Intergeneric hybrid with wheat known as Triticale. Sometimes divided into S. fragile Blob., an annual from southwest Asia and S. cereale L., a wild perennial form from southern Europe and central Asia, derived from S. montanum Gus., grown in America. Distribution Probably native to southwestern Asia, but now widely cultivated in the temperate regions of the world. An extremely hardy plant, often grown where other grains will not grow. Cultivation Rye grows rapidly and vigorously from seed, giving a rapid cover crop useful for erosion control or early pasture.
Selected varieties are hardier to cold areas than other cereal grains.
Sown in fall, winter, or spring, covered shallow enough to reach soil moisture. Intercropped with wheat in some countries. Responds to fertilization, but will grow on soils of limited fertility. Nitrogen and phosphorus required on sandy soils. Harvesting Harvested in early summer until fall, depending when it was planted.