Quickdraw Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata), also known as Cocksfoot or Petgrass, is a cool-season perennial bunchgrass that is ideal for providing lush green coverage in both sunny and shaded areas. Highly valued for its fast germination and ease of growth, it is commonly used in lawns, pasture lands, and as a nutritious petgrass for cats and small animals. With 3000 seeds in this packet, you can easily grow your own healthy, green patch of Orchardgrass for pets or to enrich your garden with a vibrant, low-maintenance groundcover.

Key Features:

• Fast-Germinating: Quickdraw Orchardgrass is known for its fast germination, allowing it to establish quickly in a variety of growing conditions.
• Cool-Season Grass: This grass thrives in cool to moderate climates and grows well during the spring and fall, making it perfect for year-round greenery in temperate regions.
• Versatile Growing Conditions: Suitable for both sun and partial shade, this grass is adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of environments.
• Petgrass (Cocksfoot): Known as “petgrass,” it is safe for cats and small animals to nibble on, providing them with a natural, nutritious source of greenery.
• Low Maintenance: Quickdraw Orchardgrass requires minimal care once established, making it an easy and low-maintenance addition to lawns, gardens, or pet areas.
• Erosion Control: Due to its fast-growing nature and dense root system, Orchardgrass is effective at controlling soil erosion, making it a great choice for planting on slopes or areas prone to erosion.

Growing Information:

• Light: Orchardgrass is adaptable to both full sun and partial shade. It will thrive in areas that receive 4-6 hours of sunlight per day, but it can also tolerate lower light levels, making it ideal for lawns or gardens with varying degrees of shade.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5. Orchardgrass can tolerate a variety of soil types but will grow best in loamy or sandy soil.
• Planting Tips:
  • Direct sow seeds outdoors in early spring or late summer when temperatures are moderate (50-65°F or 10-18°C).
  • Lightly scatter the seeds over prepared soil and press them gently into the surface. Orchardgrass seeds need light to germinate, so avoid covering them with soil.
  • Water the area lightly to keep the soil moist until seeds have germinated, which typically takes 7-14 days.
  • Once the grass is established, it requires minimal watering except during long dry spells.
  • For best results, sow seeds in rows, allowing for 6-12 inches of spacing between plants to allow for their spreading nature.
• Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil moist until the grass is established. After that, Orchardgrass is drought-tolerant and requires little water during the growing season, making it ideal for low-water gardens or landscapes.

Benefits:

• Pet-Friendly Grass: Quickdraw Orchardgrass is often referred to as “petgrass” or “Cocksfoot” because it is safe for cats, rabbits, and other small pets to nibble on. It provides a healthy, natural snack for pets and can help with digestion.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, Orchardgrass is incredibly low maintenance. It doesn’t require frequent mowing or excessive watering, making it perfect for busy gardeners or those with limited time for upkeep.
• Fast-Growing & Resilient: This grass establishes quickly and forms a dense, resilient mat, helping to suppress weeds and reduce soil erosion.
• Ideal for Erosion Control: Thanks to its fast-growing and dense growth habit, Orchardgrass is an excellent option for controlling soil erosion in areas prone to runoff or on slopes.
• Versatile Use: Quickdraw Orchardgrass can be used in lawns, pet areas, pastures, or as a cover crop. Its versatility makes it a great choice for a variety of landscaping needs.
• Attractive Greenery: The soft, fine texture and vibrant green color of Orchardgrass enhance the appearance of any garden, lawn, or landscape.

Growing Zones:

• Suitable for USDA Zones 3-8. Quickdraw Orchardgrass is hardy and can tolerate a range of climates, from cooler northern regions to more temperate southern zones.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Pet-Friendly Lawn: Plant Quickdraw Orchardgrass in pet areas or around your garden to give your pets access to healthy, safe grass for chewing. This is especially beneficial for cats, who enjoy nibbling on fresh greens.
• Ground Cover: Use Orchardgrass as a ground cover in lawns, gardens, or areas that need erosion control. It establishes quickly and forms a dense, green mat, perfect for suppressing weeds and stabilizing soil.
• Pastures & Meadows: Orchardgrass is commonly used in pastures and meadows due to its fast growth and resilience. It makes an excellent addition to grass mixes for livestock grazing or pet grazing.
• Shade or Sun Areas: Plant Quickdraw Orchardgrass in areas with partial to full sunlight. It can fill in shady spots of the lawn or garden where other grasses may struggle to grow.
• Edible Landscaping: Integrate Orchardgrass into your edible landscape design to provide both ornamental value and fresh greenery for pets or small animals.

Conclusion: Quickdraw Orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata) is a versatile, low-maintenance, and fast-growing cool-season grass that offers a range of benefits for your garden or landscape. Whether you're growing it as a pet-friendly grass for your cats and small animals, using it for erosion control, or simply adding it to your lawn or garden for its vibrant green color, Orchardgrass is an excellent choice. With 3000 seeds in this packet, you can easily cultivate this hardy, adaptable grass in a variety of growing conditions, from sunny spots to shaded areas. Enjoy its resilience, beauty, and practicality in your outdoor space.