About
This fast-growing, clump-forming annual, perennial or biennial ryegrass with glossy, mid-green leaves. Sow up to the end of November. Ideal for growing on empty vegetable beds where it can be cut down and dug into the soil before vegetables are sown or planted. It can be grown as a green manure to improve soil structure and provide a low-cost, environmentally friendly way of adding nutrients to the soil.
About the genus
Lolium is a genus of grasses, annual or perennial, with narrow, linear leaves and flowering spikelets arranged in panicles, racemes, or spikes. Some species are important forage or cereal crops, while others are valued as ornamental grasses
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeAnnual Biennial, Grass Like, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageSemi evergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height1 year
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Care notes
CultivationSow onto moist but well-drained empty vegetable beds into fine, firm soil. Sow seeds 10-20mm deep and keep moist. Seedlings should appear within a few days in good growing conditions and provide a full crop within weeks. Ryegrass has the potential to become a nuisance if allowed to set seed or if not managed well. If used as a green manure over a short period this shouldn't be an issue, but aim to dig these in before April. See Using green manures or Green manures on the allotment for further advice
PruningNo pruning required. Cut down in spring and dig into the soil as organic matter
PropagationPropagate by seed sown directly onto prepared empty vegetable beds from late spring to early autumn
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey leaf spot which is a fungal disease that can affect perennial ryegrass in particular