Ryegrass

There are two types of ryegrass: annual and perennial. Annual ryegrass grows for one season and it is done.

Annual ryegrass

Annual ryegrass is quick to germinate and is often used to overseed warm-season grasses. The warm-season turf is sometimes vertically mowed lightly to allow the ryegrass seed to get good soil contact, but the seed is often just spread on top of the established turf and watered in.

Annual ryegrass is lighter green and slightly coarser than perennial ryegrass. It also is less heat-tolerant than perennial. This could be an advantage for overseeding since ryegrass should disappear before it interferes with the growth of the warm-season grass.

Perennial ryegrass

Perennial ryegrass (Lollium perenne) is one of the major turfgrasses in the northern United States. It does not act as a perennial in southern lawns, however. It is used in the same way as annual ryegrass— to establish temporary lawns and to overseed warm-season grasses. Perennial ryegrass is finer leaved and darker green than annual and is the preferred grass for overseeding athletic fields.

Planting time is important in ryegrass establishment. Seed planted too late in the year may not have time to grow into plants that can survive freezing temperatures. Seeding rate is also important. The ryegrasses are bunch grasses, so not planting enough seed produces a thin, clumpy turf.

Planting time for temporary winter lawn grasses (seeding only)
Grasses	Gulf Coast	South Central	North
Perennial Ryegrass	Oct. 15 - Nov. 30	Oct. 1 - Nov. 15	Sept. 15 - Nov. 1
Annual Ryegrass	Oct. 15 - Nov. 30	Oct. 1 - Nov. 15	Sept. 1 - Nov. 1

Cool season grasses for homeowners living in northern America

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Ryegrass

Annual ryegrass

Perennial ryegrass