Timothy Grass Seed (Claire or Climax)
Plant 10 - 15 Lbs. per Acre
Timothy is a bunchgrass that grows 2-4 feet tall. It grows best in cooler climates. Timothy is used primarily as a hay crop. When planted in the majority of Tennessee conditions, summer droughts cause stand reduction. Stands are not expected to last more than 3-4 years. It is a popular hay crop for horses, although orchardgrass and tall fescue can also be used successfully.
Use for Pasture
Where adapted, timothy is commonly used for pastures. Spring growth is not too early although yield and palatability are very high. Leafy shoots are of excellent quality. Like smooth bromegrass, however, the main growth occurs in early summer and the tall shoots are easily overgrazed. Pasture rotation is critical and a much greater area is required after mid-July to compensate for decreased growth rate.
This grass is palatable to cattle and horses at all stages of growth. Deer and elk appear to only graze mature timothy plants after other grasses have been used. As a pasture plant, it is relatively short-lived and stands are soon depleted unless provision is made for natural or artificial reseeding. It produces an open sod that is easily weakened if heavily grazed.