Blue Panic

Introducted from Australia, a perennial, warm season bunchgrass; forms good-sized tough crowns by means of thick, short bulbous rhizomes;  extensive root system. Grows up to 7 ft. tall, dark-green and wide-leaved with good fertility and water, has nodes and long internodes on lower stems and braching from lower nodes common when main stem is cut off. Tolerates drouth and winter tempreatures low as -5 degrees F.; losses slight even below this tempreature with adequate moisture and good plant vigor. High forage and seed producer, high in protein and minerals. 

 

Establishment/Management: Plant is well-prepared seedbed late spring after ground is warm; may fall-plant in South Texas and Mexico. Plant 1/2 - 3/4 inch deep and pack soil.

Rows: 0.8 lbs. PLS per acre in 36 - 42" rows

Broadcast: 1.5 - 2.0 lbs. PLS per acre.

Has been successful in renovating rangeland in large areas of South Texas and Mexico.

Good management is of utmost importance. Fertilized according to soil test; cultivation after first year improves production. Running chisel plow is very effective in renovating old stands. Protect from grazing until well established; rotation grazing improves quality. Wtih ample moisture and fetilizer prduces 20,000 lbs green matter per acre per month during warm summer months.

Cut hay when about 1/4 plants are headed but before plowering appears. Harvest seed by direct combining when most seedheads have ripe seed down to middle branches. Yield 100 - 500 lbs. seed per acre. (Mid-summer seed crop not usually filled)

Adaptation/Use: Well adapted in the south into Mexico, on both light and heavy soils not too restriced in air space; soil fertility more important than texture. Good on dry or irrigated land, tolerant to highly alkaline water and soil when established. Use for pasture, hay and crop rotation.