How to Grow Italian Rye Grass 'Westerwolds'
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Italian Rye Grass 'Westerwolds'
Lolium multiflorum var. Westerwolds
grassWesterwolds is a fast-growing, tetraploid Italian rye grass variety bred for rapid establishment and high forage quality. It is a short-lived perennial or annual grass commonly used for pasture, hay production, and turf renovation. This cultivar is particularly valued for its quick germination, dense growth, and excellent feed value for livestock.
When should you plant Italian Rye Grass 'Westerwolds' in your zone?
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Example Italian Rye Grass 'Westerwolds' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Italian Rye Grass 'Westerwolds'
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 Italian Rye Grass 'Westerwolds'
Around Apr 24≈ 7 days after planting
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, with best performance in cooler temperate climates (zones 4-7)
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Germination & Emergence
7-14 daysRapid germination with visible shoots emerging within 5-7 days. Fine, hair-like seedlings establish quickly with strong root development.
Ensure consistent soil moisture without waterlogging. Avoid foot traffic on establishing seedbed. Keep soil temperature above 40°F for optimal germination.
Vegetative Establishment
3-6 weeksRapid tillering and shoot formation; dense, leafy growth develops with multiple shoots per plant. Grass reaches 3-6 inches height with established root system.
Monitor for weeds and control if necessary. Apply nitrogen fertilizer once seedlings are established (3-4 weeks). Light grazing or mowing may begin at 6-8 inches.
Active Growth & Tillering
4-8 weeksDense vegetative canopy develops with maximum shoot density. Plant achieves full ground cover and vigorous foliage production.
Graze when grass reaches 4-6 inches height; leave 1.5-2 inches residual growth. Apply split nitrogen applications for sustained productivity. Maintain moisture during dry periods.
Flowering & Seed Production
3-4 weeksSeed heads emerge on stems; inflorescence develops with characteristic spike-like panicles. Forage quality declines as plant matures.
For hay/silage: cut before full flower stage for optimal nutritive value (boot to early boot stage). For pasture: graze before stem elongation or allow for seed production if desired.
Maturity & Senescence
Variable; 2-4 weeksSeeds ripen and harden; foliage color transitions from green to golden-brown. In annual plantings, plant typically dies after seed ripening.
Harvest seed if desired (typically mid-summer). Allow plants to naturally senesce or terminate by tillage. In mild zones where perennial behavior occurs, rest period before regrowth.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor foliage for damage. Graze or mow heavily infested areas. Use selective insecticides if populations exceed economic threshold (5-10 larvae per sweep).
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Early grazing or mowing can reduce fly populations. Insecticide seed treatments provide some protection during establishment.
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Typically minor. Ensure adequate soil moisture to promote plant vigor. Insecticide seed treatments may help.
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Light defoliation by leafhoppers rarely causes economic damage. Monitor during establishment. Pesticide control rarely justified.
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Choose Westerwolds cultivars with disease resistance. Avoid excessive nitrogen that promotes lush foliage. Timely cutting/grazing improves air circulation.
Uses
Livestock Feed & Forage
CulinaryWesterwolds is a premium forage grass widely used for cattle, sheep, and horse pasture and hay production. Its high palatability and rapid digestibility make it excellent for high-production animal systems. [source]
Quick Pasture Establishment & Overseeding
AgriculturalThe rapid germination and dense growth make Westerwolds ideal for emergency pasture, pasture renovation, and turf overseeding. It quickly provides cover and halts erosion. [source]
Erosion Control & Soil Stabilization
SoilFast establishment and dense root system make Westerwolds effective for stabilizing slopes and preventing soil erosion in vulnerable areas. [source]
Cover Crop & Catch Crop
AgriculturalUsed in crop rotations as a cover crop to capture residual soil nitrogen, prevent nutrient leaching, and improve soil structure before termination. [source]
Wildlife Habitat & Pollinator Support
WildlifeProvides seed and cover for ground-nesting birds and small mammals. Flowering heads support pollinators and beneficial insects. [source]
Harvest Tips
For Pasture: Graze when grass reaches 4-6 inches; leave 1.5-2 inches residual growth. Rotate paddocks to allow recovery. For Hay/Silage: Cut at boot to early boot stage (before full flower) for maximum nutritive value, typically 6-8 weeks after planting. For Seed: Allow plants to mature fully; harvest when seed heads turn golden-brown and seeds are hard (mid-summer). Westerwolds typically produces one quality forage harvest per season in temperate climates.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Westerwolds is a tetraploid grass (4 sets of chromosomes), making it larger and more vigorous than diploid rye grass, with superior forage quality.
- 🌱 It is primarily used as an annual or short-lived perennial in cool climates, but can persist for 2-3 years in mild maritime climates like the UK and Ireland.
- 🌱 Westerwolds was bred in the Netherlands in the early 20th century and is named after the Westerwold region; it remains one of the fastest-establishing forage grasses globally.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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