Cereal Rye, VNS

Cereal Rye Seed (VNS) is a cool-season annual cover crop ideal for post-harvest planting, especially in late-season or cooler conditions. Hardy and fast-growing, it continues developing throughout winter and early spring, making it an excellent soil-builder ahead of planting corn.

• Strengthens Soil Structure: Cereal rye has a dense, fibrous root system that penetrates deep into the soil. This helps break up compaction and improve soil tilth, making it easier for water and cash crop roots to move through the profile.
• Fights Surface Erosion: Its tall top growth and rapid fall germination create a protective canopy and strong root network that hold soil in place during winter.
• Enriches Organic Matter: As both the top growth and root mass decompose after termination, cereal rye adds organic material to the soil. This boosts nutrient cycling, moisture retention, and microbial activity for healthier spring planting.
  

Type: Grass
Season: Cool Season

Seeding & Growth

Precision: Not recommended
Drilled: 60 lb/A, 3/4" to 1 1/2" deep
Broadcast: 70 lb/A
Aerial: Ask a specialist for details

Dates: Late August to December (regional variations) Later than other cover crops in the fall

Average seeds/lb: 18,200
Inoculate: NR*
Emergence: 5-8 Days
Height: 3'-6'
Inter-seeding: Yes, ask a specialist for details
Drought and Heat: Very good drought tolerance, Low heat tolerance
Flooding: Tolerates brief flooding

Frequently Asked Questions: Cereal Rye, VNS 

When should I plant cereal rye seed for best results?

For optimal performance, cereal rye seed should be planted in late summer to early fall (with regional variations), but before the first hard frost. This gives the seed time to germinate and establish ahead of winter, making it a great option for fields with late harvest of cash crops.

Can cereal rye grass seed survive the winter? 

Winter cereal rye seed is incredibly resilient and thrives even in cold, harsh conditions. It continues to grow slowly throughout the winter months, and accelerates its growth in early spring, making it ideal for protecting and enriching the soil ahead of planting your cash crops.

Is cereal rye seed suitable as a cover crop for corn?

Cereal rye seed is a highly effective option for improving soil health ahead of corn planting. Its deep root system helps reduce compaction and enhance soil structure, while early termination in spring leaves behind nutrient-rich organic matter that significantly boosts the soil’s fertility.

Can I buy bulk cereal rye seed?

At Sustain Seed + Soil, we have bulk cereal rye seed for sale in sizes that suit any scale — 25 lbs, 45 lbs, or 2000 lbs. Whether you're planting a small cover crop or managing large-scale erosion control, we've got the seed to support your specific soil health strategy.