How to Grow Smooth Bromegrass
iNaturalist
Smooth Bromegrass
Bromus inermis
grassSmooth bromegrass is a cool-season perennial grass widely used for pasture, hay production, and erosion control. It establishes quickly, tolerates drought and poor soil conditions, and provides nutritious forage for livestock throughout the growing season.
When should you plant Smooth Bromegrass in your zone?
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Example Smooth Bromegrass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Smooth 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 Smooth Bromegrass
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Smooth Bromegrass dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-8, with best performance in zones 3-6
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Germination & Seedling
2-4 weeksSeeds germinate in 7-14 days with adequate moisture and cool temperatures. Seedlings develop 2-3 leaves and shallow root system.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Plant in early spring or fall for best results. Protect from heavy grazing first year.
Establishment
4-12 weeksGrass develops deeper root system and more tillers (shoots). Height reaches 6-12 inches with increasing leaf development.
Avoid grazing or cutting for 60+ days after planting to allow root establishment. Light irrigation helpful in dry conditions. Control weeds by mowing.
Vegetative Growth
Throughout spring and early summerRapid spring and early summer growth; dense tillering produces multiple shoots per plant. Lush green foliage, 12-24 inches tall.
Provide nitrogen fertilizer (40-60 lbs N/acre) in spring for vigor. Graze when 3-4 inches tall or cut for hay at boot stage. Can graze to 2 inches minimum.
Heading & Flowering
3-4 weeksSeed heads emerge and mature, typically in mid to late June. Panicles contain spikelets; forage quality declines as plant matures.
For hay, cut at boot to early heading stage for best nutritional value and palatability. Delay grazing if seed production desired. Remove seed heads if managing for forage only.
Dormancy & Fall Growth
Summer dormancy 6-8 weeks; fall regrowth 6-8 weeksAfter heading, growth slows in summer heat. Responds to fall rains with renewed growth in September-October. Turns dormant and brown in winter.
Light to moderate fall grazing acceptable. Minimize disturbance to allow recovery. Spring nutrient reserves are critical for next year's vigor.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor for damage in hot, dry periods. Irrigation during stress periods may reduce populations. Insecticidal control rarely needed in established stands.
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Early cutting or grazing can reduce damage. Most infestations do not warrant treatment in forage settings.
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Adequate moisture reduces problems. Rarely economically damaging in pasture.
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May damage seedlings; establish rapidly to outgrow damage. Avoid planting during peak flight periods if possible.
Uses
Livestock forage and feed
CulinarySmooth bromegrass is a highly nutritious forage for cattle, sheep, horses, and other livestock. Provides excellent pasture in spring and early summer, and produces quality hay when harvested at boot stage. [source]
Erosion control and soil stabilization
HouseholdDeep root system makes it excellent for controlling erosion on slopes, along waterways, and on degraded lands. Stabilizes soil and improves soil structure over time. [source]
Wildlife habitat and food
WildlifeProvides cover and food for ground-nesting birds, small mammals, and beneficial insects. Seeds feed numerous bird species and small wildlife. [source]
Drought-tolerant turf and landscaping
HouseholdUsed in drought-resistant seed mixes for lawns, athletic fields, and ornamental landscapes in northern regions. Establishes quickly with low maintenance. [source]
Restoration and native grassland projects
CraftCommonly included in prairie and grassland restoration seed mixes to quickly stabilize disturbed areas and suppress weeds while other native species establish. [source]
Harvest Tips
For hay: Cut at boot to early heading stage (typically late May-June) for optimal nutritional value (digestible energy, crude protein). For pasture: Graze when grass reaches 3-4 inches; allow recovery to 2-3 inches between grazings. Avoid overgrazing to maintain stand vigor. Can typically achieve 2-3 harvests/grazings per season. Fall growth is acceptable but avoid heavy late-season grazing that removes nutrient reserves.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Smooth bromegrass is one of the most widely planted cool-season grasses in North America, with over 10 million acres in production for pasture and hay.
- 🌱 It can produce viable seed for 20+ years once established, making it an excellent long-term investment for permanent pasture systems.
- 🌱 The plant's name 'inermis' means 'unarmed' in Latin, referring to the smooth, awnless seed heads (unlike many other Bromus species with bristly awns).
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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