How to Grow Upright brome
Wikimedia Commons
Upright brome
Bromopsis inermis
grassUpright brome is a cool-season perennial bunchgrass native to the steppes of southeastern Europe and western Asia. It is widely cultivated for pasture, hay production, and rangeland restoration due to its drought tolerance and nutritional value for livestock. The plant produces tall, upright stems with fine-textured leaves and is valued for its ability to establish quickly and persist in semi-arid environments.
When should you plant Upright brome in your zone?
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Example Upright brome timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Upright brome
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 Upright brome
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 1-8; best performance in zones 2-7
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Get my Upright brome timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-4 weeksFine, threadlike leaves emerge 7-14 days after seeding; plant produces 2-4 true leaves and shallow root system
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging; protect from heavy foot traffic; avoid herbicides until 4-6 weeks old
Establishment
4-8 weeksPlant develops deeper root system and tillering; leaf blades lengthen and plant begins to form tufts; 4-6 true leaves visible
Ensure adequate moisture; apply balanced fertilizer if soil tests low; light grazing acceptable but rest period preferred
Vegetative Growth
6-12 weeks (spring-early summer)Rapid stem and leaf expansion; multiple tillers develop; plant reaches 12-24 inches tall; lush green foliage
Provide nitrogen fertilizer in spring (50-100 lbs/acre); avoid overgrazing; allow 3-4 week rest between grazings
Heading/Flowering
3-4 weeksSeed heads emerge with fine, upright spikes; plants reach 24-36 inches height; heading stage marks peak nutritional value for hay
Cut for hay at boot to early heading stage for best quality; monitor for seed maturity if seed harvest intended
Seed Maturation
2-3 weeksSeed heads mature to tan or golden color; seeds become firm and viable; foliage begins to senesce
For seed production, allow full maturation; for forage, cut before full maturity for continued regrowth and palatability
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor for outbreak; natural predators usually control; chemical control rarely needed in pasture settings
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Generally not a problem in well-managed pastures; avoid unnecessary insecticide use to preserve natural enemies
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Resistant varieties available; ensure good air circulation; disease rarely severe in pasture; no control needed
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and
Rarely problematic; maintain plant vigor through proper fertility and grazing management
Uses
Livestock forage
CulinaryUpright brome is a primary forage grass used in livestock pastures and hay systems across temperate regions. It provides high-quality feed for cattle, sheep, and horses, with peak nutritional value at the boot to early heading stage. [source]
Hay production
HouseholdThe grass is widely cultivated for commercial hay production due to its digestibility, palatability, and yield potential. A single acre can produce 3-6 tons of dry hay annually depending on climate and management. [source]
Rangeland restoration
WildlifeUpright brome is commonly used in seed mixes for rangeland reclamation, erosion control, and wildlife habitat improvement in semi-arid regions. Its drought tolerance and ability to suppress weeds make it valuable for restoration of degraded lands. [source]
Wildlife cover and food
WildlifeThe dense foliage and seed production provide shelter and nutrition for grassland birds, small mammals, and pollinators. It is a component of conservation plantings for upland game birds like pheasants and prairie grouse. [source]
Soil stabilization and erosion control
HouseholdThe deep, fibrous root system and quick establishment make upright brome excellent for stabilizing hillsides, controlling erosion along waterways, and preventing soil loss in disturbed areas. [source]
Harvest Tips
For hay: Cut at boot to early heading stage (approximately 120-150 days after spring growth initiation) for optimal nutritional value; stage when plants are 18-24 inches tall. For pasture: Use rotational grazing; allow 3-4 week recovery periods between grazings; graze when plants are 4-6 inches tall and stop when grazed to 2 inches. For seed: Allow full maturation (plants at 30+ inches); harvest when seed heads turn tan and seeds shatter easily with thumb pressure; typically mid-July to early August depending on region.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Upright brome is one of the earliest-maturing cool-season grasses and typically reaches heading 2-3 weeks before timothy, making it valuable in polyculture hay systems for efficient harvest timing.
- 🌱 The grass can tolerate extremely cold temperatures (down to zone 1) and is widely used in northern Canada and Alaska for pasture and rangeland applications.
- 🌱 Upright brome has been naturalized throughout North America since the early 20th century and now occurs wild in many regions, sometimes competing with native grassland species.
Gardening Terms
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