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Field Crops, Grains & OilseedsTimothy Planting Calendar
Timothy is a cool-season perennial grass that is a common hay species in the northern states and Canada, popular for horse hay.
Key points
- Timothy is a cool-season grass best suited to cool, moist climates.
- No federal planting table exists, so use local extension dates.
- Seed shallow into a firm seedbed in early spring or late summer.
- Cutting stage drives hay quality, so plan timing around your livestock.
What conditions does timothy prefer?
Timothy is a cool-season grass that does best in cool, moist climates and on well-drained to moderately moist soil. It tolerates cold winters well but is less tolerant of heat and drought than some other forage grasses. That is why it is common in the northern states and less so in the South. If you are unsure whether timothy fits your site, ask a local grower how it handles dry summers on their soil, and compare their answer with what extension trials show.
USDA NASS does not publish usual planting dates for timothy, and it lists other hay only by harvest. For seeding dates, rely on your state extension forage guide.
When should you seed timothy?
Like other cool-season grasses, timothy is usually seeded in early spring or late summer. Late summer seeding often has less weed competition, but the seedlings need time to establish before winter. Early spring seeding can work with good weed control, and some growers seed with a small grain companion. Ask your state forage specialist for the dates used in your area.
For example, if your first fall frost usually falls in early October, a late summer seeding made well ahead of that date gives the plants more time to grow. Use your own frost dates to set the cutoff.
- Early spring or late summer, depending on region
- Allow time to establish before winter
- Companion crops add competition
How do you prepare a seedbed?
Timothy seed is very small and should be placed shallow, usually onto a firm, fine seedbed. Deep seeding is a common cause of failure. Check soil pH and fertility with a soil test and follow local recommendations. Timothy tolerates moderately acid soil better than alfalfa, but lime may still be advised for yield.
Weed control matters, since timothy seedlings are slow. Plan before seeding and ask extension about options for your state.
How is timothy hay managed?
Timothy hay quality changes quickly as the plant matures. Extension programs describe stage-based cutting, such as cutting at a particular head stage, to balance yield and quality for your livestock. Horse owners often want hay that is not too stemmy or dusty, and beef producers may want different quality.
Cutting height and rest between cuttings affect regrowth. Ask extension for the schedule that suits your area and whether you can expect more than one cutting.
What does timothy pair with?
Timothy is often seeded with clover or alfalfa. The mix can balance yield and quality, but legumes and grasses mature at different times, which complicates cutting. Timothy and red clover are a classic pairing in some regions because they mature at similar times. Ask your forage specialist what pairs well in your county.
Fertility plans differ between grass-only and mixed stands. Use soil tests and local recommendations.
What should you plan for, and what mistakes should you avoid?
Common mistakes include seeding too deep, seeding too late in fall and cutting too late for quality. Another is expecting timothy to thrive on hot, dry sites where other species fit better. Keep records of seeding date, mix and cutting dates.
Any herbicide or pesticide use follows the label and state licensing rules. Check nutrient management rules where you farm.
- Seeding too deep
- Cutting too late
- Using timothy on hot, dry sites
How can a worked example help you plan a timothy field?
Suppose you want a timothy and red clover hay field for horses, and your first fall frost usually arrives in early October. You might plan a late summer seeding well before that date, on a field that was cleaned up of weeds beforehand. You would test the soil, adjust lime according to local recommendations and prepare a firm, fine seedbed. After seeding, you would watch for weed pressure and avoid cutting or grazing until the stand is established.
This is an example of the method, not a prescription. Your frost date, your soil and your livestock all change the plan. Ask your extension forage specialist what seeding date window and mix have worked in your county, and consider planting a small test block before you commit a whole field.
Record what happens each season. A short log of seeding date, weather, stand density and cutting dates helps you see patterns over several years.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 2026. Educational information, ranges only. Confirm timing with your county extension office.