Rescuegrass (Bromus catharticus) is a cool-season grass, 45–91 cm tall, that grows from seed in winter and sets its own seed in early spring. In laboratory germination tests it needs light, so the seed belongs on the surface of the mix, not buried.

Also known as: Rescue grass, Prairie grass, Grazing brome, Cebadilla criolla (Spanish), Brome purgatif (French); synonyms Bromus unioloides, Bromus willdenowii, Bromus schraderi.

What it is grown for

Rescuegrass gives early forage and fair grazing for livestock and wildlife, and it can be managed as a cool-season pasture plant. It is a grass, not a culinary herb, so choose it for ground cover, pasture or a seed collection.

Germination conditions

• Light: required in the official laboratory test (approximate, species level).
• Temperature: 10–30 °C alternating, about 16 hours at the first figure and 8 hours at the second (approximate, lab method of the USDA seed regulations).
• Time: the official test counts seedlings for 28 days, so allow up to four weeks.

Growing steps

1. Sow when the weather turns cool; the species grows through winter and finishes in early spring.
2. Press the seed onto a firm, moist surface and cover it only lightly, if at all.
3. Keep the surface evenly damp and cool until seedlings are up.
4. Thin or leave to fill in, depending on whether you want turf-like cover or a few stands for seed.

FAQ

Why did my buried seed not come up?

The laboratory method for rescuegrass requires light, so deep burial works against it. Surface sowing with a light cover is the safer choice.

How long should I wait for seedlings?

The standard test runs 28 days. Cool, damp conditions slow the count, so do not discard the tray early.