Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Reed Canarygrass

Seed Type & Composition
Reed Canarygrass is a vigorous, cool-season perennial grass known for its adaptability to wet environments, high biomass production, and soil stabilization benefits. Characterized by broad leaves, tall dense growth, and a deep root system, it thrives in flood-prone areas, along waterways, and in wetland reclamation. The seed is formulated for high germination, robust growth, pest resistance, and forage quality — ideal for erosion control, conservation, forage, and biomass.

Typical Seed Label Information:

• Purity (%): ≥ 90%

• Germination Rate (%): ≥ 80%

• Other Crop Seed (%): ≤ 0.5%

• Weed Seed (%): ≤ 0.5%

• Inert Matter (%): ≤ 2%

• Noxious Weed Seeds: Should be 0%

• Lot Number: Batch-specific identifier

• Origin: Regionally grown (typically North America or Europe)

• Test Date: Must be within 9 months of sale

USDA Zone & Geographic Suitability:

• Hardy in USDA Zones 3 to 9

• Thrives in cool, moist regions, wetlands, riparian zones

• Adaptable to temperate climates with wet soil

• Check local regulations due to potential invasiveness

Sunlight & Shade Tolerance:

• Prefers Full Sun

• Tolerates Partial Shade but reduced vigor

Soil Compatibility:

• Adaptable to Clay, Loam, Silty soils

• Optimal pH range 5.5–7.5

• Thrives in moist to waterlogged soils, tolerates periodic flooding

• Performs better with moderate drainage when possible

Watering & Drought Tolerance:

• Requires consistent soil moisture, especially during establishment

• Tolerates seasonal flooding

• Moderate drought tolerance once established, may go dormant

• Ideal for wetland restoration, ditches, floodplains

Germination & Growth Pattern:

• Germinates in 7–21 days at 50–68°F (10–20°C)

• Rapid root and shoot establishment

• Grows in dense clumps reaching 3–6 ft tall

• Vigorous spring and early summer growth, potential summer dormancy

• Aggressive spread via rhizomes — manage invasiveness

Mowing & Maintenance Needs:

• Mow or cut at 3–6 inches for pasture or erosion control

• For hay: cut before heading (~12–16 inches tall)

• Fertilize based on soil test, avoid over-fertilization

• Monitor for invasiveness in unmanaged areas

• Generally pest and disease resistant

Foot Traffic Durability & Recovery:

• Low foot traffic tolerance — not ideal for high-use lawns

• Recovers slowly from compaction or wear

• Best used in low-traffic applications (forage, erosion control)

Best Planting Time:

• Early Spring or Late Summer/Early Fall

• Avoid mid-summer planting for best establishment

Pest, Disease, & Weed Resistance:

• Resistant to common forage pests

• Resilient to leaf spot and rust in healthy stands

• Forms dense canopy that naturally suppresses weeds

• Known for aggressive growth — manage to prevent ecological displacement

Appearance:

• Vibrant green foliage, broad flat blades

• Coarse texture with sturdy upright stems

• Blade length up to 1 ft, entire plant up to 6 ft tall

• Smooth upper blade surface, slightly rough underside

Packaging & Shelf Life:

• Available in 1 lb, 5 lb, 25 lb, 50 lb moisture-resistant bags

• Label includes lot, test date, germination %, and origin

• Shelf Life: 1–3 years if stored cool (≤50°F) and dry (<50% humidity)

• Store away from direct sunlight