Danko, Rye Seed

Danko Cereal Rye Seed

Premium milling rye with bold European-style baking character
Large plump berries also interest brewers and distillers
Hardy winter growth protects soil through cold months
Strong rye gluten helps artisan loaves hold shape

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Key Attributes

Botanical Name

Secale cereale

Days to maturity

290 Days

Sun

Full Sun

About Danko, Cereal Rye Seed, Cereal Rye Seed

Developed in the mid-1970s by the Polish Plant Breeding Institute in Poznan, Danko Rye was bred specifically for milling high-quality flour used in traditional European-style baking. This hardy winter rye produces large, plump berries that are also prized by brewers and distillers for their rich character and performance as a whole grain. Known for its bold, complex flavor, Danko Rye brings deep, spicy notes and a dense, hearty texture to breads.

Growing details

Planting

Sow Depth

Days to Germination

3–7 days

Row Spacing

Broadcast or Drill

Plant profile

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

72 inches

Growth Habits

Upright

Seed & variety

Seeds Per Ounce

1,075

Seed Type

Open Pollinated

Before Planting

Reserve an open site for Cereal Rye with suitable drainage and soil conditions. Control perennial weeds, remove heavy residue if it will interfere with seeding, and prepare a firm seedbed; use a soil test to correct major deficiencies. Confirm the planting window and termination plan before sowing, especially when the crop could overwinter or reseed.

Planting

Direct sow cereal rye during its recommended seasonal window, when enough growing time remains for establishment. Broadcast or drill seed evenly, then roll or press the area to ensure firm seed-to-soil contact. Keep the surface moist until seedlings establish if rainfall is insufficient. These crops normally form a stand and are not thinned; use the separate seeding-rate guidance to control density.

Watering

Water cereal rye during establishment whenever rainfall is insufficient. Once rooted, field stands generally rely on rainfall; irrigate during prolonged drought only when continued growth is desired, avoiding saturated soil.

Fertilizer

Fertilize cereal rye according to soil-test results and the crop’s purpose. Use nitrogen only when needed for growth, avoiding overapplication that causes lodging, runoff, or excessive residue.

Harvesting

Harvest cereal rye grain when heads and stems turn dry, seeds are hard, and kernels cannot be easily dented. Cut plants before excessive shattering, finish drying if necessary, then thresh and clean.

Tips

Plan how and when cereal rye will be terminated before planting. Mow or incorporate before viable seed develops, and allow residue time to break down before sowing the following crop.

AVG. Seeding Rate

2–3 lb./1,000 sq.ft., 60–150 lb./acre. For late fall sowing, increase the rate to as much as 200 lb./acre.

Pests & Diseases

Ergot, leaf and stem rusts, powdery mildew, and Fusarium head blight can affect cereal rye. Ergot replaces kernels with dark, elongated bodies that are unsafe in food or feed. Use clean seed, mow or control grassy hosts before flowering, rotate small grains, and discard contaminated grain rather than blending it.

Cereal Rye can be injured by armyworms, cutworms, aphids, grasshoppers, wireworms, and birds. Monitor field margins, keep grassy weeds down, rotate the planting area, and protect ripening seed in small plots with netting.