★ Wetland Forage Specialist
Best Reed Canarygrass Seed: The Only Productive Forage Grass for Seasonally Flooded and Poorly Drained Fields
Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Reed Canarygrass
by Wicked Tuff Turf — Littleton, New Hampshire
Reed Canarygrass
Phalaris arundinacea
"The wet field solution. Reed Canarygrass produces 3-5 tons per acre on seasonally flooded ground that drowns Orchardgrass, Timothy, and Bromegrass. If your field puddles, this is your only productive forage option."
First emergence: 7-14
Establishment
Zones 2-7
Hardiness Range
Low to Moderate
Maintenance
Grass
Category
Survives Seasonal Flooding
Rhizomatous Sod
Zone 2 Hardy
3-5 Tons Per Acre
Surprisingly Drought Tolerant
Invasive Potential
Spring Planting Preferred
Trusted by 20,000+ Growers
| Species | Reed Canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) |
| Growth Habit | Rhizomatous (aggressive spreading). Sod-forming. Can be invasive in wetland areas. Tall, coarse growth (3-6 feet). |
| Root Depth | 4-8 inches (extensive rhizome network) |
| Establishment | First emergence: 7-14 days. Erratic establishment: 3-6 months for uniform stand. Full sod: 12-24 months. Once establishe |
| Hardiness Zones | 2-7 |
| Maintenance | Low to Moderate |
| Category | Grass |
| Available Sizes | 1 lb | 5 lb | 10 lb | 25 lb |
What We Love
- Only productive forage for seasonally flooded fields
- Rhizomatous sod prevents erosion on wet banks
- Zone 2 cold hardiness
- Substantial yield on otherwise unproductive land
- Surprising drought tolerance for a wetland grass
Worth Noting
- Invasive potential near natural wetlands — manage carefully
- Palatability lower than Orchardgrass or Timothy
Buy on Old Cobblers Farm →
Available in 1 lb | 5 lb | 10 lb | 25 lb
The Competition
Reed Canarygrass Seed
by Hancock Seed
Survives 45+ days flooded
Purity / Germ
Sizes5, 10, 50 lb
Price$45 - $320
Palaton Reed Canarygrass
by Albert Lea Seed
Low-alkaloid (Palatable)
Purity / Germ
Sizes50 lb
Price$280 - $310
Reed Canary Grass Seed
by Outsidepride
Erosion control / wetlands
Purity / Germ
Sizes1, 5, 25 lb
Price$20 - $180
Reed Canarygrass
by Deer Creek Seed
Extreme wet soil forage
Purity / Germ
Sizes5, 50 lb
Price$45 - $300
Reed Canarygrass
by Nature's Seed
Riparian buffer zones
Purity / Germ
Sizes1, 5, 25 lb
Price$25 - $190
Reed Canarygrass
by Welter Seed
Spreading rhizomes
Purity / Germ
Sizes50 lb
Price$270 - $300
Reed Canarygrass
by Ernst Seeds
Wetland restoration
Purity / Germ
Sizes1, 50 lb
Price$15 - $350
Reed Canarygrass
by Great Basin Seed
Gully/Ditch stabilization
Purity / Germ
Sizes1, 5, 50 lb
Price$20 - $320
Reed Canarygrass
by Seedway
Deep root system
Purity / Germ
Sizes50 lb
Price$285 - $310
Reed Canary Grass
by Roundstone
Native wildlife cover
Purity / Germ
Sizes1 lb, Bulk
Price$30 - $400
| Feature | Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Reed Canarygrass | Reed Canarygrass Seed | Palaton Reed Canarygrass | Reed Canary Grass Seed | Reed Canarygrass | Reed Canarygrass | Reed Canarygrass | Reed Canarygrass | Reed Canarygrass | Reed Canarygrass | Reed Canary Grass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purity / Germ | Survives 45+ days flooded | Low-alkaloid (Palatable) | Erosion control / wetlands | Extreme wet soil forage | Riparian buffer zones | Spreading rhizomes | Wetland restoration | Gully/Ditch stabilization | Deep root system | Native wildlife cover | |
| Sizes | 1 lb | 5 lb | 10 lb | 25 lb | 5, 10, 50 lb | 50 lb | 1, 5, 25 lb | 5, 50 lb | 1, 5, 25 lb | 50 lb | 1, 50 lb | 1, 5, 50 lb | 50 lb | 1 lb, Bulk |
| Price | $45 - $320 | $280 - $310 | $20 - $180 | $45 - $300 | $25 - $190 | $270 - $300 | $15 - $350 | $20 - $320 | $285 - $310 | $30 - $400 | |
| Brand | Old Cobblers Farm | Hancock Seed | Albert Lea Seed | Outsidepride | Deer Creek Seed | Nature's Seed | Welter Seed | Ernst Seeds | Great Basin Seed | Seedway | Roundstone |
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.
-
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.
-
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.
