Rye (Annual) Growing Guide

Lolium multiflorum

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Any soil, including poorly drained sites.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Hardy

Feeding

When using annual rye to improve very poor soil, mixing a balanced organic fertiliser into the soil before planting will give better results.

Spacing

Single Plants: 10cm (3") each way (minimum)
Rows: 10cm (3") with 10cm (3") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Although customarily grown in autumn, annual rye can be used as a fast-growing green manure in all but the hottest summer months. Broadcast seed into cultivated soil so that the seeds are about 2 cm apart and 0.5 cm deep. Firm the seeds into the ground, and then water to promote fast germination.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Mature annual rye plants can be difficult to dig out, so mow down the plants and turn under the residue when the plants are young.

Harvesting

In a home garden, annual rye cover crops are easiest to manage if they are mowed every few weeks. The clippings make excellent mulch.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Rye (Annual)

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail