Perennial Ryegrass
Also read: Gray Leaf Spot
Common perennial ryegrass usually only lasts one season. Germinates
quickly and can be used as a temporary ground cover while the slower
growing bluegrass plants take hold.
The ryegrasses are best adapted to moist, cool environments where temperatures
are not extreme in the winter or summer. In the United States, the northeastern
and northwestern states are well suited to ryegrass. In the transition
zone, perennial ryegrass may provide a permanent turfgrass. But in the
southern states, both species serve as cool season annuals.
Of all turfgrasses used in the South, ryegrass probably has the highest
maintenance requirement.
Mowing, watering, fertilization and pest management
needs of ryegrass are higher than for any southern turfgrass. Ryegrass
has a rapid growth rate in the spring and requires twice weekly mowing
at the taller heights - above 1"; mowing at 2 — 3 day intervals
at heights around 1" and daily mowing at heights below an 1".
Ryegrass is the least drought tolerant of the southern turfgrasses
and needs frequent watering in the spring and early summer. In many
golf course situations, daily watering is not unusual on ryegrass greens
and fairways. Even on lawns, ryegrass is the first grass to show symptoms
of drought stress.
Shade tolerance: good
Planting: seed
Water: needs regular watering, but will survive droughts if not for
extended periods
Mowing height: 1-1/2" — 2-1/2"
Pests: gray leaf spot, leaf
spot, billbugs
