Teff grass is a fine-stemmed, warm-season annual grass native to Africa, which has gained popularity in the United States primarily as a high-quality forage crop. Its adaptability to diverse environments and rapid growth cycle make it a valuable option for filling the summer slump in cool-season forage production. Maximizing the yield of teff grass hinges on planting when environmental conditions align with the plant’s sensitivity to cold. A poorly timed planting, especially one that occurs too early, can significantly reduce the overall seasonal tonnage and forage quality.
Optimal Planting Conditions
The decision of when to plant teff grass is governed by the soil temperature, which must be consistently warm for successful germination and establishment. Teff requires the soil temperature at planting depth to reach a minimum of 65°F and be trending upward. Planting into cooler soil risks slow, erratic emergence and leaves seedlings vulnerable to environmental stresses and competition.
The planting date must also be well after the last expected spring frost, as teff grass is highly susceptible to freezing temperatures. In many northern regions of the US, this optimal window typically falls from late May through June, while southern areas may plant earlier. Planting later in the summer, such as mid-July, is possible, but it usually limits the crop to a single cutting due to the shorter remaining growing season. A successful stand depends on warm air temperatures, ideally between 70°F and 85°F, for rapid growth after emergence.
Pre-Planting Preparation
Achieving a high-yielding teff stand begins with meticulous preparation of the seedbed. Teff seeds are extremely small, necessitating a firm, finely tilled seedbed to ensure proper seed-to-soil contact. The ground should be cultipacked or rolled before seeding to create a dense base that prevents the seeds from being planted too deep.
Soil testing should be performed to determine nutrient requirements; an adequate soil pH range for teff grass is typically between 6.0 and 6.5. Early weed control is paramount, since young teff seedlings are poor competitors during the first two to three weeks while they focus on root development. Pre-plant weed suppression ensures the teff establishes a dense canopy quickly, helping it outcompete later-germinating weeds.
Post-Planting Care and Management
After the seed is sown, management practices support the rapid growth required for maximum yield. Initial establishment requires light, frequent irrigation until the seedlings are fully emerged, generally within three to five days under optimal warmth. High yields are best achieved with consistent moisture, especially during dry periods of active growth.
Nitrogen fertilization is a primary factor in maximizing biomass production, with an initial application of 30 to 60 pounds of nitrogen per acre recommended at planting. For multiple cuttings, a split-application strategy is employed, applying a similar rate immediately following each harvest. Monitoring the crop for excessive nitrogen is important, as rates over 100 pounds per acre can increase the risk of lodging. Teff is generally low-maintenance regarding pests and diseases, but regular scouting allows for prompt intervention to protect the developing stand.
Harvesting Timing and Methods
Harvesting at the correct stage differs depending on whether the goal is hay or grain. For maximizing forage quality, teff should be harvested at the late vegetative or early-boot stage, just as the seed heads begin to emerge. This timing, typically 45 to 55 days after planting, captures the highest crude protein and digestibility before the plant allocates energy to seed development. Delaying harvest beyond this point decreases forage quality, though it results in higher overall dry matter tonnage.
If the goal is grain production, harvest must be delayed until the seed heads are fully mature. For optimal regrowth, cut the teff with a stubble height of three to four inches, as energy reserves are stored in the lower stem. Multiple harvests are possible in regions with long growing seasons, with subsequent cuttings occurring every 30 to 45 days. The fine stems allow teff to dry quickly, though careful curing is necessary to reach the appropriate moisture level for baling.