Triticale: A Versatile Cover Crop for Gardeners

Written By Lara Wadsworth

Triticale is a hybridized grain that some refer to as “The Wonder Grain.” A cross of wheat and rye, it harbors the benefits of both without the disadvantages of either. There are many benefits to triticale as an agricultural crop as well as a cover crop. Let’s dive into when you might not want to use it, who would most want to use it, what other crops to pair with it, and lastly, a brief overview of how to use it.

8 Benefits of Growing a Triticale Cover Crop

Soil Improvement - Triticale’s robust root systems help break up compacted soil, improve soil structure, and enhance water infiltration. In addition, when decomposed back into the soil, it adds necessary organic matter and vital nutrients for future plant life.

Nutrient Retention - This grain is fantastic for preventing the leaching of nutrients, particularly nitrogen. By capturing nutrients in the plant matter, it retains vital compounds that would otherwise get washed away with rainfall or irrigation. Once terminated, it then releases those nutrients back into the soil for the next crop to reap. Therefore, it reduces the amount of fertilizers that might need to be added to the soil in the future!

Erosion Control - The dense growth habit of Triticale locks onto the soil and prevents it from getting washed away from rain or flooding. This is particularly necessary if there is frequent rain during an off-season when a field or garden would otherwise be left fallow.

Weed Suppression - Triticale efficiently suppresses weeds through its quick growth and minor allelopathic properties. This means that it releases a mild chemical that can inhibit the growth of other plants and seeds. It's perfect for preventing empty ground from growing invasive species or other unwanted weeds.

Cold Tolerance - Like its parent, rye, it is very cold and hardy! It is ideal as a winter or cool-season cover crop, as it can survive frosts and grow into early spring.

Forage Value - Farmers often use triticale as a dual-purpose cover crop for livestock foraging. It provides high-quality feed and grazing material, especially early in the spring before other crops are ready to eat.

Biomass Production - Not only can it be eaten by animals, but it can be terminated (see below) and left to decompose back into the soil, thus producing a vast amount of top-quality biomass for the soil. This is ideal for soil regeneration practices and reducing fertilizer use later on.

Pest and Disease Resistance - Triticale is also widely known and loved for its resistance to pests and diseases that tend to be attracted to other cereal grains. This means fewer pesticides are used, reducing costs for gardeners and farmers and allowing the soil microbiome to truly flourish.

When to Avoid Growing Triticale Cover Crops

Drought - While triticale is a hardy crop and drought tolerant, it performs dramatically better with enough water. If you farm or garden in an area with consistent droughts and no irrigation, perhaps look into buckwheat or hairy vetch instead. Where adding biomass back into the soil is a priority when growing a cover crop, it is best to grow with natural spring runoff, rain, or irrigation.

Not Enough Time - After it dies back or is terminated, the thick residue of plant matter can sometimes interfere with planting other crops if the timelines don’t line up. While this isn’t necessarily a reason not to use triticale, it is just something to be aware of when planning out your year. To avoid issues, allow enough time for the plant matter to break down before planting your garden. Triticale needs a minimum of 6 weeks to grow and a minimum of 2-3 weeks between termination and planting the next crop. As mentioned above, if you have a specific date on which you need something else planted, plan ahead to make it happen!

Is Triticale for Gardeners or Farmers?

The answer is BOTH! Home Gardeners can use triticale to improve soil health in the off-season. It is particularly useful in larger home gardens or even raised beds where managing soil health and preventing erosion are critical. Farmers with farms of all sizes, particularly those using no-till systems or raising livestock, will benefit the most from Triticale. Its ability to serve as both a cover crop and a forage crop is especially appealing.

Who would benefit most from using Triticale?

Regenerative Farmers - Farmers who focus on soil health, organic matter, nutrient cycling, and no-till systems should be particularly interested in incorporating triticale into their farming routines.

Organic Gardeners - Those looking to minimize chemical use, such as fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, in their home or commercial gardens should also consider using triticale in the off-season.

Livestock Producers - Owners of cows, horses, sheep, and other livestock that need forage would also benefit significantly from triticale. The crop's dual nature and benefits are hard to overlook.

Creating Cover Crop Mixes With Triticale

Cover crop pairing is a major way to get the most out of a cover crop system. Combining 2 or 3 cover crop seeds allows you to reap the benefits of all of them together. Triticale pairs well with legumes (for the nitrogen fixation properties) such as hairy vetch, field peas, and crimson clover. It also would make sense to pair it with radishes such as daikon radishes (for the deep taproots), winter rye, or oats.

How to Grow a Triticale Cover Crop

Fall or Spring - Triticale can be planted at two separate times: Fall or Spring. For overwintering, It is best to sow in the fall, about six weeks before the first frost is expected. This gives the grass time to establish before winter. It can also be planted in early spring or late winter, especially in mild winters, although it may not provide as much weed suppression or biomass for the growing season. It can tolerate light frosts!

Growing Instructions - Seed the triticale at about 2-4 lb per 1000 sq. ft. or 40-60 lbs per-acre. When planting as a cover crop, broadcast the seeds and lightly tamp them down. To grow as a grain or for hay, sow/drill 0.5 inches deep in the late fall to early spring and harvest in the summer and fall.

Maintenance - Triticale is drought tolerant, but not until it is established. Throughout it’s life it benefits the most from consistent irrigation but most especially in it’s early life and germination stage. Don’t worry about weeding around it or fertilizing it!

Termination - Killing it is easy! You can mow it, till it, or use a roller or crimper. Mow it down just when it starts flowering (6-8 weeks after germination) in the spring. For gardeners or farmers using tillage, tilling in triticale after mowing or before seed production can help incorporate its nutrients into the soil. For no-till operations, rolling/crimping is a mechanical way to terminate triticale by flattening it and breaking its stems. This is effective when it’s at the flowering stage. You can also, of course, use herbicies to kill it, but this is not recommended and not usually necessary if one of the other options is possible.

In conclusion, triticale is an incredibly versatile crop with numerous benefits including improving soil health, nutrient retention, erosion control, weed suppression, cold tolerance, forage, biomass production, and pest and disease resistance. It is a great choice for a wide range of gardeners and farmers in many different climates and growing zones. This hardy grain is quickly becoming a favorite among growers! Join the party this year by adding a triticale cover crop as part of your yearly cycle.

Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

I am a native of Southwestern Michigan, where I also reside, and I love all things plants! I got a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture and found the first work-from-home job I could get. Now, I spend my days writing for TLM, playing with my dog, eating delicious food with my husband, and plotting my next landscape or gardening move. I believe everyone should get down and dirty in the soil now and then. Happy Gardening!