Timothy grass (Phleum pratense) is a cool-season perennial bunchgrass highly valued for producing soft, palatable hay and forage. It is a globally important forage crop, recognized for creating high-quality hay favored by horses and small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs. Timothy provides a reliable source of fiber and moderate energy, making it a suitable dietary component for many types of livestock. Successful cultivation depends on understanding its specific environmental needs and implementing precise management techniques.
Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Timothy grass thrives in a cool, humid climate and exhibits good tolerance for cold winter temperatures. It does not, however, adapt well to prolonged high temperatures or drought conditions, which can hinder its recovery and overall yield. The grass performs best in finer textured soils, such as fertile loam or clay-loam, avoiding coarser or excessively sandy ground.
The selected site should be well-drained, as timothy is not suited for areas where water stands for long periods. A soil test is necessary to determine the existing nutrient levels and pH balance before planting. Timothy prefers a soil pH range of 5.5 to 7.0, with an ideal target often falling between 6.5 and 7.0. If the soil pH is too acidic, applying lime is necessary to adjust it into the preferred range, ensuring proper nutrient access.
Seeding Rate and Planting Techniques
The optimum time for establishing timothy stands is generally late summer or early fall, which allows the seedlings to develop a strong root system before the first hard frost. Planting should be completed at least one month prior to the average first frost date to ensure adequate establishment. Early spring planting is an alternative, but it often requires more active weed management and can lead to lower first-year yields compared to a fall seeding.
When planting timothy as a monoculture, the recommended seeding rate typically falls between 8 and 12 pounds of seed per acre. If the grass is being planted in a mixture with a legume, such as clover or alfalfa, the seeding rate for the timothy should be reduced, often 4 to 6 pounds per acre. This reduction prevents the grass from aggressively competing with the slower-establishing legumes, which are valued for their nitrogen-fixing capabilities.
The seedbed must be firm and level, free of large clods. Timothy seed is very small and must be planted shallowly, typically no more than 1/4 to 1/2 inch below the soil surface. Planting too deeply will severely hinder germination and emergence, leading to a thin stand. After the seed is drilled or broadcast, the area should be rolled or packed to ensure firm contact between the seed and the soil, which improves successful establishment.
Ongoing Maintenance and Weed Control
Timothy is highly responsive to regular fertilization, which is required for sustained, high-yield production. Comprehensive soil testing guides the application of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), which should be applied prior to or at the time of planting to build up soil reserves. Nitrogen (N) is the most important nutrient for promoting vigorous growth and is generally applied in split applications throughout the growing season.
A common practice involves applying a nitrogen source, such as urea, after the grass breaks dormancy in the spring and again following each subsequent cutting. Apply 50 pounds of actual nitrogen per acre for every ton of hay expected to be harvested from that cutting. Consistent moisture is necessary for the grass to flourish, especially during the establishment phase and periods of active growth, due to its relatively shallow root system.
Weed management is a continuous process, particularly since timothy seedlings are slow to establish and can be easily outcompeted. A primary focus should be suppressing broadleaf weeds early in the season to prevent them from dominating the stand. Herbicides like 2,4-DB can be used to control broadleaf species, but they should be applied at a reduced rate to prevent injury to the growing timothy. Maintaining good air circulation and fertility helps the grass resist common diseases and prevents the stand from weakening.
Harvesting and Storage
The objective of harvesting timothy for hay is to capture the maximum nutritive value, which is tied to the plant’s stage of maturity. The preferred window for the first cutting is the late boot stage to the early bloom stage, meaning the seed heads are fully elongated but not yet fully flowered. Harvesting at this early stage ensures the hay has higher protein content and energy digestibility before the structural fiber content increases.
Protein content and digestibility decrease notably with each delay in harvest past the early bloom stage. When cutting, the forage should be clipped high enough to leave sufficient stubble remaining to support rapid regrowth for the next cutting. After cutting, the hay must be properly cured, or dried, in the field to reduce its moisture content significantly.
The moisture content of the hay must reach approximately 12% or lower before it is baled and stored. Hay baled with excessive moisture will heat up due to microbial activity, which can lead to mold, nutrient loss, and the risk of spontaneous combustion. Once properly dried, the bales must be stored in a dry, well-ventilated area to maintain quality and prevent moisture reabsorption.