Perennial Ryegrass Green Manure Seeds
Botanical Name: Lolium perenne
Cool-season soil improver.
Dense weed-suppressing ground cover.
Excellent for erosion control and organic matter.
Perennial Ryegrass is a hardy, fast-establishing grass ideal for cool-season soil building. It forms a dense mat that protects topsoil, suppresses weeds, and adds bulk organic matter when turned in as green manure. Popular in gardens, orchards, vineyards, and pastures, it also helps stabilise slopes and prevent erosion.
- Rapid germination and strong ground coverage for weed suppression.
- Improves soil structure and adds organic matter when incorporated.
- Cool-season growth cycle aligns well with rotation systems.
- Ideal companion with legumes like vetch or clover in mixed cover crops.
- Supports beneficial fungi and root zone microbial activity.
Plant Details:
- Plant Type: Cool-season perennial grass
- Height: 30–60 cm when mature
- Frost Tolerance: High – very frost hardy
Sowing Information:
- Sow When:
Temperate: Autumn–early Spring
Subtropical: Autumn–Winter
Tropical: Autumn–Winter (with irrigation)
Cool: Late Summer–Spring
Arid: Autumn–Winter, sow after rainfall - Germination: 5–10 days
- Depth: 1–2 cm deep
- Position: Full sun to part shade
- Sow Where: Broadcast or drill into beds, paddocks, or slopes
- Soil Type: Tolerates a wide range; prefers fertile, well-drained soils with pH 5.5–7.5
- Spacing: 20–25 g/m²; for pasture or erosion control, sow at 25–30 kg/ha
When to Sow Perennial Ryegrass in Your Climate
| Climate Zone | Best Planting Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Temperate | Autumn–early Spring | Best sown in autumn for winter coverage; sow again in early spring if needed. |
| Subtropical | Autumn–Winter | Grows well during the cooler season; combine with legumes like clover for added nitrogen. |
| Tropical | Autumn–Winter | Only suitable during the cool dry season; irrigate to maintain growth. |
| Cool | Late Summer–Spring | Establishes well in cool, moist soils; cut before seed set if using as green manure. |
| Arid | Autumn–Winter | Sow after rainfall or with irrigation; mulch to conserve soil moisture. |
Quick Growing Guide
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Germination Time | 5–10 days |
| Sowing Depth | 1–2 cm |
| Watering | Keep moist during germination; tolerates short dry spells once established. |
| Growth Period | 6–12 weeks before cutting or incorporation |
| Incorporation | Cut before flowering and dig into soil for best organic matter return. |