★ Best Shade-Tolerant Forage
Best Orchardgrass Seed: The Most Versatile Pasture Grass for Rotational Grazing, Multi-Cut Hay & Shaded Pastures
Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Orchardgrass
by Wicked Tuff Turf — Littleton, New Hampshire
Orchardgrass
Dactylis glomerata
"The most versatile forage grass available. Best shade tolerance of any pasture species, fastest regrowth after cutting, and the widest climate adaptation range (zones 3-8). The go-to grass for any serious grazing or hay operation."
Grazable: 60-90 days.
Establishment
Zones 3-8
Hardiness Range
Moderate
Maintenance
Grass
Category
Best Shade Tolerance
Fastest Regrowth After Cutting
Widest Climate Range
Perfect Alfalfa Partner
High Palatability When Managed
3-4 Cuts Per Season
Spring or Fall Establishment
Trusted by 20,000+ Growers
| Species | Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) |
| Growth Habit | Bunch-type, tall, open growth. Fast regrowth after cutting. |
| Root Depth | 4-6 inches |
| Establishment | Grazable: 60-90 days. Mature stand: 8-12 months. |
| Hardiness Zones | 3-8 |
| Maintenance | Moderate |
| Category | Grass |
| Available Sizes | 1 lb | 5 lb | 10 lb | 25 lb |
What We Love
- Best shade tolerance of any forage grass
- Fastest regrowth — 3-4 cuts per season
- Widest climate range (zones 3-8)
- Classic pairing with alfalfa for maximum yield
- High palatability when cut at boot stage
Worth Noting
- Quality drops dramatically if cut too late — timing critical
- Bunch-type — forms clumps, not a uniform sod
Buy on Old Cobblers Farm →
Available in 1 lb | 5 lb | 10 lb | 25 lb
The Competition
Orchard Grass Seed
by Hancock Seed
Clump-forming / Shade tolerant
Purity / Germ
Sizes10, 25, 50 lb
Price$35 - $185
Orchard Grass Seed
by Outsidepride
Extreme shade tolerance
Purity / Germ
Sizes5, 25, 50 lb
Price$40 - $190
Orchardgrass Seed
by Pennington
General purpose forage
Purity / Germ
Sizes5, 50 lb
Price$30 - $180
Potomac Orchardgrass
by Deer Creek Seed
Early maturing
Purity / Germ
Sizes5, 50 lb
Price$35 - $175
Orchardgrass
by Albert Lea Seed
Very winter hardy
Purity / Germ
Sizes50 lb
Price$160 - $180
HL Orchardgrass
by Barenbrug
High leaf-to-stem ratio
Purity / Germ
Sizes50 lb
Price$190 - $210
Orchardgrass Pasture
by Nature's Seed
Excellent hay producer
Purity / Germ
Sizes1, 5, 25 lb
Price$15 - $145
Paiute Orchardgrass
by Great Basin Seed
Dryland / Arid specialist
Purity / Germ
Sizes5, 50 lb
Price$40 - $180
Orchardgrass Seed
by True Leaf Market
Non-GMO
Purity / Germ
Sizes1, 5, 25 lb
Price$15 - $140
Orchardgrass
by Welter Seed
Late maturing hay
Purity / Germ
Sizes50 lb
Price$170 - $190
| Feature | Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Orchardgrass | Orchard Grass Seed | Orchard Grass Seed | Orchardgrass Seed | Potomac Orchardgrass | Orchardgrass | HL Orchardgrass | Orchardgrass Pasture | Paiute Orchardgrass | Orchardgrass Seed | Orchardgrass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purity / Germ | Clump-forming / Shade tolerant | Extreme shade tolerance | General purpose forage | Early maturing | Very winter hardy | High leaf-to-stem ratio | Excellent hay producer | Dryland / Arid specialist | Non-GMO | Late maturing hay | |
| Sizes | 1 lb | 5 lb | 10 lb | 25 lb | 10, 25, 50 lb | 5, 25, 50 lb | 5, 50 lb | 5, 50 lb | 50 lb | 50 lb | 1, 5, 25 lb | 5, 50 lb | 1, 5, 25 lb | 50 lb |
| Price | $35 - $185 | $40 - $190 | $30 - $180 | $35 - $175 | $160 - $180 | $190 - $210 | $15 - $145 | $40 - $180 | $15 - $140 | $170 - $190 | |
| Brand | Old Cobblers Farm | Hancock Seed | Outsidepride | Pennington | Deer Creek Seed | Albert Lea Seed | Barenbrug | Nature's Seed | Great Basin Seed | True Leaf Market | Welter Seed |
Frequently Asked Questions
-
How long does it take for the seed to germinate?
Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days under optimal conditions with consistent moisture and temperatures between 60-75°F.
-
What is the best time of year to plant this grass seed?
The ideal planting times are early fall (late August to mid-October) or spring (mid-April to early June) when soil temperatures are favorable for germination.
-
What do the numbers on the seed tag mean?
The seed tag shows purity percentage (amount of pure seed), germination rate (percentage that will sprout), weed seed content, and other crop or inert matter. Higher purity and germination percentages indicate better quality seed.
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What is the recommended seeding rate per 1,000 square feet?
For new lawns, apply 3-4 pounds per 1,000 square feet. For overseeding existing lawns, use 2-3 pounds per 1,000 square feet.
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Is it better to use a single species or a seed mix?
A single species like Kentucky Bluegrass provides uniformity in color and texture, while a mix offers better disease resistance and adaptability to varying conditions. Your choice depends on your priorities for appearance versus resilience.
