Fescue

Fescue n - A pasture and lawn grass with stiff narrow leaves

Tall fescue produces deep roots and a significantly larger root mass than perennial ryegrass, so is more drought tolerant. It has a similar dark green colour to ryegrass, with coarse, hairless leaves. It is suited to high fertility soils, and can cope with heavier soils than ryegrass. It can also withstand acid, alkaline and water logged soils.

Tall fescue should be used as a specialist summer pasture that withstands more extreme conditions than perennial ryegrass and is faster to recover after drought. It is usually sown as the sole grass (with legumes) at 15 - 20 Kg / Ha, preferably in spring or early autumn (when soil temperature is above 10°C). It is slow to establish and slow root growth make the young plants susceptible to ‘pulling’ in their first year, therefore light, quick grazing is recommended.

The mature plant is resistant to grass grub and Argentine Stem Weevil, but insecticide and fungicide may be required at establishment. Tall fescue requires frequent rotational grazing with spring management aimed at minimising seed head production to encourage tillering. Tall fescue should not be set stocked for long periods because grazing below 30 - 40 mm reduces its tillering capacity. It should not be sown with ryegrass, but red, Caucasian and white clovers, cocksfoot and Phalaris are suitable companion species. Tall fescue cultivars vary in flowering time and tiller density. Traditional types are larger and have more broad leaves than perennial ryegrass, while some fine leaved, dense types can withstand closer grazing.

Cultivar list coming soon!

Please visit our Troubleshooting section for more information on weeds, insects and diseases that could affect your pasture this season.