How to Grow Rescue Grass
Wikimedia Commons
Rescue Grass
Bromus catharticus
grassRescue Grass is a cool-season bunchgrass native to South America, valued for pasture and forage production. It establishes quickly, tolerates poor soil conditions, and provides nutritious feed for livestock. This grass is particularly useful in marginal agricultural areas and as a temporary pasture or cover crop.
When should you plant Rescue Grass in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Rescue Grass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Rescue 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 Rescue Grass
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Rescue Grass dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; best in cooler regions (zones 3-6) but can grow in warmer areas with adequate moisture
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds germinate in 5-10 days with adequate moisture; young seedlings emerge with fine leaves and develop shallow root systems
Maintain consistent soil moisture during germination; protect from foot traffic; avoid heavy grazing until plants are 4-6 inches tall
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksRapid leaf development with formation of tillers (shoots); plant grows in dense bunches and develops deeper root system
Light nitrogen application promotes vigor; allow 4-6 weeks of growth before first grazing; maintain adequate moisture
Tillering & Shoot Development
4-6 weeksMultiple shoots emerge from base; plant becomes bushier and more robust; root system expands significantly
Can begin moderate grazing once plants reach 8-10 inches; rotational grazing preferred; apply nitrogen if forage quality is needed
Heading & Flowering
3-4 weeksSeed heads emerge and elongate; mature seed heads are characteristic with distinctive awned spikelets; plant reaches full height
Reduce grazing pressure to allow seed production; forage quality declines as seeds mature; harvest for hay at boot to early heading stage for best nutritional value
Seed Maturity & Dormancy
3-4 weeksSeeds ripen and harden; plant begins dormancy in late summer/fall; forage nutritional value decreases significantly
Allow for seed dispersal if natural reseeding is desired; harvest hay before this stage for livestock feed; annual plants typically decline in fall
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 economic threshold; promote natural predators
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Generally minor pest; manage through cultural practices; insecticide treatment rarely needed
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Biological control through parasitoids; insecticides for severe infestations; maintain habitat diversity
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Crop rotation; avoid waterlogged conditions; resistant varieties if available
Uses
Livestock Forage
CulinaryProvides nutritious pasture and hay for cattle, sheep, and other grazing animals. High in crude protein when harvested at early growth stages and palatable to livestock. [source]
Erosion Control & Ground Cover
HouseholdUsed to stabilize slopes, prevent soil erosion, and revegetate disturbed areas. Rapidly establishes groundcover and holds soil in place. [source]
Temporary Pasture & Emergency Feed
HouseholdProvides quick establishment for temporary grazing areas or as emergency livestock feed during droughts or forage shortages. [source]
Cover Crop & Soil Improvement
HouseholdUsed as a cover crop in marginal agricultural lands to protect soil structure and organic matter, improving conditions for future crops. [source]
Wildlife Habitat
WildlifeProvides food and cover for grassland birds and wildlife; supports ecosystem diversity in restored habitats and wildlife areas. [source]
Harvest Tips
For pasture: Begin grazing when plants reach 6-8 inches tall; rotate grazing to prevent overuse. For hay: Harvest at boot to early heading stage (50-60 days after emergence) for optimal nutritional value; cut when moisture is moderate (not damp). For seed: Allow plants to mature fully and heads to turn brown; thresh when completely dry. Can produce 2-3 harvests per season in suitable climates.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Rescue Grass is a South American native that was introduced to the United States and has become naturalized in many regions, earning the nickname 'rescue' grass for its ability to rescue failing pastures and cover bare ground quickly.
- 🌱 This grass is an annual or winter annual depending on climate, with seeds often germinating in fall for cool-season growth, then declining in heat and drought of summer.
- 🌱 Rescue Grass has impressive cold tolerance for a warm-season origin, thriving in regions as far north as Canada, making it valuable for northern pasture systems.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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