How to Grow Timothy, Orchardgrass & Bromegrass
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Timothy, Orchardgrass & Bromegrass
Phleum pratense, Dactylis glomerata, Bromus species
grassA trio of cool-season perennial grasses commonly blended for hay production, offering excellent nutritional value and yield. Timothy provides high quality forage with fine stems, orchardgrass adds early spring growth and drought tolerance, while bromegrass contributes late-season productivity and persistence. Together they create a balanced, productive hay mixture suitable for livestock across northern climates.
When should you plant Timothy, Orchardgrass & Bromegrass in your zone?
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Example Timothy, Orchardgrass & Bromegrass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Timothy, Orchardgrass & Bromegrass
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Timothy, Orchardgrass & Bromegrass
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 2-7; Timothy and bromegrass excel in zones 3-6, orchardgrass adapts well to zones 3-7
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Get my Timothy, Orchardgrass & Bromegrass timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy/Winter
November-March (varies by zone)Grasses are dormant with brown, dried foliage; root systems strengthen below ground
No active management; allow residual cover to protect soil and suppress weeds. Plan spring nitrogen applications.
Spring Green-Up
4-6 weeksNew green shoots emerge as soil temperatures reach 45°F; rapid tillering and leaf expansion begins
Apply spring nitrogen (40-60 lbs/acre) in early growth for vigor. Control winter annual weeds before they compete. Monitor soil moisture—irrigate if spring is dry.
Boot to Heading (First Harvest Readiness)
2-3 weeksSeed heads emerge from leaf sheaths; timothy forms distinctive dense spike-like head; orchardgrass shows clustered panicles; bromegrass has open panicles. Plants reach 20-30 inches tall
Cut at boot to early heading for peak forage quality (highest digestibility, protein); delay and quality declines rapidly. First cut timing is critical—this is the premium harvest window.
Regrowth After First Cut
4-6 weeks to second cut readinessBasal shoots regrow quickly; plants remain vegetative or approach second heading. Secondary growth is shorter (12-18 inches) and finer-stemmed
Apply post-harvest nitrogen (40-60 lbs/acre) to fuel regrowth. Ensure adequate moisture. Orchardgrass recovers fastest; timothy slower; bromegrass moderate.
Summer to Fall Production & Dormancy Transition
June-OctoberSecond and third cuts possible in prime zones; growth slows as daylength decreases and heat stress peaks. By late fall, plants redirect energy to roots and crowns for winter survival
Avoid cutting after early September in northern zones to allow winter hardening. Limit total cuts to 2-3 per season in zones 3-5. Ensure adequate fall moisture.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Scout for larvae; cut hay early if populations are high to remove food source; allow regrowth to recover; chemical sprays rarely justified for hay crops
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Early planting in spring avoids peak egg-laying; pest populations typically low in established stands
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Usually not a problem in managed hay fields; maintain good plant vigor to tolerate feeding
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Choose rust-resistant varieties (available for all three species); improve air circulation by avoiding excessive nitrogen; remove infected foliage via harvest
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Practice field sanitation; do not use contaminated seed; avoid late cuttings that allow flowering in fall; variety selection for resistance
Uses
Livestock Forage & Hay
CulinaryTimothy, orchardgrass, and bromegrass are the foundation of quality hay for horses, cattle, sheep, and goats. Their balanced nutritional profile (10-14% crude protein at boot stage) and excellent digestibility make them ideal for both dairy and beef operations. [source]
Long-Term Pasture & Soil Stability
HouseholdThese perennial species establish deep root systems that prevent erosion, improve soil structure, and persist for 5-10+ years with proper management, reducing annual reseeding costs. [source]
Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat
WildlifeGrassland mixes provide nesting and cover for ground-nesting birds (meadowlarks, bobolinks) and small mammals; seed heads attract finches and other seed-eating birds. [source]
Nutritional Supplementation in Livestock Feed
MedicinalHigh-quality timothy hay, rich in fiber and minerals, supports digestive health in horses and ruminants; orchardgrass's early growth aids spring nutrition when fresh pasture is limited. [source]
Decorative & Bedding Material
CraftPremium timothy hay is valued for ornamental displays and as clean, absorbent bedding for small animals and livestock. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
First cut: Boot to early heading stage (typically late May to early June in northern zones) for maximum quality. Mow when plants reach 12-14 inches and seed heads are emerging but not yet fully extended—this maximizes protein, digestibility, and animal palatability. Delay cutting and quality drops 1-2% per day. Allow 3-4 weeks between cuts; 2-3 cuts/season is standard in zones 3-6. Second and third cuts are later, shorter, and finer-stemmed. Dry to 15-20% moisture before baling to prevent mold. Avoid rain on fresh-cut hay. In poor years, one quality cut is better than multiple poor-quality cuttings.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Timothy grass is named after Timothy Hanson, a colonial American farmer, who promoted its cultivation in the 1700s—despite this, it is native to Europe and Asia.
- 🌱 Orchardgrass earned its name because it thrives in the partial shade of apple and other fruit orchards, making it ideal for silvopasture systems combining trees and grazing.
- 🌱 A single timothy plant can produce 100+ seed heads and millions of seeds, yet establishing a stable hay field requires careful seeding rates and years of stand management.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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