Potomac Orchardgrass

Potomac Orchardgrass is an older orchardgrass variety that is extensively used as an economic alternative in pasture blends. short term hay mixtures and cover crop blends.
Potomac is an early maturing, productive orchardgrass with very good cold tolerance.

Establishment

Plant seed at 1/4″ into a well prepared seed bed.

Management

Orchardgrass takes a year or more to reach its full production potential. No-till is only recommended when a herbicide is used to sufficiently kill or retard the existing stand. A minimum pH of 6.0 is best. Profit Orchardgrass should initially be cut or grazed leaving a 4-6″ stand the first cutting, the first year, to insure better persistance and regowth. Because orchardgrass pastures are slower to establish than traditional ryegrass pastures, grazing management following sowing is crucial to successful establishment of the stand. Establishment under ideal growing conditions could be 6-7 weeks for a Spring sowing and 10-12 weeks for an Autumn sowing. In a pure Orchardgrass stand, the first grazing should be brief and preferably by young stock. An application of nitrogen, 25-30 units/acre 4-6 weeks after sowing promotes tillering without damage to the young stand. Once established, orchardgrass should be grazed or cut leaving a 3-4″

Back to Orchardgrass