Rye Secale cereale
Rye (Secale cereale) is an annual grass in the Poaceae family, native to Domesticated in Anatolia and the Near East. It grows 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) tall and 10–20 cm (4–8 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -30 °C (-22 °F). Space plants about 5 cm (2 in) apart.
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Rye at a glance
| Type | Annual grass |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae |
| Mature height | 1–1.8 m (3.3–5.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 10–20 cm (4–8 in) |
| Spacing | 5 cm (2 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -30 °C (-22 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–11 weeks after planting, for 1–2 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 120 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: grain (rye bread, whisky) |
| Native to | Domesticated in Anatolia and the Near East |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇵🇱 Poland, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇸🇪 Sweden, 🇳🇴 Norway, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇳🇱 Netherlands |
Is Rye toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
The grain is safe; ergot (a fungus on rye ears) is highly toxic, so discard any purple-black ergot bodies.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Rye
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Rye
- How far apart should I plant Rye?
- About 5 cm (2 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–20 cm (4–8 in).
- Does Rye need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Rye need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Rye?
- It tolerates about -30 °C (-22 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Rye flower?
- About 9–11 weeks after planting, for 1–2 weeks.
- Is Rye poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. The grain is safe; ergot (a fungus on rye ears) is highly toxic, so discard any purple-black ergot bodies.
- What grows well with Rye?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Rye. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- The hardiest cereal: grows on poor, sandy soils and through hard winters. Usually sown in autumn; a favourite winter cover crop.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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