Oregon Grown Grass Seed

Seed Blends And Mixtures Add Versatility Plus Value

Packaging grass seed for retail stores in a mixing facility.

A modern facility uses computers to assist in blending.

The strengths of Oregon grown grass seed can be enhanced by blending varieties of the same species or mixing different species. A perennial ryegrass blend, for example, could contain three varieties with different degrees of disease resistance, geographic adaptation, drought tolerance and endophyte enhancement. With complementary characteristics, seed may be broadcast over a broader range of uses, climates and soil conditions.

Mixtures of different species take advantage of even more diverse characteristics. In a fine turf area like a park, ryegrass establishes quickly. Ryegrass loosens compacted soil and competes with weeds while the slower-to-germinate species root and grow. Ryegrass also provides wear tolerance desirable in hard use areas.  Kentucky bluegrass forms an underground rhizome system for soil stabilization and persistence during hot, dry periods. Bluegrass is also more cold tolerant than ryegrass.  Fine fescues contribute shade and drought tolerance even under low fertility conditions. A mixture of ryegrass, bluegrass and fine fescue is recommended for turf with wear and shade areas.

In pasture blends and mixtures, it is important to choose grasses which will not crowd out legumes when planted in the same field.  By blending early, medium and late maturing varieties, a pasture can be cut or grazed over an extended period of time. Blending enhances other  complimentary characteristics such as yield, winter hardiness, legume compatibility and regional adaptation.

	Orchardgrass: 429,000 seeds/lb.
	Tall fescue: 225,000 seeds/lb.
	Perennial ryegrass: 280,000 seeds/lb.
	Chewings fescue: 385,000 seeds/lb.
	Kentucky bluegrass: 1,300,000 seeds/lb.
	Creeping bentgrass: 7,000,000 seeds/lb.
Approximate seed count of Oregon grown species.

Oregon Seed Council

503-585-1157 / Fax 503-585-1292
1193 Royvonne Avenue South, Suite 11
Salem, Oregon 97302