Tall Fescue Seeds
Tall fescue is a very deep rooted, true perennial that is adapted to a wide range of conditions and soil types.
It will cope well with waterlogging and has a degree of salt tolerance. Generally, a pH of 5.2 or higher is needed for best long-term results, and it will respond to improved fertility.
It will do best under medium to high rainfall or irrigation, although Mediterranean types will persist in summer dry areas. Tall fescue is very slow to establish, and care must be taken not to have it selectively grazed out of mixed stands in the first year. It is a good species to use as a pasture base to companion cocksfoot, phalaris and clovers. Stock acceptance may be slow initially when introduced from ryegrass pastures. Suits all stock classes.
There are two fairly distinct sub-groups:
| Mediterranean | Mediterranean cool season (winter) active tall fescue is summer semi-dormant to dormant, giving improved persistence in summer dry regions. It is faster establishing than summer active tall fescue and has strong winter and spring production and fine leaves, maintaining better feed quality. It suits dryland, lighter soils and slopes. |
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| Continental | Continental summer active tall fescue is a perennial grass more tolerant of hot summer, poorly drained and saline conditions than perennial ryegrass. These types are often sown under flood irrigation where high summer temperatures limit ryegrass growth or where summer rainfall is expected. It performs best on heavier soils, where its deeper root system can access more soil moisture than ryegrass. |
Fortune
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Exhibits excellent persistence
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Bred for improved survival under hot and dry conditions
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Suitable for all classes of livestock
Prosper
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Good alternative to phalaris in summer dry regions
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Ideal to be used in a mix with lucerne for a persistent pasture with year round production
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High summer dormancy reduces the need for resowing