Small Grain · Forage · Cover Crop

Spring Triticale

× Triticosecale

A vigorous spring-habit cereal combining characteristics of wheat and rye. Spring Triticale is valued for forage production, substantial biomass, soil cover and use as the cereal component of diversified cover crop and forage mixtures.

Spring-Habit Cereal High Biomass Forage + Cover Crop
Spring Triticale growing in a field for forage and cover crop production
Crop
Triticale
Growth Habit
Spring
Forage Rate
80–100 lb/acre
Primary Uses
Forage + Cover Crop

Productive Spring Cereal for Forage & Biomass

Spring Triticale combines characteristics of wheat and rye in a vigorous annual cereal crop. It is particularly useful where producers want substantial vegetative growth for forage, hay, silage or cover crop biomass.

Its upright growth and fibrous cereal root system make Spring Triticale useful as a pure stand or as the structural grass component of mixtures containing peas, vetches and other annual legumes.

Spring-habit varieties do not require the same winter chilling period as winter-habit cereals, giving growers additional flexibility in suitable planting windows.

Why Spring Triticale?

Spring Triticale is a strong choice when forage production and cereal biomass are primary objectives but a true spring-growth habit is preferred.

It can be used for green forage, hay, silage, soil cover or as part of a diversified cover crop mixture.

What Spring Triticale Brings to the Field

1

Forage Production

Vigorous vegetative growth makes Spring Triticale useful for green forage, hay and silage systems.

2

High Biomass Potential

Productive cereal growth can generate substantial above-ground plant material for forage and cover cropping.

3

Fibrous Root System

Dense cereal roots occupy the upper soil profile and contribute below-ground organic material.

4

Nutrient Capture

Active cereal growth can capture available nutrients during the growing period and retain them in plant biomass.

5

Soil Protection

Successfully established stands provide vegetative cover and surface residue that help protect exposed soil.

6

Mix Compatibility

Upright cereal growth pairs especially well with vining annual legumes such as peas and vetch.

Where Spring Triticale Fits

Forage

Productive cereal forage for livestock systems where substantial cool-season vegetative growth is desired.

Hay & Silage

Can be harvested for stored forage with quality and yield strongly influenced by harvest maturity.

Cover Crops

Adds cereal biomass, fibrous roots, nutrient capture and protective soil cover.

Custom Mixes

Provides upright structure and cereal biomass in mixtures containing peas, vetches and other legumes.

Spring Triticale Planting Information

Establish Spring Triticale into a firm seedbed with good seed-to-soil contact and adequate moisture. For true spring planting, seed as early as practical once field conditions permit.

Forage Rate
80–100 lb/acre
Cover Crop Rate
40–60 lb/acre
Planting Depth
1–2 inches
Growth Habit
Spring Cereal

Seeding rates are general guidelines. Adjust for seed quality, germination, planting method, intended use, planting date, soil moisture and whether Spring Triticale is planted alone or within a mixture.

Wheat + Rye Genetics in a Productive Cereal

Triticale was developed by combining wheat and rye genetics. The resulting crop is used extensively where growers want cereal forage, biomass and broad agronomic adaptability.

Spring-habit material allows growers to use triticale without relying on the vernalization requirement associated with winter-habit cereal varieties.

Spring Growth Habit
Strong Forage Production
High Biomass Potential
Fibrous Cereal Roots

Spring and Facultative Triticale Are Different

Growth habit matters when choosing the right triticale for planting date, climate and production objective.

Forerunner Triticale

A facultative triticale with greater flexibility between fall and spring planting systems and a different maturity response.

Strong Cereal Partner for Annual Legumes

Forage Peas

Adds leafy legume forage and nitrogen-fixing potential while triticale provides upright structural support.

Austrian Winter Peas

Adds vining legume growth and additional forage diversity.

Common Vetch

Adds a climbing nitrogen-fixing annual legume to the cereal stand.

Faba Beans

Adds an upright broadleaf legume and another rooting architecture to diversified forage mixtures.

Manage for the Intended Use

Harvest Stage Matters

Forage quality generally declines while dry-matter yield increases as cereal plants mature. Hay and silage timing should reflect the desired balance between yield and quality.

Plan Cover Crop Termination

Spring Triticale can produce biomass rapidly under favorable conditions. Termination timing should account for biomass goals, following-crop timing and available soil moisture.

Avoid Waterlogged Conditions

Triticale performs best in reasonably well-drained soils and should not be expected to perform well under prolonged flooding.

Adjust Rates in Mixtures

Full pure-stand cereal rates are usually unnecessary when Spring Triticale is one component of a multi-species mix.

Need Spring Triticale Seed?

Contact Weaver Seed for current Spring Triticale availability, wholesale pricing, forage applications, custom mixtures and help determining the appropriate seeding rate for your operation.

Contact Weaver Seed