How to Grow Hairy Bromegrass
Wikimedia Commons
Hairy Bromegrass
Bromus commutatus
grassHairy Bromegrass is a cool-season annual or winter annual grass native to the Mediterranean region, characterized by its hairy leaf sheaths and drooping seed heads. It is commonly used for pasture, hay production, and erosion control in temperate climates. This grass is particularly valued for its ability to establish quickly and provide early spring forage.
When should you plant Hairy Bromegrass in your zone?
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Example Hairy Bromegrass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Hairy 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 Hairy Bromegrass
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Hairy Bromegrass dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in cooler regions
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Germination & Emergence
2-3 weeksSeeds germinate within 7-14 days under cool, moist conditions. Coleoptile emerges first, followed by the first true leaf.
Maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging. Cool temperatures (50-65°F) promote germination. Keep soil surface slightly firm for good seed-soil contact.
Seedling & Tillering
3-4 weeksYoung plants develop 3-4 true leaves and begin producing tillers (shoots from the base). Root system expands rapidly.
Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer which can promote weak growth. Ensure adequate drainage. Monitor for seedling diseases in overly wet conditions.
Vegetative Growth & Stem Elongation
4-6 weeksPlant reaches 6-12 inches in height with multiple tillers established. Leaf growth accelerates and stem elongation begins.
Apply balanced fertilizer if soil test indicates need. Begin grazing management plan if used for pasture. Adequate water supports robust growth.
Boot & Flowering
2-3 weeksSeed head emerges from the flag leaf sheath (boot stage). Anthesis occurs with pollen release. Characteristic drooping inflorescence appears.
Avoid grazing at this stage if seed production is desired. Monitor for ergot fungus and other diseases. Do not cut or graze if maximizing seed development.
Seed Maturation & Harvest
2-3 weeksSeeds mature from green to tan/brown color. Seeds develop the characteristic hairy covering and spikelets become more pendant.
Harvest seed when moisture content reaches 20-30% for combine harvesting. For forage, cut at boot to early bloom stage for best nutritive value.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor for feeding damage; use insecticides if populations exceed threshold; encourage natural predators
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Plant at appropriate dates to avoid peak fly emergence; use resistant varieties where available
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Scout regularly; apply insecticide if economic threshold exceeded; cultural practices like crop rotation help
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Maintain adequate irrigation; apply insecticides if populations warrant; avoid excessive nitrogen
Uses
Livestock Forage & Pasture
CulinaryHairy Bromegrass provides nutritious early-season pasture and hay for cattle, sheep, and other livestock. It is palatable and digestible, especially when harvested at the boot stage. [source]
Hay & Silage Production
CulinaryThe grass can be dried for hay or ensiled for silage, making it valuable for winter livestock feeding and long-term fodder storage. [source]
Erosion Control & Soil Stabilization
HouseholdHairy Bromegrass is used to stabilize eroded areas, prevent soil loss, and improve soil structure due to its fibrous root system and quick establishment. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Food Source
WildlifeThe grass provides cover and seed for wild birds and beneficial insects, supporting biodiversity in managed and semi-natural landscapes. [source]
Ornamental & Botanical Interest
CraftThe distinctive drooping seed heads and hairy characteristics make Hairy Bromegrass suitable for ornamental grass plantings and educational demonstrations. [source]
Harvest Tips
For forage: Cut at boot stage to early bloom for maximum nutritive value and digestibility (typically May-June in temperate regions). For seed: Harvest when seed moisture is 20-30%, typically July-August. Use swather or combine harvester. Allow 1-2 weeks of drying after cutting for seed production.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Hairy Bromegrass is named for the distinctive hairs on its leaf sheaths, which are visible to the naked eye and help distinguish it from other Bromus species.
- 🌱 This grass is an annual or winter annual, meaning it completes its life cycle within one year or overwinters as a dormant plant, making it ideal for temporary pasture systems and cover cropping.
- 🌱 Hairy Bromegrass can produce viable seed even if not harvested, and seeds can persist in the soil, making it a self-regenerating option in some management systems.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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