SeedRanch Reed Canary Grass Seed - 10 Lbs.

Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) is a tall, leafy, high-yielding perennial. It is a cool-season grass which is greater in winterhardiness and more resistant to foliar diseases than other cool-season grasses grown in Pennsylvania. The plants spread and thicken from short rhizomes, creating a dense sod. If not grazed or clipped, plants will reach heights exceeding 6 feet under high fertility conditions. Reed canarygrass does well on most Pennsylvania soils except droughty sands. It is a "natural" for poorly drained soils because of its tolerance to flooding and standing water. Spring seedings are most common. However, late-summer seedings are often more successful because weeds are less of a problem. Reed canarygrass can be slow to establish and may fail when weed competition is severe during establishment. Grass weeds are especially harmful. Companion crops can be used for spring seedings, but should not be used for late-summer seedings. Oats are the most common companion crop, but early removal for silage or by grazing is necessary to reduce competition for light and moisture. If a late-summer seeding is planned, prepare the seedbed 2 to 4 weeks ahead of seeding, if possible. This will allow the soil to become firm and provide an opportunity to accumulate moisture in the seedbed. Best seeding time is before August 15 in northern Pennsylvania and September 1 in southern Pennsylvania. Best stands of reed canarygrass are obtained when sown not deeper than ½ inch in a well-prepared, firm seedbed. This is best accomplished with band seeders equipped with press wheels. Other seeding methods can be used, but chances of obtaining thick stands and vigorous growth in the seeding year are reduced. Cultipacker seeders and grain drills work well if the seedbed is firm and the seed is covered to a depth not exceeding ½ inch. Roll or cultipack after seeding with grain drills not equipped with press wheels or after broadcast seeding.

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