Overview

Grasslands Puna II is a New Zealand bred broad-leaved, perennial forage herb bred from true perennial chicory parents. Puna II has high nutritional quality, producing high yields from spring to late autumn. Extensive animal data has been generated on chicory (much of it on Puna II’s predecessor Grasslands Puna). Grazing evaluations and trials have confirmed Grasslands Puna II’s high dry matter production, improved regrowth after grazing and good persistence.                                                      

• High dry matter production

• A true perennial with good persistence

• Fast regrowth after grazing or cutting

• Semi-erect for better utilisation than Puna.

Sowing Requirements

Chicory should be sown no deeper than 10mm. Seed may be broadcast or direct drilled under favourable conditions.

Spring sowings are recommended, however, early autumn sowing is possible, as long as the chicory has established before going dormant in the cool season.

Chicory combines well with most grasses and clovers and can be added to a pasture mix at 0.5-2 kg/ha.

Chicory stands are established at 4-6 kg/ha (Superstrike® treated seed), with white and/or red clovers at 6-10 kg/ha.

Superstrike® seed treatment is recommended to improve establishment.

Grazing Management

Grasslands Puna II chicory is cool season dormant, but with high growth rates over spring, summer and autumn.

Chicory should be rotationally grazed for best performance and persistence. Hard grazing, particularly after flowering or damage to the crown in wet conditions, will affect
production and persistence.