Qualities

Annual ryegrass is a cool-season grass well adapted to sunny conditions and moderate temperatures. Also known as Italian ryegrass or wintergrass, it is often sown at high rates to overseed warm-season turfgrasses for fall, winter, and early spring color or to provide temporary cover for soil stabilization. It is not otherwise used for turf. Annual ryegrass dies in the late spring to early summer. It often turns yellow and dies before warm-season grasses come out of dormancy.

Identifying tips

A coarse, shiny lime-green grass. Leaves are rolled in the bud and long, narrow claw-like auricles are present. Annual ryegrass is a bunchgrass with an upright growth habit and shallow roots.

Maintenance

Moderate to high maintenance. Annual ryegrass has low tolerance for drought, shade, and extreme high and low temperatures. It is only moderately wear resistant.

Mowing

Mow at 1.5 - 2 inches.
In spring as warm-season grasses come out of dormancy, gradually reduce the height of the ryegrass by mowing it more closely and more often to encourage spring growth of warm-season grasses.

Fertilizing

Fertilize using 1 - 2 lbs. nitrogen/1000 sq. ft. per year during the period of active growth (October - May).

Planting

Seed at 7 - 9 lbs. seed/1000 sq. ft.

Irrigation

Water regularly if rain is absent.
In spring, water deeply and less often to encourage the growth of warm-season grasses coming out of dormancy.

Special problems

Annual habit of growth; not for use as a permanent lawn