Planting Annual Ryegrass: Fast Green-Up for Lawns & Bare Spots

Think of annual ryegrass as the sprinter of the lawn world! This fast-growing grass is used to quickly green up lawns, patch bare spots, or prevent erosion. In this guide, we’ll share how and when to plant annual ryegrass. Easy, budget-friendly, and quick to sprout! 

What Is Annual Ryegrass?

Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)—also called Italian ryegrass—germinates in a flash and grows fast. However, it’s not a long-distance runner like perennial ryegrass (which it’s closely related to). Rather, this cool-season turfgrass completes its life cycle in a single season. But while it’s growing, it puts on quite a show! While short-lived, annual ryegrass is surprisingly adaptable, growing in most soil types. It doesn’t require a seedbed to germinate, and it provides quick grass cover when needed in lawns and is valued for forage and cover crops as well.

Uses of Annual Ryegrass

• Overseeding warm-season lawns: Overseeding is done with Bermuda grass lawns (not centipede grass, zoysia grass, and St. Augustine grass because these over-compete). It keeps the lawn green throughout the fall and winter (when it normally browns and goes dormant).
• Fast Green-Up: Germinates in just 5 to 10 days—works in low-light areas where other grasses struggle, such as under trees.
• Active turf:  Often used for turfs that are used for sports, golf, and heavy use; takes abuse underfoot.
• Erosion Control: Stabilizes sloped or bare soil fast. This is one of its best uses.
• Soil Builder: Adds organic matter and improves structure—use it as a winter cover crop.
• Foraging: Highly digestible and palatable to livestock, when left to grow taller.

NOTE: Annual ryegrass will outcompete many perennial grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or fine fescues, so it’s not the best choice for a regular, long-lasting lawn. But if you need fast cover, winter greening, or erosion control, it’s a fantastic tool—just plan for it to be temporary or carefully managed.

What Does Annual Ryegrass Look Like?

While annual ryegrass looks similar to cereal rye (the grain), it’s not genetically related—the resemblance is purely visual. Its blades are narrow (about 3 to 7 millimeters wide) and pointed and often have a glossy sheen that catches the light beautifully. While typically kept trimmed for turf, if left unmowed, annual ryegrass can shoot up several feet tall and produce elegant seed heads that resemble small grain spikes. The texture and color may differ noticeably from your existing lawn grasses, which can affect uniformity. So, if this bothers you, don’t grow it! 

FAQ: Common Questions About Annual Ryegrass

Does annual ryegrass come back?

Not usually. The “annual” part of the name means it completes its life cycle in a single growing season: it sprouts, grows, goes to seed, and dies back—only returning if its seeds germinate the following year. That said, in just the right conditions, it may overwinter in some regions. 

When does annual ryegrass die?

Annual ryegrass typically dies off when temperatures climb in early summer. Heat is its natural cue to bow out. If you’re using it to overseed a warm-season Bermuda grass lawn, expect it to fade as your permanent grass greens up.

When should I plant annual ryegrass?

The best time to plant is in early fall, once daytime temps drop below 75°F but before the first hard frost. This timing gives the grass a strong start during its preferred cool-season window. In mild climates, you can also sow in late fall for winter green-up.