Rye (Annual) Growing Guide
Lolium multiflorum
Crop Rotation Group
Miscellaneous ●
Soil
Any soil, including poorly drained sites.
Position
Full sun.
Frost tolerant
Winter hardiness varies with variety. Some strains are killed by temperatures around -23 C (-10F), while especially hardy varieties can tolerate more extreme cold.
Feeding
When using annual rye to improve very poor soil, mixing a balanced organic fertiliser into the soil before planting will give better results.
Companions
Annual rye forms a very thick stand, and is normally grown alone to choke out weeds and boost organic matter, especially in new gardening sites.
Spacing
Single Plants: 10cm (3") each way (minimum)
Rows: 10cm (3") with 10cm (3") row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Walk over the planted site to firm the seeds into the ground, and then water to promote fast germination. Although customarily grown in autumn, annual rye can be used as a fast-growing green manure in all but the hottest summer months. Broadcast seed into cultivated soil so that the seeds are about 1 inch (2 cm) apart and one-fourth inch (.5 cm) deep.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
Notes
Mature annual rye plants can be difficult to dig out. Where annual rye is not killed by winter weather, mow down the plants and turn under the residue when the plants are young.
Harvesting
In a home garden, annual rye cover crops are easiest to manage if they are mowed every few weeks. The clippings make excellent mulch.
Troubleshooting
Annual rye has few problems with pests or diseases.
Planting and Harvesting Calendar
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Pests which Affect Rye (Annual)