- The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends planting Canadian wildrye in either early spring or early fall. The grass grows best under conditions that are close to those in its native habitat. This includes sandy dunes and shores and woody sites near trails, streams and rivers. Canadian wildrye is also frequently found growing in disturbed sites as the vigorous seedlings have rapid establishment rates.
- Prepare the seedbed well in advance of planting and with a high level of soil moisture. Eliminate all weeds either manually or with the use of herbicides prior to planting. Though the grass adapts to finer textured soils, it grows best in coarse textured, sandy, gravelly or rocky soil and is well adapted to low fertility levels. Canadian wildrye tolerates shades and moderate level of salinity.
- The USDA recommends using 10 lbs. of pure live seed per acre. Each pound of seed contains about 85,000 to 115,000 seeds. If using the seed in mixture with other seeds, reduce the rate according to the percentage of other seeds. Plant seeds at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch by either broadcasting or using a seed drill. The seeds have a short shelf life and are viable for only two to three years even under optimal conditions.
- Canadian wildrye has a mature height of about 2 1/2 to 5 feet with erect or nodding, thick and bristly seed heads measuring 10 inches long. The 1/2-inch-wide leaf blades are dark green. The grass planted in early spring blooms between March and June and the seed heads mature in July. Canadian wildrye is often called nodding wildrye due to the drooping growth habit of seed heads.
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