Ryegrass grows well during the mild winters in Florida. Extremely cold weather will decrease the growth of the plant. Some varieties have better cold tolerance than others and selection for improved cold tolerance is a major objective in the University of Florida's Ryegrass Breeding Program. Marshall has long been considered the best cold-tolerant ryegrass available commercially. However, it is susceptible to crown rust and gray leaf spot and does not yield as well as many of the newer varieties, especially in peninsular Florida.
Ryegrass is very responsive to nitrogen and water availability.
Forage yield is enhanced with additional N applications and irrigation. Animals can graze the forage to 2-4 inches, which allows sufficient leaf area to be left for regrowth. Fertilization recommendations should be based on laboratory results of a soil analysis. Colder season ryegrass growth Annual ryegrass, planted in Piedmont and colder locations of the Southeast ryegrass belt, requires similar cultural treatment as warmer areas. The growing season is longer, so fall planting is earlier, generally early to mid-September.