Triticale, VNS

Triticale is a cool-season grass bred from wheat and cereal rye, known for its rapid growth and ability to establish quickly. It provides excellent weed suppression, erosion control, and significant biomass production, making it ideal for improving soil health in short growing seasons.

• Rapid Growth for Short Seasons: Spring triticale grows quickly, making it ideal for fast biomass production and quick soil coverage in short growing windows.

• Erosion Control & Weed Suppression: Its dense growth helps suppress weeds and prevent soil erosion, especially during the winter months.

• Excellent Forage: Provides good-quality forage for grazing or silage, offering both soil benefits and livestock nutrition.

Type: Grass
Season: Cool Season

Seeding & Growth:

Precision: 30 lb/A
Drilled: 50 lb/A, 3/4" to 1 1/2" deep
Broadcast: 60 lb/A
Aerial: 94 lb/A

Dates: August 1 to December

Average seeds/lb: 22,700
Inoculate: NR*
Emergence: 6-8 Days
Height: 1.5'-3'
Inter-Seeding: Yes, ask a specialist for details
Drought and Heat: Good drought tolerance, Low heat tolerance
Flooding: Tolerates brief flooding

Frequently Asked Questions: Triticale, VNS

What makes Triticale Seed (VNS) different from other cover crops?

Triticale Seed (VNS) is a hybrid grass derived from both wheat and cereal rye, offering unique benefits like rapid growth, high biomass production, and weed suppression. It’s well-suited for short growing seasons and can be planted late in the season for quick cover and forage.

How does Triticale help with erosion control?

Triticale has a dense root system that anchors the soil, reducing the risk of erosion from wind and water. Its fast growth helps establish a protective cover over the soil, especially in areas that are prone to erosion during the cooler months.

Can Triticale be used for both cover cropping and forage?

Yes, Triticale is highly versatile. It works well as a cover crop for soil protection and improvement and can also be used for forage due to its high biomass, which makes it an excellent choice for grazing or silage production.

When should I plant Triticale Seed for the best results?

For optimal growth, plant Triticale Seed between August 1 and December. Triticale grows best when established in late summer to early fall, allowing enough time to grow before the cold weather sets in.

How does Triticale compare to cereal rye for cover cropping?

While both Triticale and cereal rye are excellent cool-season cover crops, Triticale tends to have a faster growth rate, making it ideal for short growing seasons. Triticale also has better biomass for soil amendment but generally has lower winter hardiness compared to cereal rye.

How much height does Triticale reach?

Triticale typically reaches a height of 1.5’ to 3’. This makes it a great choice for both forage and cover cropping, providing enough growth to protect soil and compete with weeds.

Can I mix Triticale with other cover crops?

Yes, Triticale can be mixed with other cover crops, especially legumes like Austrian Winter Peas. It provides excellent support for climbing crops and helps protect them during the winter months.