When Does Annual Ryegrass Die? (Know When to Plant It)

Annual ryegrass is a cool-season grass that thrives in mild to cool climates. It is commonly used for overseeding warm-season grasses like Bermuda for a green lawn during the winter months. However, this grass has a short lifespan that lasts for a single growing season. 

So, when does annual ryegrass die?

Annual ryegrass will die naturally in late spring or early summer, typically when temperatures rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2°C). Unfortunately, it does not come back, and you have to plant it again from early to mid-fall when soil temperatures drop to 50-60°F (10-18°C). 

When Does Annual Ryegrass Die?

Annual ryegrass only lasts for one season. Being a cool-season grass, it will die when temperatures start to rise in late spring or early summer.  The timeframe may vary depending on your location and when you planted the grass.

Here is when annual ryegrass will die:

Late spring or early summer

Annual ryegrass has a relatively short lifespan (8-12 months). It will die off naturally in late spring or early summer.  If you want a green lawn throughout the year, over-seed a warm-season grass with annual ryegrass in early to mid-fall.

In the Southern Atlantic Coast, Texas, Gulf Coast, and Midwest of the United States, annual ryegrass is usually grown as a fodder crop. Over-seeding perennial grass or warm-season grass with annual ryegrass will extend the grazing season into winter.

During Hot temperatures 

Annual ryegrass is fairly drought-tolerant. However, it cannot withstand temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2 degrees Celsius) for a prolonged period of time. Temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius) will cause it to turn brown and die.

In Freezing Temperatures

Annual ryegrass can die from freezing temperatures. Intense cold can cause water inside the tissues to expand, causing the cells to rupture. The grass will then change color from green to brown and die off completely. High humidity and melting snow can lead to bacterial and fungal infections that may kill the grass.

When to Plant Annual Ryegrass

Plant annual ryegrass in early to mid-fall when the temperature ranges between 50 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit (10 to 18 degrees Celsius). Planting at this time will ensure fast germination and solid growth before winter sets in.

In warmer southern areas, you can push it later into November or even early December. Spring planting works too, but fall generally gives the best results since the grass loves cool weather and will grow strong through fall and early spring.

How to Plant Annual Ryegrass

Start by prepping the area. If you’re overseeding an existing lawn, mow it really short. Aim down to about 1 inch or even scalp it if it’s patchy. Rake away clippings and debris so the seed hits the soil. For a new or bare area, loosen the topsoil a bit if it’s compacted, but you don’t need heavy tilling.

Good drainage is key. Annual ryegrass hates soggy spots. Conduct soil tests if you can, and aim for a pH around 6.0–7.0. A starter fertilizer high in phosphorus helps roots get going. Seeding rate depends on what you’re doing. 

For overseeding a lawn, go with 5–10 pounds per 1,000 square feet (or about 3–5 lbs for lighter coverage). For a full new lawn or cover crop, bump it to 15–30 pounds per acre. Buy good seed—fresh, certified if possible—to avoid weed issues.

Now the fun part: spreading it. The easiest way for most gardeners is broadcasting. Use a hand spreader or walk-behind spreader for even coverage. Walk in one direction first, then cross perpendicular to avoid stripes. 

After spreading, lightly rake it in, but don’t bury it deep (ryegrass seed needs light to germinate well). Some people mix seed with fertilizer or even top-dress with a thin layer of compost or soil.

Watering is crucial right away. Keep the top inch of soil consistently moist (not flooded) until germination, which usually happens in 5–10 days with decent temps. Once it’s up, water about 1 inch per week if rain doesn’t help, but ease off as it establishes to encourage deep roots.

In a few weeks, you’ll see that bright green pop up—it’s fast! Mow when it hits 3–4 inches to keep it tidy, and it’ll provide great cover, erosion control, or temporary turf until warmer weather brings back your permanent grass.

Read more on: When does Bermuda grass turn green (Comes out of dormancy)

Does Annual Ryegrass Come Back Every Year?

The short answer to this question is no, annual ryegrass does not come back every year. As an annual grass, it lives only for a single growing season. Although when given proper care and growth conditions, it can reseed itself in warm climates.

Rake to remove debris from the last season, fertilize, and water your lawn to give it an opportunity to reseed itself for the next growing season.

However, annual ryegrass will require yearly reseeding even if it reseeds itself. Reseeding this type of grass is beneficial to farmers or gardeners who are utilizing it as a cover crop to improve soil fertility or as pasture for grazing.

When planting annual ryegrass for forage, it is ideal to practice crop rotation. Planting the same crop in the same place year in year out will deplete nutrients and lead to the build-up of pests and diseases. You can rotate grass with legume plants, such as soybeans.

Is Annual Ryegrass Good for Lawns

Annual ryegrass is not the best for a permanent lawn grass due to its short lifespan. It’s a single-season grass that needs to be reseeded after each year. However, it is a temporary cool-season grass that is ideal for overseeding with warm-season grass such as Bermuda.

It provides a green lawn during winter when the warm-season grass enters dormancy. Annual ryegrass can also provide a temporary solution for controlling soil erosion on a newly constructed lawn. It offers the best covers for bare soil to prevent wind and water runoff erosion.

Annual ryegrass is not only good for a winter lawn, but it’s also ideal for spring cover crop and forage. It’s rich in proteins, digestible fiber, and other nutrients that are essential to livestock. Different livestock, such as cattle, sheep, and goats, all graze on annual ryegrass.

ALSO READ: Annual Ryegrass vs Perennial Ryegrass – Comparisons 

Final Thoughts

Annual ryegrass is a cool-season grass ideal for over-seeding with a warm-season grass like Bermuda to provide a green lawn in winter. It’s also a good fodder crop for livestock as well as an ideal cover crop to control soil erosion. Unfortunately, you have to reseed it yearly at the end of the season when it dies.