In this two year trial, perennial ryegrass and orchardgrass exhibited the best establishment success, smooth bromegrass was intermediate in establishment, while reed canarygrass and timothy had the fewest productive seedlings develop. Although smooth bromegrass was only intermediate in establishment, its sod-forming growth habit would likely result in additional plant formation from rhizomes. Both perennial and annual ryegrass are good choices for frost seeding where fast establishing, high quality pasture is desired. However, both of these species will not typically overwinter in Wisconsin and should be seeded with the intent of filling single season forage needs. Based on Wisconsin studies, there does seem to be variety differences for annual ryegrass establishment success with frost seeding.
Current recommendations are to select forage-type, late maturing annual ryegrass varieties.
Some grass species establish more rapidly than others. The ryegrasses and orchardgrass contribute to forage yield during the seeding year. Smooth bromegrass and reed canarygrass often need a full growing season before plants become productive. Broadcasting grass seed can pose some unique problems. Grass species like smooth bromegrass are often more easily established into an existing sod using a no-till drill early in the spring instead of a broadcast seeder.