About
This hardy upright, annual ryegrass with blue-green stems which can be grown as a green manure to improve soil structure, suppress weeds and prevent nitrogen loss from the soil during the winter. Ideal for growing on empty vegetable beds where it can be cut down and dug into the soil before vegetables are sown or planted. Sow up to the end of November.
About the genus
Secale 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
HabitClump forming, Columnar upright, Tufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 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 weed-free, finely raked soil and keep moist. Allow the plants to overwinter, letting the foliage wilt before cutting down and digging into the soil in spring. Wait for a few weeks before planting your crops. 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 but young plants may be susceptible to slugs, snails and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to fungal diseases, rust and blight