Perennial ryegrass is generally considered a short-lived perennial. It is best adapted to cool, moist regions that have mild winters and cool summers. The drought tolerance of perennial ryegrass is medium to poor. Its drought avoidance is fair since it generally has a medium-deep root system. Its wear tolerance is good, and it tolerates compacted soils better than most cool season grasses.
Perennial ryegrass requires a medium to high degree of culture in Nebraska.
The nitrogen requirement ranges from 2 to 5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet per growing season. Higher nitrogen levels increase the susceptibility of direct low temperature, desiccation and drought stress injury. The preferred cutting height is 1.5 to 2 inches. It will tolerate fairway and tee heights of cut. Mowing must be done with a sharp mower to maintain desired mowing quality due to the tough, fibrous vascular bundles in the leaves.