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Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Bromegrass
Premium Bromegrass seed for hay and pasture. Sod-forming, drought tolerant, cold hardy to Zone 2. Deep roots for erosion control. Bromus inermis/riparius.
Growing Guides & Fertilizer Education
A deep-rooted, sod-forming forage grass that produces high-quality hay and pasture in northern climates. Bromegrass spreads aggressively via rhizomes, forming a dense sod that suppresses weeds and provides excellent erosion control. Smooth Brome (Bromus inermis) is the most common type, prized for high palatability, cold hardiness to Zone 2, and drought tolerance from its 4-8 inch root system. Meadow Brome (Bromus riparius) offers faster regrowth after cutting. Both are workhorses of northern hay fields and pastures.
Category
Grass
Type
Meadow Bromegrass
Scientific Name
Bromus riparius (Meadow Brome) / Bromus inermis (Smooth Brome)
Zones
2-7
Brand
Wicked Tuff Turf
What Is It ?
A deep-rooted, sod-forming forage grass that produces high-quality hay and pasture in northern climates. Bromegrass spreads aggressively via rhizomes, forming a dense sod that suppresses weeds and provides excellent erosion control. Smooth Brome (Bromus inermis) is the most common type, prized for high palatability, cold hardiness to Zone 2, and drought tolerance from its 4-8 inch root system. Meadow Brome (Bromus riparius) offers faster regrowth after cutting. Both are workhorses of northern hay fields and pastures.
How to Apply ?
Step 1
Test pH (6.0-7.5) and prep firm, weed-free bed
Step 2
Apply phosphorus-rich starter fertilizer
Step 3
Spread seed (6-8 lbs/1k sq ft new; 3-4 lbs overseed)
Step 4
Plant max 1/2" deep; firm with cultipacker
Step 5
Keep soil moist during germination
Step 6
First harvest at early heading (60-90 days)
Best For
Hay production in northern climates|Permanent pasture for cattle and horses|Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) plantings|Erosion control on large acreage|Waterways and grass swales|Pairing with alfalfa for mixed hay fields|Cold climates (Zones 2-5) where other forages struggle
FAQs
1.
What is orchardgrass?
Bromegrass refers primarily to two species: smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis) and meadow bromegrass (Bromus biebersteinii). Smooth brome is the most widely planted, spreading aggressively via rhizomes to form dense sod. Meadow brome is a bunch-type grass that does not spread, establishing more quickly and recovering faster after grazing. Both are cool-season perennial grasses used for hay, pasture, and conservation plantings in USDA zones 3-7.
2.
What does 85/80 Kentucky bluegrass mean in this mix?
Smooth bromegrass spreads by rhizomes, forming dense sod over time. It is slower to establish but more persistent and better for erosion control. Meadow bromegrass grows in bunches (no rhizomes), establishes faster, recovers more quickly after cutting or grazing, and produces higher forage quality. Smooth brome is preferred for hay fields and permanent pastures. Meadow brome is preferred for rotational grazing systems where quick regrowth between grazings is essential.
3.
How much clover is in the All Purpose Lawn Mix and will it be visible?
Plant bromegrass in late summer (August-September) for best establishment, or in early spring (March-April). Late summer planting avoids spring weed competition and allows 6-8 weeks of fall growth before winter dormancy. Bromegrass germinates in 10-14 days at soil temperatures above 50°F. Spring plantings are viable but face more weed pressure and summer heat stress during the establishment year. In zones 3-5, mid-August through early September is the optimal window.
4.
What is the seeding rate for bromegrass?
Seed smooth bromegrass at 15-20 lbs per acre for pure stands, or 8-10 lbs per acre in mixes. Meadow bromegrass: 12-15 lbs per acre pure, or 6-8 lbs per acre in mixes. For small areas, use approximately 0.5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft. Plant 0.25-0.5 inches deep. Bromegrass seed is light and fluffy, making it difficult to flow through standard seeding equipment—mix with a carrier like cracked corn or use a grass seed drill with agitators.
5.
Is bromegrass good for hay production?
The All Purpose Mix performs in 3-8+ hours of direct sunlight. Optimal performance is at 4-6 hours. In shadier spots (3-4 hours), creeping red fescue carries the stand. In full sun (8+ hours), tall fescue tends to dominate over time. For less than 3 hours of direct sun, the Sun & Shade Mix is a better choice with its 65% fine fescue content designed specifically for heavy shade. The All Purpose is best described as a moderate-shade-tolerant blend.
6.
What fertilizer program does the All Purpose Lawn Mix need?
Apply 2-3 lbs nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually, with the white clover component providing an additional 0.5-1 lb N through biological fixation. Fall fertilization (September-October in zones 4-6) produces the best results. A simple program: 1 lb N per 1,000 sq ft in September, 1 lb in late October, and optionally 0.5-1 lb in late May. Avoid heavy spring nitrogen which promotes disease and weed pressure. Slow-release or organic fertilizers complement the clover's natural fertility contribution.
7
What soil conditions does bromegrass prefer?
Bromegrass grows best in deep, fertile, well-drained loam with pH 6.0-7.5. It tolerates moderate clay and performs adequately on sandy loam. Smooth bromegrass is moderately drought-tolerant due to its rhizomatous root system but performs best with consistent moisture. It does not tolerate prolonged waterlogging or highly acidic soils (below pH 5.5). Bromegrass responds strongly to nitrogen fertilization—apply 50-80 lbs N per acre in spring and again in early fall for maximum production.