Katambora Rhodes Grass
Katambora Rhodes, or Chloris Gayana, is a versatile diploid pasture grass ideal for a range of soil types. Suited for hay production and popular as horse feed, it offers high calcium and low oxalate levels for optimal nutrient absorption. Known for its superior frost, salt, and drought tolerance compared to Callide Rhodes, Katambora remains productive into Autumn and adapts to lower fertility soils. It thrives in cooler Australian areas that meet the temperature (20-37ºC) and rainfall guidelines, handling varied soil moisture and periodic waterlogging.
Sowing Rate
10 kg/ha
Please note: This product may be coated to support and enhance germination. Batches may vary.
For more information see below tabs ‘Description’ and ‘Features’ to see if this grass suits you!
Blade
Fine
Colour
Light Green
Growth
Spreading
Growth Rate
Fast
Detailed Description
Katambora Rhodes Grass, originally from Africa, was developed to thrive in parts of Australia where traditional Callide Rhodes grass struggled. With a remarkable hardiness, Katambora is resilient in a broad range of Australian climates, except for Tasmania and parts of Victoria. It thrives in optimal conditions with temperatures ranging from 20-37°C and annual rainfall between 600-1200mm, but its true strength lies in its adaptability to unfamiliar conditions. Capable of enduring temperatures from 5° to 50°C, it holds up well against drought, salt, and even fleeting frosts.
Unlike Callide Rhodes, Katambora demonstrates exceptional resilience when planted in more temperate areas, making it suitable for nearly the entire continent. Its deep root system, capable of reaching depths of up to 4.5 meters, allows it to access lower water tables, enhancing its drought resistance. This robust root structure, along with tall blades reaching 1-2 meters, enables the grass to withstand flooding for up to 15 days, though it is vulnerable to prolonged waterlogging.
Katambora Rhodes is particularly popular as horse feed due to its high calcium and low oxalate levels, which facilitate optimal nutrient absorption. This makes it an excellent choice for maintaining healthy livestock, especially horses.
The grass is adaptable to cooler areas of Australia, provided the temperature and rainfall recommendations are met. It can continue to grow in climates with temperature variations from 5° to 50°C.
Climate
The optimum growing temperature for Rhodes Grasses is in the range of 20°-37ºC.
Sowing Tips
Sow at a rate of 10kg/ha. Ensure the soil is well-prepared and choose a time between September and March when there is a higher probability of consecutive rain days. This product may be coated to support and enhance germination; batches may vary.
Optimal Sowing Time
We recommend sowing Katambora Rhodes Grass between September and March, depending on the climate and rainfall forecasts.
Germination
Germination occurs approximately 7 days after sowing, influenced by climate, soil preparation, and conditions. Expect full coverage by three months, with the root system maturing in about 12 months.
Water
Katambora Rhodes can manage a wider range of soil moisture conditions than other varieties, tolerating periodic waterlogging due to its vigorous root system. It requires 600mm – 1200mm of rainfall annually unless irrigated.
Fertilising
Production levels decline without a vigorous legume or the application of nitrogen fertilisers.
Mowing
Katambora Rhodes grass is very tolerant to cutting or grazing. Maintain the stand in a leafy condition by regular cutting/slashing or grazing. However, avoid overly frequent cutting or intensive grazing (approximately every 14 days) to prevent production losses and stand decline.
Grazing
Avoid grazing Rhodes grass in the first year until plants and runners are well anchored, usually after autumn rains. Ensure the plants are well established before allowing grazing.
Seed and Package Details
100% Katambora Rhodes Grass Seeds. Independently tested with a seed certificate available upon request.
Ideal Usage
Primarily used for pastures.
NOTE: Pasture Seed and Animal Health
When purchasing seeds through McKays Grass Seeds, the buyer acknowledges that McKays Grass Seeds is not liable for any animal health issues that may arise from our pasture seeds.
It is the buyer’s responsibility to contact a certified agronomist to ensure they are purchasing the correct seeds, in the correct quantities for their property, location, and animals.
Have any questions? Feel free to contact us and we’ll help you out.
Locations
Season
Warm season grasses thrive during the warmer months in Spring and Summer and may go dormant in cooler climates through winter.
Cool season grasses thrive during the cooler months in Winter
Seed information
Shade tolerance (Weather)
- Full Sun
- Part Shade
- Heavy Shade
- Full Shade
Drought tolerance (Weather)
- Moderate
- Good
- Excellent
Traffic tolerance (Weather)
- Moderate
- Good
- Excellent
Frost tolerance
- Poor
- Moderate
- Good
- Excellent
Average days to germination
- 2-3 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 3-4 Weeks
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Non-Metro Zones
Standard Delivery
Australia Wide (except Western Australia), at cost from Australia Post.Â
Orders are dispatched within 24 hours via regular Australia Post (3-5 business days).
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If you are shopping for delivery to WA, please view our WA site here
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