Old Cobblers Farm™ Citation III Perennial Ryegrass

Citation III Perennial Ryegrass (Slobber-treated)

Seed Type & Composition

• Seed Type — Cool-season perennial ryegrass, bred for rapid establishment and superior turf performance.

• Coating Treatment — Slobber-treated for enhanced moisture retention, germination rates, and early seedling vigor.

• Composition — High-purity, certified perennial ryegrass seeds ensuring uniform texture, dense growth, and weed resistance.

• Application Use — Ideal for lawns, sports fields, golf courses, and overseeding purposes in cool climates.

Label Information

• Purity (%) — Typically ≥ 90%, ensuring minimal contamination with other species.

• Germination Rate (%) — Commonly ≥ 85%, guaranteeing strong seedling emergence.

• Weed Seed (%) — Should be ≤ 0.5%, reducing unwanted weed pressure.

• Other Crop Seed (%) — Typically ≤ 0.5%, maintaining varietal integrity.

• Inert Matter (%) — Preferably ≤ 2%, maximizing viable seed content.

• Lot Number — Batch identifier for quality tracking and assurance.

• Test Date — Recent germination and purity testing date; freshness critical for performance.

• Origin — Regional seed production area listed for climate adaptability.

• Treatment Details — Slobber-treated; may include growth enhancers, pest resistance agents, or moisture-retaining coatings.

Geographic Suitability & USDA Zones

• Primary Regions — Northern United States, Canada, temperate regions globally.

• Optimal Use Zones — USDA Zones 3–7; thrives in cool, moist climates with moderate summers.

• Transitional Zone Performance — Suitable in mixed cool/warm regions with adequate maintenance.

Sunlight Requirements

• Full Sun to Partial Shade — Performs best with 4–6 hours of sunlight daily.

• Dense Shade Adaptation — Limited; best suited for open areas or partially shaded lawns.

Soil Compatibility

• Clay Soils — Acceptable with proper drainage management; may require organic amendments.

• Loamy Soils — Ideal for nutrient retention and drainage balance.

• pH Tolerance — Optimal range 5.5–7.5; adjust soil accordingly with lime or sulfur as needed.

• Drainage Needs — Well-drained soils essential to avoid root diseases.

Watering & Drought Requirements

• Establishment Phase — Maintain consistent surface moisture; water lightly daily until germination.

• Post-Establishment — Apply 1–1.5 inches of water weekly, adjusting for rainfall and climate.

• Drought Tolerance — Moderate; may enter dormancy under extended dry conditions but recovers with moisture.

Germination Time & Growth Pattern

• Germination Period — 5–10 days under optimal soil temps (50°F–70°F).

• Growth Habit — Bunch-forming with upright, dense leaf canopy; non-creeping.

• Texture & Color — Fine-medium blades with vibrant, uniform green color.

• Seasonal Growth — Vigorous in spring and fall; slows during peak summer heat.

Mowing & Maintenance

• Mowing Height — 1.5–2.5 inches; raise height slightly during summer for stress reduction.

• Mowing Frequency — Weekly during peak growth; more frequent as needed to maintain optimal height.

• Fertilization — Apply balanced fertilizer early spring and fall; monitor nitrogen levels for density and color.

• Watering Practice — Deep, infrequent watering encourages deep roots.

• Aeration & Dethatching — Annual aeration recommended; dethatch as necessary to prevent buildup.

• Weed & Pest Monitoring — Regular inspections with timely treatment when needed.

Foot Traffic Durability & Recovery

• Durability — Suitable for moderate to high traffic; common in sports turf applications.

• Recovery Rate — Rapid recovery due to fast germination; overseed worn areas promptly for best results.

• Maintenance Needs — Regular mowing, fertilization, and overseeding maintain traffic tolerance.

Best Planting Times

• Early Fall (Preferred) — Warm soil promotes germination; cool air reduces seedling stress.

• Early Spring (Secondary Option) — Allows establishment before summer heat.

• Avoid Summer Planting — Higher risk of desiccation and poor establishment.

Pest, Disease & Weed Resistance

• Pest Resistance — Resistant to common turf pests with proper cultural care.

• Disease Resistance — Strong against brown patch, red thread, and dollar spot; slobber treatment enhances resilience.

• Weed Suppression — Dense turf coverage naturally inhibits weed establishment.

Appearance

• Color — Rich, deep green consistent throughout the growing season.

• Texture — Fine to medium blades with a soft, dense turf appearance.

• Blade Characteristics — Upright, narrow leaves with smooth surfaces and slightly pointed tips.