How to Grow and Care for Canada Wild Rye

Canada wild rye is a perennial, clump-forming, fast-growing grass that when mature, resembles the spiked, whiskery, and arched heads of wheat or other rye grasses. Canada wild rye grows best in dry conditions, full sun, and prefers porous and well-draining soils. Although typically used as livestock forage, it's also widely used ornamentally in garden landscapes because it is virtually disease- and pest-free.

Canada Wild Rye Care

Here are the main requirements to grow low-maintenance Canada wild rye:

• Plant in a site with full sun.
• Use any type of moist, well-drained soil; the plant adapts well to most soils and it is drought-tolerant.
• Hard prune the grass at the beginning of spring for best growth.
• Avoid planting in climates with high humidity—this is a cool-season grass.

Light

Although Canada wild rye will still grow in partial shade where it only receives around half a day of sun, it performs best when it can take advantage of a full sun position.

Soil

It's handy that this species isn't particular when it comes to soil types. It's known for being adaptable and will grow in sandy, gravelly, loamy, clay, and limestone varieties.

The one thing it does need is good drainage. It doesn't appreciate waterlogged conditions. Although it prefers moist soils, dry conditions don't present a problem for Canada wild rye.

Water

Ensuring the soil experiences consistent and average amounts of moisture will promote the most vigorous growth when it comes to Canada wild rye.

It's still tolerant, however, of dry sites, and its drought-tolerant qualities make it a good choice for warm and wide-spreading prairie meadows where regular watering isn't always easy.

Temperature and Humidity

A cool-season and cold-hardy grass, Canada wild rye goes into dormancy in the cold winter months and also even during the heat of the summer. It can cope with a relatively wide range of seasonal temperatures, but it appreciates dry, temperate conditions. Too much humidity isn't good for this grass.

Fertilizer

Fertilize at the beginning of the growing season as well as halfway through. For amounts to use and application process, follow product label instructions.

Types of Canadian Wild Rye

‘Mandan’: This is a variety of Canada wild rye developed long ago for added leafiness, higher seed production, and a more compact growth habit. 'Mandan' also produces somewhat softer leaves for better grazing versus the coarser leaves of the native Canada wild rye. It is also more resistant to stem rust than the native grass.

Pruning

If required, hard pruning of Canada wild rye isn't a problem. It can be cut right down to the ground at the start of spring. It's important to do it before the new growth begins. Because of its vigorous growth habit, healthy Canada wild rye should grow back quickly again that year.

Propagating Canada Wild Rye

This grass species is very simple to propagate by root division or seeds. Division is best done in the fall. Because Canada wild rye is a clump-forming grass, it makes the job easy.

1. Dig up as much of the root ball as you can in early autumn.
2. Turn over so the bottom of the roots face up and divide with your shovel. Use the exterior of the root ball for new plants, not the center.
3. Dig a hole twice the size of the new plant's circumference and add compost.
4. Plant your divided grass and water. Expect to see new growth late spring.

How to Grow Canada Wild Rye From Seed

Canada wild rye is self-seeding. However, seeds are commercially harvested with a combine and correctly cleaned so it is best to purchase them from a reputable nursery or garden center for best results. The seeds germinate very easily if you prefer to broadcast them yourself to fill out a large area. Scatter seed on the ground in late fall or early spring at about 10 to 16 pounds per acre. Make sure the seeds are planted about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. For the ideal coverage, broadcast the seed by hand in perpendicular rows.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Common pests of Canada wild rye include fall armyworms, grubs, and rice stink bugs (these stink bugs prefer to eat rice and grasses).

Canada wild rye is susceptible to leaf and stem rust, which occurs during wet summers. Rust usually does not kill the grass though it can make the grass appear sickly. The grass can also be attacked by another fungal disease that forms hard calluses in the spikes, called ergot. Ergot also proliferates during extended wet conditions, especially in larger Canada wild rye crops.

Common Problems With Canada Wild Rye

Canada wild rye is nearly problem-free. However, it's worth being aware that this is a short-lived grass that also isn't all that tolerant of competition. After a few growing seasons, it can be overtaken by other species in a meadow setting.