How to Grow Mixed Forage Grasses
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Mixed Forage Grasses
Phleum pratense, Dactylis glomerata, Bromus species
grassA blend of cool-season perennial grasses commonly used for pasture and hay production. These hardy, deep-rooted grasses provide nutritious forage for livestock and improve soil structure. Timothy, orchardgrass, and bromegrass are often seeded together to create resilient, productive mixed forage stands.
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Example Mixed Forage Grasses timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Mixed Forage Grasses
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 Mixed Forage Grasses
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 3-7 are ideal; can extend into zone 2 and warmer parts of zone 8
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Germination & Seedling
3-4 weeksSeeds germinate in 7-14 days with adequate moisture and cool temperatures (50-60°F ideal). Seedlings emerge with narrow leaves and shallow roots.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid heavy grazing or cutting in first 60 days. Control weeds carefully to prevent competition.
Vegetative Establishment
6-10 weeksYoung plants develop deeper root systems and expand leaf area. Plant height reaches 6-12 inches by mid-season; tillers begin forming at plant base.
Light grazing or mowing at 3-4 inches stimulates tillering. Continue weed control. Ensure adequate moisture during dry spells.
Boot & Heading
3-4 weeksFlower heads emerge from leaf sheaths (boot stage); then extend upward (heading stage). Plant height reaches 18-36 inches depending on species. Protein content begins declining as plants mature.
This is the optimal harvest window for mixed forage—high nutritional value and palatability. Monitor stage carefully; delay of even a few days significantly reduces quality.
Anthesis & Seed Development
2-3 weeksFlowers open and shed pollen; seeds begin developing inside spikelets. Plant becomes more fibrous and less digestible. Orchardgrass and bromegrass head earlier than timothy.
If harvesting for hay, cut immediately if possible or harvest will be reduced quality. If maintaining for seed production, allow full maturity.
Seed Maturity & Dormancy
Ongoing dormancy with potential regrowthSeeds harden and change color (brown/tan); plant enters dormancy. Forage value is low; stem tissue is fibrous and woody.
If seed saving is the goal, harvest when heads are brown but before shattering. For forage stands, graze residue or allow regrowth. Cut remaining stems if accumulation inhibits new growth.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor for defoliation; graze or cut infested areas early; use pyrethrin insecticides if severe; encourage natural predators
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Infest seedlings; avoid planting in late spring/early summer peak activity; delay seeding to summer when possible
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Monitor in dry years; grazing pressure can suppress populations; insecticide sprays for severe outbreaks
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Minor concern in forage; good soil health and nitrogen balance mitigate; avoid excess nitrogen which increases susceptibility
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Rare; rotate cutting time and heights; remove affected plants if severe
Uses
Livestock Forage & Nutrition
CulinaryMixed forage grasses are the foundation of dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, and horse diets. Timothy is prized for horses due to lower protein and caloric density; orchardgrass and bromegrass provide more balanced nutrition for other livestock. [source]
Hay Production & Storage
HouseholdDried forage grasses are stored and fed year-round, particularly critical for winter livestock feeding in cold climates. Proper curing and storage preserve nutritional quality and prevent mold. [source]
Pasture Systems & Grazing Management
CulinaryMixed forage stands support rotational and continuous grazing systems that improve soil health, reduce erosion, and support biodiversity while providing affordable livestock feed. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Pollinator Support
WildlifeGrass stands provide nesting cover for ground-nesting birds and wildlife; seed heads support songbirds and small mammals. Flowering stages attract pollinators. [source]
Erosion Control & Soil Conservation
CraftDeep root systems stabilize soil, reduce runoff, and improve soil structure. Perennial forage stands prevent erosion on slopes and along waterways. [source]
Harvest Tips
For hay: cut at boot to early heading stage (3-4 inch stubble) for maximum nutritional value and regrowth. Typically late May to early June for first cutting in northern zones. Allow 3-4 week recovery between cuttings; 2-4 cuts annually possible. For pasture: graze when plants reach 4-6 inches; move cattle before overgrazing (1-2 inch stubble minimum). Orchardgrass and bromegrass are more suited to continuous grazing; timothy better for hay systems.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Timothy grass is named after Timothy Hanson, an American farmer who popularized it in the 1700s; it was originally called 'Herds grass' in New England.
- 🌱 Orchardgrass can produce 2-4 growing points simultaneously, allowing for rapid regrowth after cutting or grazing and supporting multiple harvests per season.
- 🌱 Bromegrass has deeper roots (up to 12 feet) than timothy or orchardgrass, making it superior for drought tolerance and long-term pasture persistence on marginal lands.
Gardening Terms
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