How to Fertilize Annual Ryegrass

Annual ryegrass (Lilium multiflorum) is a turf grass that prefers cooler temperatures, but does well in sun or shade. Seeds germinate quickly, making it a favorite for fast growth in a lawn that needs thickening. Recommended for U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 and higher, it dies out in late spring when new lawn growth appears; in cooler zones, it lasts a bit longer. Easy to establish, it is frequently used as a cover crop in gardens and fields. While fertilization is not required, it is recommended to help the grass look its best in your yard.

Lawnmower
Lawn spreader
Fertilizer (10-10-10)
Quick-release nitrogen fertilizer (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Mow the lawn no higher than 2 inches tall during the growing season. Use a mower with sharpened blades to avoid ripping and shredding the established ryegrass.
- 2
  Pour a balanced granular fertilizer into the lawn spreader. Use a 10-10-10 formula that contains 10 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphate and 10 percent potassium.
- 3
  Apply 1/2 to 1 pound of fertilizer to each 1,000 square feet of lawn, using the spreader.
- 4
  Water the lawn if it is not going to rain in the next 24 to 48 hours to move the fertilizer into the soil to reach the ryegrass roots.
- 5
  Apply one additional application of fertilizer in late winter or early spring if desired, using a formula with quick-releasing nitrogen to give the ryegrass enough nutrition to last until new turf appears.

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