Orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) is a cool-season perennial grass known for its rapid regrowth and high forage quality, making it popular for hay production and pasture systems. This grass is valued for its deep root system, which also offers benefits in erosion control. Establishing a successful stand begins with sourcing the right seed, which involves understanding where to purchase it and how to evaluate its quality. This guide outlines the retail options, quality factors, and logistical steps needed for successful planting preparation.
Retail Sources for Orchard Grass Seed
Local agricultural suppliers, such as feed stores and farm co-ops, often serve as the most convenient source for purchasing orchard grass seed. These locations provide immediate availability and are stocked with varieties suited to the local climate and soil conditions, offering regional expertise. While they may offer smaller bag sizes and a limited selection of specific cultivars, they are an excellent option for smaller projects or for buyers needing seed quickly.
For those requiring larger volumes or seeking specific genetic traits, online seed retailers and mail-order companies provide a broader selection of cultivars. These national suppliers frequently offer competitive pricing for bulk orders, significantly reducing the cost per pound when planting large acreage. Buyers must factor in the time required for shipping and associated costs, ensuring the seed arrives well before the optimal planting window.
Specialized sources, including state extension offices or local conservation districts, occasionally offer certified native varieties or specialized grass-legume mixes. These sources focus on quality assurance and may provide seed tested for specific environmental projects or habitat restoration efforts. While their stock is often limited, seed acquired through these channels comes with high guarantees of origin and purity, which is beneficial for ecologically sensitive plantings.
Essential Quality Factors Before Purchase
Before selecting a vendor, buyers must examine the seed tag to understand the quality of the product, beginning with the specific variety. Purchasing common or unnamed seed carries a risk, as its maturity date and overall performance are unknown. Named, certified cultivars like ‘Potomac’ or ‘Paiute’ offer predictable traits. Selecting a late-maturing cultivar, for instance, allows for better timing when harvesting hay, as it aligns more easily with the optimal cutting time of companion legumes.
Two important metrics listed on the seed tag are purity and germination, which together determine the true value of the seed. Purity indicates the percentage of the bag that is actual orchard grass seed, excluding inert matter, weed seeds, or other crop seeds. The germination rate specifies the percentage of pure seed that is expected to sprout under ideal laboratory conditions, representing the seed’s viability.
To understand the planting potential, buyers should calculate the Pure Live Seed (PLS). This metric is derived by multiplying the percentage of purity by the percentage of germination, then dividing by 100. Buying based on PLS ensures that the buyer is paying only for viable seed and not for inert fillers or dead material. Furthermore, the tag must be checked for the presence of noxious or prohibited weed seeds, which can introduce long-term contamination problems in a field.
Calculating Quantity and Handling Purchased Seed
Determining the appropriate seeding rate is the first step after confirming seed quality, as this rate varies based on the intended use and the local environment. For a pure stand of orchard grass, a general recommendation ranges from 15 to 25 pounds of seed per acre, depending on the soil type and desired stand density. This rate is often reduced when the grass is planted as part of a mixed stand with legumes like clover or alfalfa.
Once the seed is purchased, maintaining its viability requires proper short-term storage until the ideal planting date arrives. Seed should be kept in a cool, dry environment where temperatures remain stable and humidity is low, preventing premature degradation of the germination rate. Protecting the seed from rodents and insects is also necessary, as pests can quickly consume or damage the material, rendering it unusable.
Orchard grass seeds generally do not require complex preparation methods like scarification or inoculation. However, ensuring the seedbed is firm and properly prepared to facilitate shallow planting is the final logistical step before distributing the seed. This preparation maximizes the contact between the seed and the soil, which is a necessary condition for successful establishment.