How to Grow Bromegrass 'Badger'

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Bromegrass 'Badger'

Bromus inermis 'Badger'

grass

'Badger' is a cold-hardy, perennial bromegrass cultivar bred for forage and erosion control in northern climates. It establishes quickly, produces abundant nutritious forage, and tolerates extreme cold, drought, and poor soil conditions. This variety is particularly valued for pasture, hayfields, and conservation plantings in cooler regions.

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Example Bromegrass 'Badger' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Bromegrass 'Badger'
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Bromegrass 'Badger'
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Bromegrass 'Badger' dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6+ hours daily; tolerates partial shade but performs best in full light

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Water: Moderate water needs once established; requires consistent moisture during germination and first-year growth. Moderate drought tolerance after establishment; minimize supplemental watering except during severe drought

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Spacing: 6-12 inches between plants; typically seeded at 10-15 lbs/acre for forage inches

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Days to maturity: 90-120 days to full establishment; productive for 5-10+ years as a perennial

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Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches (shallow seeding essential for good germination)

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to clay loam soil; tolerates poor, eroded, or compacted soils

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Phosphorus (for establishment) Potassium (for vigor) Compost or aged manure (if soil is very depleted)

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Optimally suited to zones 2-6; exceptional cold hardiness makes it ideal for northern climates

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b

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Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

2-3 weeks

Seeds germinate within 7-14 days under moist conditions. Seedlings emerge with narrow leaves; root system begins establishing

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Protect seedlings from heavy traffic. Avoid applying herbicides until plants have 3-4 true leaves

Vegetative Growth

4-8 weeks

Young plants develop tillers (shoots) and expand root system. Leaf blades elongate; dense basal foliage forms

Allow plants to establish without grazing or mowing during first growing season. Light nitrogen fertilizer (20-30 lbs N/acre) supports vigor. Ensure adequate soil moisture

Tillering & Root Development

8-12 weeks

Multiple stems emerge from crown; rhizomatous root system expands horizontally. Plant fills in gaps and establishes sod

No grazing during first season. Monitor for weeds and suppress if necessary. Established stands tolerate moderate grazing or mowing

Heading & Boot Stage

2-3 weeks

Seed heads emerge from leaf sheaths; plants elongate. Jointing occurs; stems thicken and stiffen

For hay, harvest at boot to early heading for optimal nutritional quality. Allow some stands to head for seed production or wildlife food

Seed Development & Maturity

3-4 weeks

Seed heads fully emerge and flower. Seeds mature and harden over 2-3 weeks. Forage quality declines as plants mature

Harvest hay before seed maturity for best quality. For pasture, graze before or after heading to maintain forage quality. Allow some seed heads for natural reseeding

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Alfalfa White clover Red clover Other cool-season grasses (Timothy, Orchard grass) Birdsfoot trefoil

Avoid planting near:

Legumes requiring different management (if monoculture desired) Plants requiring frequent tilling (incompatible with perennial sod)

Common Pests

Monitor for damage; typically not problematic in well-managed stands. Grazing pressure and natural predators provide control
High grasshopper populations may clip plants; usually not economically damaging. Manage weeds to reduce alternative hosts
Ensure good drainage and air circulation. Avoid excessive nitrogen. Select resistant cultivars like 'Badger'
Typically minor; well-managed stands are naturally resistant. Improve soil fertility and drainage if issues occur

Uses

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Livestock Forage

Culinary

'Badger' bromegrass is a premium forage grass for cattle, sheep, and horses, providing high-quality hay and pasture with good digestibility and palatability. Its consistent yield and winter hardiness make it economical for large-scale operations. [source]

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Hay Production

Household

Widely used for horse hay, cattle hay, and other livestock feed production. 'Badger' yields 3-5 tons/acre in favorable conditions and cures quickly for storage. [source]

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Wildlife Habitat & Conservation

Wildlife

Provides nesting cover and food for grassland birds (pheasants, prairie grouse) and other wildlife. Used in conservation plantings for erosion control, riparian buffers, and grassland restoration. [source]

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Erosion Control & Soil Stabilization

Household

'Badger' bromegrass establishes rapidly and develops extensive rhizomes, making it ideal for stabilizing slopes, reclaimed mined lands, and degraded soils. It prevents runoff and rebuilds soil structure. [source]

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Traditional Herbal Use

Medicinal

Bromegrass species have been used in traditional medicine to support digestion and respiratory health in livestock and humans. Contains beneficial silica compounds. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

For hay, cut at boot stage or early heading (typically late May to early June in northern regions) for peak nutritional quality and digestibility. Mow or graze pasture regularly (at 3-4 inches) to maintain forage quality and prevent lodging. Allow regrowth of 2-3 weeks between grazing periods. Can be harvested 2-3 times per growing season in favorable conditions. Direct-combine seeds when heads are golden-brown (mid to late July). Establish plants the first year before harvesting

Fun Facts

🌱 'Badger' bromegrass was specifically bred at the University of Wisconsin to excel in upper Midwest growing conditions—it's one of the most cold-hardy forage grass cultivars available.
🌱 Bromegrass spreads via rhizomes (underground stems), creating a dense, persistent sod that can remain productive for 10-15+ years with proper management, making it one of the most long-lived cool-season forage grasses.
🌱 A single plant can produce hundreds of seeds; 'Badger' has excellent seed viability and quick establishment, allowing farmers to get productive stands within the first growing season.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Crown Cultivar Full Sun Germination Partial Shade Perennial True Leaves

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