Potomac Orchardgrass Seed - 20 Lbs.

Potomac Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) is a tall-growing, bunch-type cool-season perennial grass. Plant 10 - 20 Lbs per Acre. It is one of the most productive cool-season grasses, tolerates shade well, is fairly drought resistant and has moderate winter hardiness. Orchardgrass, however, does not match the drought tolerance or winter hardiness of tall fescue and bromegrass. It has been reported growing in the United States since before 1760. Orchardgrass is most often established with a companion legume. Drilling both seeds is the preferred method: Brillion-type or grain drills usually produce better stands at the same seeding rate, give more controlled seeding depth and provide more uniform seed distribution than broadcasting. When using grain drills, put orchardgrass through the grain box and seed the companion legume from the small legume box; allow the legume seed to drop straight to the ground so it is not covered too deeply. Drag chains on the drill will typically cover the seed adequately. Rolling with a cultipacker or light roller improves seed-to-soil contact and promotes vigorous seedling growth. Orchardgrass can also be seeded by broadcasting with fertilizer trucks, buggies or tractor-mounted distributors, though these machines will not throw orchardgrass seed as far as they throw fertilizer or heavier seeds such as fescue. To avoid uneven stands, overlap the spread pattern on successive passes. Broadcast seed should be covered with about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of soil; spike-tooth harrows or "brush-type" drags work well for this. Using a cultipacker or lightweight roller afterward is important for the same reasons cited above. Fertility.