Shiloh II Orchardgrass is an early-maturing, winter-hardy, long-lived perennial bunchgrass bred for high forage yield and quality. It delivers better full-season dry matter production than older varieties such as Potomac, with early spring green-up, good winter-active growth, and a clean, disease-resistant sward.
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 before late heading to hold protein and relative feed value. Shiloh II needs tighter management than tall fescue to reach its 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 new stand establishment. If broadcast seeding, double this rate.
Depth & 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 & 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.
Quantity on Hand: 15
Size: Default title
Product Number: #15436