DLF Captur Orchardgrass Seed | Late-Maturing Multi-Cut Premium Forage | 25 KG Bag

DLF Captur Orchardgrass - Superior Late-Maturing Variety for Alfalfa Mixtures

Maximize forage quality and stand longevity with Captur, a premium late-maturing orchardgrass variety engineered for exceptional performance in alfalfa mixtures and pure stands. With excellent winter hardiness, superior disease resistance, and consistent multi-cut production, Captur delivers the reliability and quality that demanding forage producers require.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Very Late Maturity: Matures at the same time as alfalfa, ensuring optimal harvest timing and consistent forage quality in mixed stands
• Excellent Winter Hardiness: Superior cold tolerance ensures reliable stand survival and spring regrowth in harsh climates
• Very Good Disease Resistance: Exceptional resistance to rust and other common orchardgrass diseases maintains forage palatability and reduces stand loss
• Very Good Forage Yield: Delivers high tonnage per acre across multiple cuttings throughout the growing season
• Very Good Seasonal Growth Pattern: Consistent production from spring through fall with excellent regrowth after cutting
• Long Stand Life: Persistent variety that maintains productivity for 5+ years, maximizing your seeding investment
• High Palatability: Livestock-preferred forage with excellent digestibility and nutritional value

Why Choose Captur?

Captur's late maturity makes it the perfect companion for alfalfa, allowing you to harvest both crops at their peak nutritional value. Its strong disease resistance, particularly to rust, ensures your stand maintains palatability and productivity year after year. The excellent winter hardiness provides peace of mind in cold climates where stand survival is critical.

Ideal For:

• Alfalfa-orchardgrass mixtures for premium hay production
• Multi-cut hay and haylage systems
• Rotational grazing pastures for cattle, horses, and sheep
• High-quality dairy and beef forage programs
• Irrigated and dryland forage production
• Long-term forage stands (5+ years)
• Northern and cold-climate regions

Perfect Alfalfa Companion:

Captur's late maturity is specifically bred to match alfalfa's growth cycle, providing several key advantages:

• Synchronized Harvest: Both crops reach optimal maturity at the same time
• Consistent Quality: No compromise between grass and legume quality at cutting
• Balanced Nutrition: Alfalfa provides protein, orchardgrass adds energy and structure
• Improved Curing: Orchardgrass stems help dry alfalfa faster, reducing weather risk
• Stand Persistence: Both species maintain productivity for multiple years

Seeding Rates:

• Pure Orchardgrass Stand: 15-20 lbs per acre
• Orchardgrass-Alfalfa Mix: 8-12 lbs orchardgrass + 12-15 lbs alfalfa per acre
• Orchardgrass-Clover Mix: 10-12 lbs orchardgrass + 4-6 lbs clover per acre
• Pasture Mix: 8-15 lbs orchardgrass + other grasses/legumes per acre

Planting Guidelines:

• Best Planting Time: Early spring or late summer/early fall (6-8 weeks before first frost)
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils with pH 6.0-7.0 optimal; tolerates a wide range of soil types
• Depth: Plant 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep
• Seedbed Preparation: Firm, well-prepared seedbed for optimal seed-to-soil contact
• Fertility: Responds well to nitrogen and potassium; soil test before planting

Management Recommendations:

• First Year: Take light first cutting to allow stand establishment
• Harvest Timing: Cut when alfalfa reaches early bloom stage (10% bloom)
• Cutting Height: Maintain 3-4 inch stubble to protect growing points and promote regrowth
• Rest Period: Allow 30-40 days between cuttings for optimal regrowth
• Nitrogen Application: Apply 50-80 lbs N/acre after each cutting for maximum regrowth
• Fall Management: Avoid late fall cutting; allow 4-6 weeks of regrowth before first killing frost

Expected Performance:

• Establishment: Good germination and seedling vigor
• First Year Yield: 2-4 tons per acre (depending on planting date)
• Mature Stand Yield: 4-7 tons per acre across multiple cuttings
• Stand Life: 5-7 years with proper management
• Forage Quality: Excellent palatability and digestibility

Nutritional Value (Early Bloom Stage):

• Crude Protein: 12-16% (pure stand); 16-20% (in alfalfa mixture)
• Energy: High TDN (Total Digestible Nutrients)
• Fiber: Moderate - provides good rumen fill and digestibility
• Palatability: Excellent - livestock readily consume orchardgrass hay and pasture
• Ideal for: Dairy cattle, beef cattle, horses, sheep, and goats

Disease Resistance Advantages:

• Rust Resistance: Exceptional resistance maintains green, palatable forage throughout the season
• Reduced Stand Loss: Disease resistance extends stand life and productivity
• Consistent Quality: Healthy plants maintain nutritional value and palatability
• Lower Management Costs: Less need for fungicide applications or stand renovation

Winter Hardiness Benefits:

• Excellent cold tolerance for northern climates
• Reliable spring regrowth after harsh winters
• Reduced winterkill and stand thinning
• Consistent year-to-year performance
• Peace of mind in variable winter conditions

Multi-Cut System Performance:

• First Cut: High yield, excellent quality when cut at early bloom
• Second Cut: Fast regrowth, maintains quality and palatability
• Third Cut: Consistent production with proper fertility and moisture
• Fourth Cut: Possible in favorable climates with adequate growing season

Grazing Management:

• Excellent for rotational grazing systems
• Graze when plants reach 8-10 inches height
• Leave 3-4 inch stubble for rapid regrowth
• Allow 25-35 days rest between grazing cycles
• Avoid overgrazing, especially in fall before winter
• Tolerates moderate continuous grazing pressure

Climate Adaptability:

• Winter Hardiness: Excellent cold tolerance for northern regions
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate - performs best with adequate moisture
• Heat Tolerance: Good summer production in warm climates
• Moisture Requirements: Adaptable to both irrigated and dryland conditions

Soil Adaptability:

• Performs well on a wide range of soil types
• Tolerates heavier soils better than many grasses
• Prefers well-drained soils but adapts to moderate drainage
• Responds well to improved fertility
• pH range: 6.0-7.0 optimal, tolerates 5.5-7.5

Stand Longevity Tips:

• Maintain proper cutting height (3-4 inches minimum)
• Apply adequate nitrogen after each cutting
• Avoid late fall cutting that weakens winter survival
• Control weeds to reduce competition
• Monitor for pests and diseases
• Renovate or overseed as stand thins after 5-7 years

Why Late Maturity Matters:

Early-maturing orchardgrass varieties head out before alfalfa reaches optimal quality, forcing you to choose between grass quality and legume quality at harvest. Captur's late maturity eliminates this compromise, allowing you to harvest both crops at their nutritional peak. This synchronization results in consistently high-quality forage across all cuttings throughout the season.

DLF Captur Orchardgrass is a product of DLF Pickseed, a global leader in forage breeding and seed production. Captur combines advanced genetics with proven field performance for growers who demand the best in forage quality and stand persistence.

Package Size: 25 kg (55 lbs)