Potomac Orchardgrass
Potomac Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) is an early-maturing perennial forage grass known for productive growth, stand persistence and good forage yields. It is well suited to managed pasture and single-species hay production where an early orchardgrass variety is desired.
Why Plant Potomac Orchardgrass?
Potomac is a proven orchardgrass cultivar for producers looking for productive cool-season forage and an early-maturing perennial grass.
Productive Forage
Potomac can produce strong forage yields when fertility, moisture and harvest management are appropriate.
Persistent Perennial
Established plants can provide multi-year forage production under suitable pasture and harvest management.
Early Maturity
Potomac matures relatively early compared with later orchardgrass cultivars, making harvest timing important.
Pasture Use
Provides productive cool-season forage for appropriately managed grazing systems.
Hay Production
Potomac can perform well as a single-species hay stand when harvest timing is matched to its early maturity.
Rust Resistance
Potomac was selected in part for resistance to rust, contributing to its long history as a forage cultivar.
An Early-Maturing Orchardgrass
Potomac matures earlier than many orchardgrass varieties. This makes it useful where early forage or early hay production is desired, but it is generally not the best orchardgrass choice for an alfalfa hay mixture because the grass may become overly mature before alfalfa reaches its preferred harvest stage.
Planting Potomac Orchardgrass
Weaver Seed's current working full-stand rate for orchardgrass is approximately 20 lb per acre when drilled and 25 lb per acre when broadcast.
Plant into a firm, prepared seedbed with good seed-to-soil contact. Keep Orchardgrass seed shallow, generally no deeper than approximately 1/2 inch.
Adequate moisture during germination and early establishment is important for developing a uniform perennial stand.
Seeding Rate Note: Actual seeding rate may vary with seed lot, planting method, field conditions and whether Potomac is planted alone or as one component of a forage mixture.
Best Uses for Potomac Orchardgrass
Managed Pasture
Productive cool-season perennial grass for pasture systems with adequate moisture and managed grazing.
Single-Species Hay
Strong fit for orchardgrass hay production when the crop is harvested at the proper maturity stage.
Pasture Renovation
Can be used when establishing or renovating perennial cool-season pasture where orchardgrass is adapted.
Forage Mixtures
Can be combined with compatible pasture species when their growth and maturity characteristics fit the intended grazing or harvest system.
Manage Potomac Around Its Early Maturity
Maintaining forage quality and stand persistence depends on appropriate harvest timing, grazing management, moisture and fertility.
Protect Young Stands
Allow seedlings to develop an adequate root system before placing significant grazing pressure on a new stand.
Allow Recovery
Rotational grazing and adequate recovery periods help maintain plant vigor and stand persistence.
Harvest on Time
Because Potomac is early maturing, timely cutting is particularly important when forage quality is the goal.
Manage to Production
Base fertility decisions on soil testing, expected forage yield and the overall pasture or hay-production system.
Hay Mixture Note: Potomac is an early-maturing cultivar. When mixing orchardgrass with alfalfa for hay, a later-maturing orchardgrass cultivar may provide better harvest-stage compatibility.
Looking for Potomac Orchardgrass Seed?
Contact Weaver Seed for current Potomac Orchardgrass availability, quantities, pricing or help determining whether it fits your pasture or forage program.
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