Organic Triticale Seed (lb)

Organic Triticale is a certified organic cereal cover crop that combines wheat and rye genetics in one vigorous cool-season plant. This spring-type triticale remains relatively low—often approximately 6–12 inches—through much of the cool season, then accelerates in late spring and can reach approximately 5 feet. That shift produces substantial roots and top growth without an excessively tall early-winter canopy.

The crop is particularly useful in orchards, vineyards, and vegetable rotations where growers want erosion control, nutrient capture, and a large volume of organic residue. Its vigorous root system occupies the soil during the rainy season and takes up residual nitrogen. Above ground, the stand competes with weeds and creates carbon-rich biomass that can be paired with a nitrogen-fixing legume.

Plant during the local cool-season grain window. If continued vegetative growth is desired, mow to approximately 3 inches in spring and allow the stand to regrow. For final termination, mow or incorporate before mature grain develops and allow the residue time to begin decomposing before planting the following crop. Later termination produces more biomass but can also increase temporary nitrogen tie-up. Triticale is a grass and does not require Rhizobium inoculant.

• Scientific Name: × Triticosecale
• Certification: Certified organic seed
• Growth Cycle: Cool-season annual cereal grain; spring-type triticale
• Application Rate: 60–80 lb per acre or 2–4 lb per 1,000 sq ft
• Inoculant: Not required. This is a nonlegume cover crop and does not rely on Rhizobium bacteria for nitrogen fixation.
• Germination: Approximately 5–10 days under suitable conditions
• Plant Height: Approximately 6–12 inches through much of the cool season, reaching up to approximately 5 feet later
• Uses: Organic biomass, nutrient scavenging, erosion control, weed competition, and orchard or vineyard floor coverage
• Management: Mow to approximately 3 inches for regrowth, or terminate before mature grain develops