Rhodes Grass

(Chloris gayana)

Rhodes grass is a subtropical perennial.

Tufted so it spreads through runners and seed
Moderate Frost tolerance
Best performance in the 600mm 1000mm Rainfall zone.
Suited to a wide range of soil types
Combines well with legumes
Good salt tolerance

There are two main types of Rhodes grass. The giant Tetraploid types which are represented by
Callide and Samford. These types of grow to 1.5m in height and are late flowering. They are better
suited to more fertile soils and will not persist as long on less fertile soil types. With good growing
conditions they can provide feed well into autumn.
Pioneer is a Diploid type, with introduction to Australia thought have occurred with soldiers
returning from the Boer war.
Katambora is a finer leafed late flowering Diploid type. It is more tolerant of cooler conditions and
provides good carryover into autumn. Reclaimer, Finecut, Topcut and Gulfcut are derived from
Diploid types but have been selected for fine leaf, fine stem, rapid stolon development, Uniform
flowering and salt tolerance characteristics.
Rhodes grass should be planted in the top 5mm of toil ensuring there is good seed to soil contact.
The establishment is the critical phase. The seedbed needs to be weed free and planting methods
will vary depending on local conditions. Once established, Rhodes grass will provide rapid ground
cover protecting the soil and a rapidly established pasture. For more information on planting Rhodes
grass please contact one of our pasture advisors here http://www.selectedseeds.com.au/contacts
Rhodes grass responds well to good grazing and Haymaking management. After initial
establishment Rhodes Grass should be cut or grazed just prior to flowering. This is where feed value
is maximised. If the pasture has been grazed heavily a spelling phase involving seed set should be
incorporated as well as an appropriate fertilizer application.