The Cotswold Seeds Database

Ryegrasses have high sugars and respond to nitrogen fertiliser better than any other grass species. There are three ryegrasses in common use: Italian Ryegrass is a short lived grass lasting two years. It is very high yielding and reliably provides up to 18t DM per hectare, which is ideal for silage making. Perennial Ryegrass. This is the most persistent type and by far the most widely sown. It yields around 13t DM per hectare, but is more flexible than italian ryegrass because it can be cut or grazed. Hybrid Ryegrass is perhaps one of the best grasses available, it is a cross between italian and perennial and shares the characteristics of both. In most types the italian gene is dominant producing high yields.

(600,000 seeds per kg)

This common grass, as its name implies, has creeping roots which enable it to remain green in dry times. Pastures can benefit from this grass as it makes a good bottom but this can also be a disadvantage as it stifles some of the more delicate species. It should therefore be used with caution. An alternative fescue, such as sheeps, red or slender creeping red will allow the development of finer species. However, creeping red fescue is an inexpensive seed and can be included in simple mixtures, particularly those with cocksfoot.

(950,000 seeds per kg)

This well known perennial forms clumps when left to mature. It grows early in the spring and has a comprehensive root structure travelling to depth and therefore thrives on light, free draining soil. It is equally at home on soils prone to flooding. It harbours insects and is a good choice for this reason alone.

However, due to its dominant presence in the sward it is best to restrict its inclusion in mixtures. It is palatable only when grazed frequently.

(1,000,000 seeds per kg)

When sown with non aggressive grasses this fescue can form beneficial tussocks. It is one of the larger fescues and is a valuable grazing grass which can also be made into hay. It will grow on nearly all soils ranging from light, brashy types to stiff clays.




(500,000 seeds per kg)

This delicately flowered grass has been included in the majority of agri-environmental schemes. It has a tiny seed and only needs including in mixtures at low levels. It is a creeping grass and although it has little agricultural value it is a very common species in old grasslands. It is adaptable to most soils and is drought tolerant.

(10,000,000 seeds per kg)

Also known as chewings fescue, this is a fine leaved tufted grass. It is distinguished from creeping red fescue by its absence of creeping rhizomes. It tolerates drought well and can be easily found on well drained, gravelly, chalky and sandy soils in the south. It forms a dense turf and is one of the main species used with bentgrass to form lawns. It offers few agricultural benefits.

(1,000,000 seeds per kg)

Formerly a grazing grass, this compact tufted perennial is found in abundance in sheep pastures. It is not aggressive and grows well late into the season when other grasses are giving up. It grows in most areas but is found naturally on dry soils. Even clays support this grass and it is likely to find its way into most seed mixtures. It has good winter greenness but is inclined to produce wiry stems if left unmown or ungrazed.

(1,600,000 seeds per kg)

This perennial has creeping rhizomes and is particularly drought resistant. It can be found readily throughout the UK, particularly on lighter soils. It should not be late sown in the autumn as it slow to establish. It is early to grow in the spring and once topped or cut it tends not to re-flower so aftermath growth is leafy.



(3,000,000 seeds per kg)

A tufted perennial which is widespread throughout the British Isles. It is commonly found in low lying areas particularly in river meadows. It is nutritious and palatable to stock and is one of the first grasses to flower in the spring. In cases where hay making is possible it makes a useful contribution to yields. It is a difficult species to produce seed from and this is reflected in the price.

(2,000,000 seeds per kg)

The largest fescue which forms large dense tussocks. It can grow to six feet tall particularly on damp or wet soils on which it is most suited. It is less palatable than Meadow Fescue and so has less appeal to farmers who intend to utilise the species for forage production.



(350,000 seeds per kg)

The finest leaved and least aggressive fescue which allows other delicate species room to establish. It only grows to 6 - 10” and is very hardy and can be found in all areas of the UK. Although it provides only low levels of production, the forage it produces is of reasonable quality. It will grow on most soils and tolerates low fertility situations.


(1,200,000 seeds per kg)

Possibly the most important and flexible species which is used both environmentally and agriculturally. It is a very common species which can be found in pasture throughout the UK. It will grow abundantly on heavy ground and although it only has a shallow root structure it still persists well on lighter land in dry years. From an agricultural perspective Timothy is a very persistent and hardy grass, free of disease and the forage it produces is acceptable to most classes of stock. There is another form of Timothy known as smaller catstail (Phleum bertolonii), which is shorter and less dominant.

(2,500,000 seeds per kg)

An early flowering grass, strongly scented with coumarin, often found in old pastures and meadows. At one time it was included in seeds mixtures as its scent was evident in hay but as it has a high proportion of stem to leaf it is unpalatable to stock. It is an attractive grass but seed is a little expensive so is usually included at a low percentage in seed mixtures.

(2,500,000 seeds per kg)