Climax Timothy Grass

Climax Timothy Grass is a beloved, cool-season perennial known for its tall, graceful stems and soft, cylindrical seed heads that sway beautifully in the breeze, bringing both charm and function to pastures and garden spaces alike. Reaching an impressive height of 3–4 feet with bloom spikes about 3–6 inches long, this dependable variety is prized for its vigor, uniform growth, and excellent hay quality. Its lush, fine-textured foliage creates a vibrant green stand that looks stunning in open fields while providing exceptional nutrition for livestock. Timothy is a crop that’s both visually appealing and highly practical. This variety offers dependable growth, outstanding forage quality, and a surprisingly elegant presence in the landscape. Climax Timothy boasts ease of care, high yields, beautiful soft seed heads, and versatility across climates. Its long-standing reputation as a superior hay grass gives planters the satisfaction of growing a premium forage right at home.

Also Known As: Timothy Grass, Phleum Pratense, Hay Grass, Pasture Grass, Climax Timothy, Meadow Grass, Herd Grass, Cat's Tail, Swiss Timothy, Climax Hay.

Plant Name:	Grass, Climax Timothy
Latin Name:	Phleum pratense
Days to Germinate:	14-21
Days to Harvest:	30-45
Plant Height:	2 - 4 Feet
Growth Habit:	Clumping
USDA Zones:	3-7
Lifespan:	Perennial
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2026

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Start by clearing the area of any debris, rocks, or old vegetation, then loosen the top 2–3 inches of soil with a rake or tiller to create a soft, workable surface. Mix in compost or topsoil to improve nutrient content and drainage, and break up any large clumps to ensure even seed-to-soil contact. Grade the area so water flows away from buildings, then lightly tamp the soil to create a firm but not compacted seedbed. Finish by raking the surface smooth, ensuring it’s level and ready for even seed distribution.

Planting:

Plant Timothy seeds directly outdoors in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked (March-May), or for Fall planting, at least 6 weeks before the first frost (August-September). Broadcast the seeds evenly across the surface at the seeding rate of 8-12 pounds per acre for pure stands or 4-6 pounds per acre when mixed with other grasses or legumes. Because Timothy seeds are small, gently rake or drag the soil so the seeds are covered no deeper than 1/4 inch, ensuring good seed-to-soil contact without burying them too deeply. Lightly firm the area with a roller or by walking over it to secure the seeds in place and ensure good seed-to-soil contact, then water gently to keep the soil consistently moist until germination. Once seedlings establish, reduce watering and allow the crop to grow into a healthy, resilient stand.

Planting Depth:	1/8-1/4 inch
Spacing:	Broadcast
Seeding Rate:	8-12 lbs/acre alone, or 2-4 lbs/acre in a mix

Care During the Season:

Maintain consistent moisture, especially during early growth and dry spells, while avoiding overwatering which can lead to shallow roots. Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support strong growth, but avoid heavy nitrogen applications that can cause lodging. Keep weeds under control with timely mowing or selective control methods, ensuring the grass isn’t cut too short to preserve regrowth potential. If harvesting for hay, cut Timothy at the early to mid-bloom stage for the highest quality and allow adequate regrowth before subsequent cuttings. Regular observation for pests, disease, and soil conditions will help maintain a healthy, productive stand all season long.