| Orchardgrass Dactylis glomerata Introduced from central and Western Europe as a high yielding good quality forage plant. It is a cool season, leafy bunchgrass 3 to 4' tall. Leaves long, soft and palatable. Wide adaptation to sub-humid or irrigated conditions. |
|
| Preferences | Best
production on medium-textured, well-drained, fertile, neutral or medium
acid soils. Adapted to irrigated and high rainfall areas. Shade tolerant. Adapted to high mountain meadows on good soils. |
| Uses | Major
forage grass, excellent for irrigated hay and pastures. Does well
in mixtures with alfalfa and other grasses. New plantings should not be grazed until the plants are fully established. A 6" stubble should be maintained for plant vigor. Allow plants to make 10 to 12" growth in the spring before grazing and 4 to 5 weeks regrowth between cuttings or grazing cycles. Very palatable, but will not withstand heavy grazing. Good grazing management is needed. |
| Planting | Plant
seeds 1/4 to 1/2" deep. Weed control necessary. Should not be grazed until after first cutting to establish stubble height. |
