How to Grow Timothy Grass & Orchard Grass
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Timothy Grass & Orchard Grass
Phleum pratense (Timothy) & Dactylis glomerata (Orchard Grass)
grassTimothy and orchard grass are cool-season perennial forage grasses widely used in pasture and hay mixtures for livestock. Timothy is known for its fine texture and high nutritional value, while orchard grass establishes quickly, tolerates shade, and provides early spring growth. Together, they form the backbone of productive temperate pasture systems.
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Example Timothy Grass & Orchard Grass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Timothy Grass & Orchard Grass
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 Grass & Orchard Grass
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Timothy Grass & Orchard Grass dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Optimal in zones 3-7; both tolerate zones 2-8 with variable performance
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Germination & Seedling
3-4 weeksSeeds germinate in 7-14 days with adequate moisture and 50-60°F soil temperature. Tiny seedlings with threadlike leaves emerge; very delicate and vulnerable to competition.
Maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging. Keep competing weeds cut to 2-3 inches to avoid shading seedlings. Avoid heavy grazing or trampling for first 4-6 weeks.
Vegetative Establishment
6-12 weeks (establishment year)Plants develop tiller (shoot) systems and deeper root networks. Growth is rapid in spring and fall. Timothy produces fine, upright stems; orchard grass is more spreading with coarser texture.
Light grazing (2-3 inches stubble) acceptable once plants reach 4-6 inches. Apply no nitrogen for first 6 weeks to avoid smothering seedlings. Ensure good drainage. Graze or cut competing legumes lightly.
Mature Growth & Tiller Development
4-8+ months (second year onward)Established stands produce dense tiller populations. Timothy grows 24-36 inches tall at maturity; orchard grass 24-40 inches. Root systems extend 24-36+ inches deep.
Rotational grazing optimizes productivity—move livestock before grass exceeds 6-8 inches or after reaching boot stage. Leave 2-3 inch residue for regrowth. Fertilize with N in spring and post-grazing periods based on forage testing.
Heading & Seed Production
2-4 weeksTimothy produces distinctive dense, cylindrical seed heads (3-4 inches). Orchard grass forms open, clustered panicles. Both species reach peak nutritive value at boot to early heading stage.
For hay: cut at boot to early heading for highest quality and digestibility. For pasture: graze or clip before full heading to encourage regrowth. If mature seed is desired, allow one area to fully mature (reduce grazing).
Dormancy & Rest
4-6 months (late fall through early spring in cold zones)Winter dormancy (zones 2-6) halts growth; plants rely on stored reserves. In milder climates, some growth continues. Both species resume growth in early spring (orchard grass slightly earlier).
Avoid late-fall heavy grazing that removes protective cover. In year one, consider dormant-season rest to strengthen plants. Monitor for winter damage or disease in wet years.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Rotate grazing to prevent large populations; natural predators manage outbreaks; clip severely affected areas if damage exceeds 50% defoliation
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Manage by maintaining dense stand (reduces egg-laying habitat); rotate pastures; biological control via parasitoid flies; chemical control only in severe outbreaks
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Maintain adequate soil moisture; avoid excessive nitrogen that causes soft growth; rotate grazing to disrupt life cycles
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Improve drainage and avoid waterlogging; allow roots to establish before grazing; rotate fields to break pest cycle
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Less damaging in established stands; avoid very close grazing of seedlings; time seeding to avoid peak fly emergence
Uses
Livestock Forage & Nutrition
CulinaryTimothy is prized for dairy cattle and horse hay due to high palatability, fine texture, and balanced protein-carbohydrate ratio (typically 8-12% crude protein at boot stage). Orchard grass matures earlier and provides spring growth when fresh forage is limited. [source]
Pasture & Grazing Systems
CulinaryBoth grasses form the foundation of intensive rotational grazing systems that maximize animal productivity and soil health. Their deep roots improve soil structure and drought resilience compared to annual crops. [source]
Erosion Control & Land Reclamation
HouseholdDeep root systems stabilize soil on slopes and prevent water runoff. Widely used in conservation programs and reclamation of disturbed lands, particularly in cool-climate regions. [source]
Seed Production & Variety Maintenance
CraftTimothy and orchard grass seed are commercial crops; maintaining pure stands requires careful isolation and removal of off-type plants. Seed harvest extends farm income while producing certified seed for pasture establishment. [source]
Habitat & Pollinator Support
WildlifeNative and naturalized grass stands provide nesting cover for ground-nesting birds and seed for granivores. Flowering grass heads feed insects and pollinators, supporting broader ecosystem function. [source]
Harvest Tips
For grazing: Use rotational stocking at 4-6 inches tall, rest 3-4 weeks between rotations in spring/early summer; reduce to 2-3 week rotation in midsummer. Always leave 2-3 inch stubble. For hay: Cut at boot stage (timothy) or early boot (orchard grass) for peak quality, typically late May to early June in northern zones. Second cuttings possible mid to late July if adequate moisture.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Timothy grass is named after Timothy Hanson, a colonial American farmer who promoted the grass in the 1700s, though it was used much earlier in Europe.
- 🌱 Orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) got its common name because it was traditionally planted in English apple orchards where its shade tolerance allowed grazing without destroying the trees.
- 🌱 A single timothy plant can produce over 200 tillers (shoots), and an established pasture may contain 50-100+ plants per square foot, creating an extremely dense and productive sward.
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