Sports Turf Perennial Ryegrass Seed
McKay’s Sports Turf Perennial Ryegrass establishes rapidly from sowing, ensuring quick usability without compromising turf performance. Its glossy mid-green color and active year-round growth make it an attractive choice for any landscape.
This variety offers vigorous growth throughout the year, with a delayed onset of browning in summer. It’s ideally suited for winter sports grounds, golf tees, golf fairways, and lawns subjected to heavy wear, especially during colder months. The availability of this seed makes it a possible choice for those looking to establish durable turf that can allow for continuous use across different seasons.
Perfect for overseeding warm-season grasses like Couch, Kikuyu, Buffalo, and Zoysia, it provides a lush, green lawn all year round.
Seeding Rates
- New Lawns: 30 grams per square meter (3kg/100m2).
- Overseeding: 20 grams per square meter (2kg/100m2).
Restrictions
There are currently quarantine restrictions for seeds being sent to TAS and WA.
Tasmanian customers: We are able to ship this seed to Tasmania. There is currently no added charges for quarantine inspection.
WA customers: We are unable to ship seed to WA.
For more information see below tabs ‘Description’ and ‘Features’ to see if this grass suits you!
Detailed Description
Sports Turf Perennial Ryegrass is renowned for its rapid establishment and resilience, making it a top choice for cool-season sports fields and lawns. Known for its true winter activity, it quickly recovers from wear and tear and is exceptionally tolerant of low mowing heights, making it ideal for overseeding warm-season grasses.
Optimal pH
5.0-7.0
Sowing Tips
For best results, sow in a soft, loamy soil that has good water retention. Broadcast the seed at, or very near, the soil surface and incorporate lightly with raking. To ensure best coverage and avoid seed wastage, we recommend using an appropriate seed spreader for the size of your area. Soil must remain damp throughout the germination period and must be maintained for at least 1-2 weeks after sowing through irrigation or natural rainfall.
Optimal Planting Time
If there is sufficient soil moisture, Perennial Ryegrass will grow at most times of the year in the temperate regions of southern Australia. It performs best in areas with cooler temperatures and milder summers.
Germination
Under ideal conditions, germination may begin within 7-10 days (climate and season dependent).
How Long Does Rye Grass Take to Germinate?
Many gardeners wonder how long rye grass takes to germinate, and the answer depends largely on temperature, soil moisture, and seed quality.
Under ideal conditions with consistent moisture and mild temperatures between 10–20°C, rye grass typically begins germinating within 7 to 10 days.
In cooler climates, this process may take a little longer, sometimes up to two weeks.
Keeping the soil damp and avoiding disturbance during this period will help ensure even sprouting and a dense, healthy lawn.
Once germinated, rye grass grows rapidly, quickly forming a thick green cover that is perfect for lawns and sports areas.
Water
Keep moist throughout the entire germination period and until the roots are well established. The key to drought tolerance is a well-established root system prior to the onset of summer heat. Perennial Ryegrass has a higher water requirement in weather over 28 degrees or when planted in full sun.
Fertilising
Perennial Ryegrass requires regular fertilisation, with a bi-monthly spread of a high-quality fertiliser, such as McKays Slow Release Fertiliser, recommended for optimum performance during the growing season.
First Mowing
It is a fast grower and will need to be regularly mowed over the fast-growing period of spring/early summer. Generally aim for a blade length of 6 to 12cm, though adjustments can be made to meet specific needs.
Mowing Frequency
1-2 times/week during active growth.
Seed & Package Details
100% Perennial Ryegrass
Independently Tested
85% Min Germination, 98% purity. A seed testing certificate is available upon request.
Ideal Usage
Sports Ovals, Lawn Tennis, Backyard Lawns, Commercial Landscapes, Parks & Playgrounds.
How Much Seed Do You Need Per Square Metre?
A common question we receive is how much grass seed per square metre to use for the Budget Blend.
For best results, we recommend sowing at approximately 30 to 40 grams per square metre, depending on your soil type and the thickness of the coverage you’re aiming for.
If the area is new or the soil is of lower quality, use the higher rate to help achieve a dense, even lawn.
For overseeding existing turf, 20 to 25 grams per square metre is usually sufficient.
To ensure even distribution and avoid seed wastage, we recommend using a seed spreader for consistent coverage.
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
Free Metro Shipping On All Orders Over $75
We provide free standard delivery shipping for all orders to "metro" zones, where the total cart value exceeds $75.00.
Otherwise, to metro zones it's a flat rate of $9 (for orders under $75).
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).
Express Post
In a hurry? Express shipping is available at checkout for both Metro and Non-Metro Zones. Priced according to shipment weight.
WA Customers
Due to quarantine restrictions, we have a different product range available for Western Australia.
If you are shopping for delivery to WA, please view our WA site here
Pick-up Not Available
Sorry, we are not able to offer local pick-up.
International
Unfortunately we are not able to ship internationally.

