Cereal Rye

Product Overview

Cereal rye (Secale cereale) is a cool-season, introduced annual bunchgrass—renowned as the hardiest of all cereal grains. It can be seeded late into fall, tolerates harsh winters, dry or infertile soils, and establishes rapidly, making it an excellent choice for cover cropping and wildlife food plots.

• Exceptional winter hardiness—survives down to –35 °C and thrives under snow cover :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Rapid fall germination at 1–5 °C—ideal for late planting :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Tolerant of low-fertility, clay, sandy, and dry soils :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Aggressive growth provides excellent weed suppression via allelopathy and shading :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Reduces erosion, conserves moisture, and enhances organic matter :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Scavenges soil nitrogen, reducing nitrate leaching :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Valuable wildlife forage—deer and other species feed on early growth stages :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Cereal rye adapts to a wide range of precipitation zones (≥8″ annually), growing vigorously across USDA Zones 3–7 and beyond. Its robust, deep root system improves soil aggregation and structure, making it a go-to crop for both agricultural and ecological applications.

While its aggressive nature can lead to volunteer plants if not terminated before seeding, proper management—like mowing or crimping before flowering—prevents unwanted spread :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.

Directions

Seeding Rate & Timing: Broadcast or drill in fall. Aim for establishment at least 4 weeks before average first frost. Germinates in soil temps as low as 1–5 °C :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.

Applications:
• Cover Crop – prevents erosion, suppresses weeds, builds organic matter and soil structure :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Wildlife Food Plot – plant in early fall for tender forage; terminate before seedhead develops to avoid volunteer rye :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Forage/Hay – yields up to 7,000 lb dry weight per acre; good cattle forage :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Management: Terminate prior to flowering (approx. at flag leaf stage or before 750 accumulated heat units in spring) to avoid competition with subsequent crops and prevent volunteers. Rolling/crimping helps form mulch and control weeds :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.