeding, double this rate.

Depth and Soil: Drill or broadcast seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep into well-drained, fertile soil with a preferred pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.

Timing and Establishment: Plant in early spring or late summer/fall when night temperatures remain consistently below 65°F. Orchardgrass takes longer to fully establish than ryegrass, requiring roughly 6 to 7 weeks for spring sowings and 10 to 12 weeks for autumn sowings before it can withstand grazing pressure.

There are forager blends of seed that contain orchardgrass; however, this is the variety Forager Orchardgrass. It is one straight variety of orchardgrass in the bag.