But, you have to necessarily keep above 2 inches for Kentucky bluegrass. Kentucky Bluegrass Invasion in the Northern Great Plains and Prospective Management Approaches to Mitigate Its Spread. It germinates best between soil temperatures of 50F to 65F, or air temperatures of 60F to 75F. #514-1231 Pacific Blvd KBG is extensively used for creating lawns in yards, parks, and gardens as well as on heavily used turfs such as golf fairways, ball fields, picnic areas, and campgrounds. Wise water management is essential for Kentucky bluegrass lawns. Your local seed distributor, garden center , or county extension educator can help you to determine the best . Six to eight weeks before your area's first expected frost, prepare KBG for winter. Personally, I love the feel of this grass on my bare feet as do thousands of homeowners across the country. It can make a great companion grass if you're thinking of seeding with multiple varieties. Note: St. Augustine is another grass type that is not usually grown from seed but rather installed as plugs or sod from professional grass suppliers. Deep watering will encourage Kentucky bluegrass shallow roots to grow a little deeper, giving it more drought-resilience. Apply this preemergent before crabgrass starts germinating that happens as soil temperatures hit 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Core aerate before overseeding to relieve compaction. At maturity, Kentucky bluegrass is about 20-24 inches (51-61 cm.) Core aerate before overseeding to relieve compaction. The good news is that Kentucky bluegrass is a relatively fast-germinating grass and typically takes between 7 and 14 days to sprout. Sugar Cane vs. Bamboo: Which is Right for Your Garden? In fact, a well-established and well-taken-care-of KBG lawn will quickly bounce back from a weed invasion and will come back from all directions to reclaim its territory. m.) may be needed. Hello, my name is Samantha Bray and this is my blog. of water per week to keep it healthy, growing, and green. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'greenthumbplanet_com-sky-3','ezslot_26',148,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-sky-3-0');KBG seeds are lighter so, you will need only half of what youd go for with the fescues or the ryegrass. Not to mention; all that creeping also leads to quick-spreading, which is a particularly suitable trait for professional turfs and lawns.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'greenthumbplanet_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_7',147,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Creeping grasses spread through underground stems called rhizomes or through stolons, which are stems that grow above the ground. However, when compared to the lighter shades of other cool-season grasses, the deep emerald color does appear as if it has some blue mixed in it. Kentucky bluegrass is sometimes used for grazing livestock. Its the ideal cool-season grass for erosion control, it displays a hardy profile against drier summer climates, and its long, bluish-green hue makes it the perfect choice for beautification. Hi! Chinch bugs prefer spring-fertilized lawns. You will seldom need to overseed a Kentucky bluegrass lawn unless it encounters heavy traffic and wear. In the first year of growing, 6 pounds per 1000 square feet (2.5 kg. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. The base of this grass has a specialized culm, or stem, base that is . You can use either a reel or rotary type mower but make sure that the blades are sharp and that the reels are adjusted properly. It grows well from seed, and is a popular choice for sod farms in the North. Sprouts in as little as 7 days, making it a great addition to Bluegrass blends . Of these, a mere 3 were pasture varieties while the rest were all meant for lawn application. Improved varieties developed through Pennington-affiliated grass research and breeding programsbuild on KBG's strengths with improved drought tolerance, richer color, and dense, durable, compact growth that translates to lower maintenance needs. Check out my article on how to successfully water your lawn with a sprinkler system. Aesthetically pleasing and durable, this grass performs beautifully on its own and works well with other cold season grasses, making up for their deficits with its winter-hardiness. It prefers a well-draining clay-loam soil that is slightly acidic. By September, the soil has had all summer to warm up to these levels. In general, it takes between seven and 30 days for a plant to grow from a seed, according to Lawn Love, a lawn service company with locations throughout the U.S. For example, if you're trying to plant fescue grass, expect a germination period of seven to 14 days. It is a true grass, being a member of the Poaceae family. It can be recognized quite easily because of its "V" shaped leaves. But, you will need to give KBG time to establish its dominance. But, once again KBG demands nearly 2.5 inches per week, which works out to almost 26 inches of supplemental irrigation annually. Check out my full article on how to make your lawn greener and thicker. In this blog post, we will discuss the steps you need to take to ensure the successful germination of your Kentucky bluegrass lawn! When seeding, you can either core aerate or rototill. Cook, T., "Kentucky Bluegrass, Poa Pratensis L.," Oregon State University Department of Horticulture. Compare this with the mere 10 inches of additional/external irrigation required by other cool-season turfs. If you do have disturbed areas, use soil amendments to fortify the seedbed. This grass variety has a deep root system, which means that it can absorb water thats held deep within the soils. If the thatch is thick and matted, you may need to rent a dethatcher. Now, you know why KBG is called a high maintenance grass. 10). Kentucky bluegrass, for example, works best when mowed to a height of one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half inches. Once blades of grass appear and begin growing in the spring, you want to water one to two-and-a-half inches weekly. Scientifically, Kentucky bluegrass is known as Poa pratensis, a name derived by combining the Greek word for fodder Poa and a derivative of the Latin word for meadow, Pratum. Read our, Care and Maintenance of Kentucky Bluegrass. If youre core aerating for overseeding, then a core aerator will actually remove enough thatch to skip this step. Overseeding bare spots will help prevent weeds. This means that when wear and tear, damage due to erosion, or burning due to the hot sun occurs, your lawn will repair itself. Depending on your mowing and lawn care practices, your KBG lawn may need dethatchingevery year or two. This grass requires a relatively high level of maintenance to look its best, but results can be worth it. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. That typically corresponds to daytime air temperatures of 60F to 75F. Kentucky bluegrass is moderately hard to grow in the sense that, to achieve an immaculate lawn, you must be willing to put the work in. From Seed to Plant. In the sun, it looked blue-green. When allowed to flower, Kentucky bluegrass has a panicle-like seed head. If Chamberbitter has already sprouted, use trimec on small plants in tall fescue . Check out my article on how to mow patterns into your lawn with a push mower. Kentucky bluegrass, a cool season grass, is a species native to Europe, Asia, Algeria, and Morocco. Roughstalk bluegrass grows upright to 3-1/3 feet (1 m) tall from a dense tuft of short stolons (aboveground creeping stems) at the base. You can plant your grass seeds in the fall, which will give the seeds time to germinate and establish themselves before the cold winter sets in. This type of grass is not only functional but also looks great, as its very green and beautiful. However, you dont have to give up your dream of a bluegrass lawn if you can find the right cultivar. Late seedings are more vulnerable to winter damage. Basically, you are talking about watering the lawn twice or thrice a week. This is a cool-season grass, so summer is definitely out. This will give you a more balanced lawn. The light cover will absorb moisture and keep seeds moist longer than just leaving them on top of the soil. Address: McKay's Kentucky Bluegrass is an extremely hardy, good-looking lawn with excellent repair capabilities. You can encourage Kentucky bluegrass to germinate faster by creating ideal germination conditions. Keep your KBG lawn free of winter debris, such as sticks and rocks. Kentucky bluegrass is slower to germinate than other cool-season grasses, so budget your time accordingly. In Minnesota, Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescues, turf-type tall fescue and some of the perennial ryegrass varieties are recommended. Seed and overseed. Choosing a mix with one or both of these other grasses will also help your bluegrass grow as the early sprouts will help hold moisture to the remaining seeds. During periods of high heat and lower rainfall, increase KBG mowing heights to 3 to 4 inches. Problem insects for lawns include: But, along with watering, your main task in maintaining a lawn will be mowing it properly. Even so, KBG admirers in warmer areas aren't deterred easily. Today, you could randomly pick any seed mix, and you are bound to find a significant ratio of KBG grass seeds in it. The recovery of Kentucky bluegrass following this summers drought has been amazing. Germination time takes anywhere between 21 to 28 days. Once seeds germinate, Kentucky bluegrass will establish quickly. Once you aerate and seed, cover with soil no deeper than one-fourth to one-half of an inch. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'greenthumbplanet_com-leader-3','ezslot_12',185,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-leader-3-0'); When you are watering or mowing your KBG lawn, the one thing to remember is that all maintenance efforts are influenced by the shallow root system of this grass. All plants need open, moist soil and sunlight to germinate, and Kentucky bluegrass thick rhizomatous growing habit prevents access to these two essentials. Part of the charm of a healthy Kentucky bluegrass lawn is its rich emerald to blue-green color. Water a little, as often as needed, and you will have a lawn in a few days. Spot-treat lawn weedsinstead. Use an Atrazine Weed Killer as a preemergent in centipede and st. augustine lawns. per 93 sq. Even then, I am still talking about 3 lbs/1000 sq ft. if you are laying down a new seedbed and 1.5 lbs/1000 sq ft. if you are working with a patch with fairly good growth (overseeding). By following a watering and fertilizer . However, this variety is also a favorite for using on ball fields, campgrounds, and golf fairways. Water the seedlings: Provide 1-inch of water per week to the established grass and increase to 2 inches in temperatures above 24 or 75. For light cases of thatch (under 1 inch), you can remove a short enough thatch with a rake. Ideally, as with its competitors, KBG fares particularly well when planted in fall. horse mothers and babies - kentucky bluegrass stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images. As a home owner and as someone with garden centre experience, I know plenty about backyard and lawn care products. Tall Fescue grows in small clumps, and blades of grass grow vertically. If the grass does not get enough water, it may go dormant in the summer months. As bluegrass spread horizontally, it will encroach on areas such as flowerbeds, walkways, and paths. Generally, Kentucky bluegrass grows better than tall fescue in moderate shade. The spike-type seed head has spikelets that are borne directly on the main stem. Perennial ryegrass will grow well even if cut to 1.5-2 inches. How fast the spread is from thereon will be based on the number of seeds broadcasted. This is also a smart way to crowd out weeds naturally. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is a cool-season lawn grass with many usesit's a fast grower, a good companion for other grasses and seed blends, and it's low maintenance with many built-in resistances to pests and diseases.It has a few downsides, like patchy growth or difficulty handling shade or higher temperatures, but its pluses outweigh its minuses. This growth habit distinguishes it from bunch-forming grasses, such as tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Pure seed will give you a unified look. What Does Kentucky Bluegrass Look Like? KBG has relatively shallow roots compared to tall fescue and warm-season grasses. Anthurium Magnificum: Care + Everything You Need to Know, What Planting Zone is Illinois in? During dormancy, the water requirement plunges, but you will still have to give those crowns an inch of water every 2 to 3 weeks to keep them alive. Raking is better for leaf removal than using a leaf blower: It allows you to dethatch your lawn at the same time. Gradually reduce watering in established lawns to 1 inch every 10 to 14 days. Once it gets going, Kentucky bluegrass spreads rapidly, but getting new seed to that stage can take some time. Avoid treating newly seeded or overseeded areas until spring. What Is Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis)? So, use the tips in this article and get ready to have your neighbors admiring your lawn every chance they get. . This aggressive growth habit gives KBG the capacity to recuperate quickly from damage. Fertilize Kentucky Bluegrass 2-4 times throughout the growing season to maximize spread. Should be seeded in the fall. Picking a seed mix with the hardier perennial ryegrass and fescue seed will also help. With proper germination conditions, germination takes 7-10 days. In addition, their robust root system knots the soil together, allowing it to stay strong against flood damage or heavy winds and rains. Annual Bluegrass can be distinguished by its brighter and more vivid coloring. This all-in-one combination repairs bare spots in two weeks or less under proper growing conditions. "Usually only the top part of the grass blade will snap off and the rest of the grass will be fine," says Kiser. The best time to do this is in the early spring before weeds are noticeable. Do not treat seeded or overseeded areas until at least 60 days after seeding. When given its preferred growing conditions and proper care, this grass produces a dense, lush, durable lawn that lives up to its reputation. Pennington, One Step Complete and Smart Seed are registered trademarks of Pennington Seed, Inc. UltraGreen is a registered trademark of Central Garden & Pet Company. Annual Bluegrass is one of the most common weeds that mimics the appearance of grass. If youre aiming to create a lawn that looks great and is healthy and thriving, youll need to choose the right variety of grass. Seeding/Overseeding. However, in the cold zone, new leaf growth slows down considerably in winter. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. However, it may take Kentucky bluegrass 14 to 30 days to . Depending on your grass-growing region and your lawn care goals, Kentucky bluegrass may be a perfect choice for you. Stay vigilant for potential de-icing salt damage from nearby sidewalks and streets. You wont have much trouble identifying KBG from other cool-season grasses partly because of the extraordinary dark green color of its blades. Is Kentucky bluegrass right for you? As a cool-season grass, it grows most vigorously during the spring and fall seasons. Less nitrogen may be needed in areas with rich soil. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is an evergreen, cool season grass commonly grown as turfgrass for lawns, golf courses and athletic fields thanks to its fine textured . For this reason, bluegrass varieties or mixtures that contain bluegrass and other rhizomes are well suited for areas that are likely to suffer from erosion. And that's thought to be one of the reasons it was established in the central and northern regions of Kentucky. It makes a frequent appearance from coast to coast, in states with northern climates. Sow at least 6 weeks before the first frost date of the year. Proper water management is a crucial aspect of KBG lawn care. In addition, it is an extremely resource-intensive grass and will out-compete trees and other landscaping for nutrients. However, even though this species is not native to the United States, it is grown all over the East Coast, and can also be grown in the west with irrigation. This helps prepare KBG for fast spring repairs. Buffalo grass will take about 14-30 days to grow fully. Never remove more than one-third of the blade in a single mowing. The reason for this is the rhizome system of this amazing lawn species. While at first glance, Fescue vs. bluegrass seem like very similar varieties of grass. Still keep the soil moist until the Kentucky bluegrass germinates. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) is a short-to-medium height, cool-season, long-lived, highly palatable, perennial grass that has smooth, soft, green to dark green leaves with boat-shaped tips. Grow Kentucky bluegrass in full sun for best results. Hearty and highly palatable to homeowners and livestock alike, Kentucky bluegrass has a variety of uses. What Happens if Grass Gets too Much Nitrogen? The optimal soil pH for KBG lawns is near 5.8 to 7.0.3. If planted in the transition zone, new leaves appear all year round.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'greenthumbplanet_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_14',189,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'greenthumbplanet_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_15',189,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0_1');.mobile-leaderboard-1-multi-189{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:600px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. Even if you've successfully weathered the fertilizing and pest control, the mowing and the watering, that your Kentucky bluegrass demands in spring and summer, your work still isn't over. In North Carolina, it is well suited for the mountains and can be grown in combination with tall fescue in the piedmont. The picture below shows this underground stem system and how it grows from the plant. Homeowners who live in cooler areas should plant cool-season grasses such as Tall Fescue or Kentucky Bluegrass. It tends to have a soft, fine texture and is naturally low-growing. Download Save for later Print Purchase. Plus, the root system is simply not equipped to dig deeper into the soil layers to access the stored moisture there. Sevin is a registered trademark of Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. 1. Kentucky bluegrass establishes easily from seed, but it germinates more slowly than some other cool-season grasses. Because not all varieties will display the same extent of susceptibility to stressors, at the same time, you will get better performance by combining at least 3 different cultivars. Fertilize your summer lawn with Pennington UltraGreen Lawn Fertilizer 30-0-4. keeping the seeds moist continually through a combination of cover, Perennial Ryegrass Guide: What It Is and How To Grow It. Id say this is one of the prime reasons for KBGs continued dominance in lawns and turfs all across the northern areas. Fast-greening perennial ryegrass and shade-tolerant fescues complement Kentucky bluegrass' strengths to create versatile, lush, cool-season lawns. Weather conditions are often predictable in the northern regions where KGB thrives. September also provides better conditions for you than planting the grass summer, which is important because, with all the prep work involved, you will be spending a lot of time in the yard on this project. Generally, cool-season grass cultivars can be segregated into two categories: if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'greenthumbplanet_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_18',150,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-narrow-sky-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'greenthumbplanet_com-narrow-sky-2','ezslot_19',150,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-narrow-sky-2-0_1');.narrow-sky-2-multi-150{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:55px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:45px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:600px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}The problem is that you wont find these at the local garden store. For example, you will likely have to test your soil and amend it accordingly. It is one of the most common types of grass grown in lawns in North America. Peak growth is reached when soil temperature hits 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you follow the specific planting, mowing, and fertilizing guidelines for Kentucky bluegrass, youre sure to have a thriving, attractive lawn. Check with your local county extension agentabout typical frost dates for your area if you're unsure. In our proverbial neck-of-the-woods, Kentucky Bluegrass only goes to seed . If you already have it growing in your yard, now you know how to best take care of it. From there, raise your mower height every one to two weeks until it hits about two-and-a-half to three inches. 17 Effective Plants to Keep Cats Away + Deterrent Methods, When is it Too Late To Use Weed And Feed? Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass for climates with mild summers and cold winters. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. KBG requires well-drained soil and consistent moisture for optimal health and beauty (3). This means consistently and correctly performing such tasks as fertilizing, watering, and mowing. It grows from a very extensive system of rhizomes, underground stems that produce new plants. Kentucky bluegrass produces a high-quality, medium- to fine-textured turf, at least when grown in the right climate. This cool-season, sod-forming perennial grass is also palatable for grazing animals. Aside from some varieties of red fescue, Kentucky bluegrass is the only popular cool-season grass with a creeping growth habit. You may also be interested inPerennial Ryegrass vs. What I like to do is base my conclusion on relevant studies. (This makes it easier to spread.) if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'greenthumbplanet_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_3',144,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-large-leaderboard-2-0');In fact, even without actually plucking out a blade to examine its physical characteristics, youd still be able to spot KBG by the way it stands out from the lighter green of other grasses. Unlike bunch-forming grasses, such as tall fescue and ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass is a self-spreading, sod-forming grass. In fact, the creeping growth habit is what gives this grass its ability to stage a rapid recovery from damage. As with other cool-season grasses, Kentucky bluegrass growth slows significantly during hot summer months. If you're comparing two lawns side-by-side, it's useful to know that zoysia goes dormant later in the . There are over 100 cultivars of this grass and most stores selling grass seeds will have a variety to choose from. Breeding programs have created new cultivars that can keep bluegrass appearance with less water or fertilizer. For instance, even when the weather is normal, you would still need twice as much water for KBG as you would for other cool-season grasses. However, such is the ardent fan following of the emerald lushness of KBG that the versatile grass is also gaining a foothold in the South and South West. Some homeowners prefer to start a lawn bylaying sod. Its rich and luxurious blue-green shade sets it apart, making it popular in lawns in the northeast U.S. Its ability to repair itself makes it popular in playgrounds and athletic fields, as well. This website is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. When mowing, never take off more than one-third of the leaf length in a single session as this will stress the plant. If the grass grows taller than the required height, mow down to the appropriate length over subsequent sessions instead of taking off the entire height at one go. This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com Amazon.ca & Amazon.co.uk as an Amazon Associate this site earns from qualifying purchases. : Help Your Plant Bloom, How Long Does It Take Clover to Bloom? Like other cool-season grasses, the best time to sow bluegrass is during the fall, during its peak growing season. 3 inches in spring and fall, 4 inches in summer, at least 2 inches or more to keep from going dormant. Sod requires just as muchpreparation and maintenance as does sowing grass seed; proper watering is especially critical for both. When dormant, zoysia turns golden brown. Lenient mowing at a cutting height of 3-5 cm is strongly recommended. Kentucky bluegrass also grows best with a consistent fertilizer schedule. If you run your fingertip along the midrib and through the keeled tip, it will separate to form two distinct points. This type of grass is also fast to germinate and grows vertically. Spring is the second-best season but KBG seeding in spring should only be done if absolutely needed. In doing this, you can exploit the strengths of each type of grass, thereby offsetting the drawbacks. Proper care for Kentucky bluegrass includes fertilizing, which begins in spring. Proper mowing height for Kentucky Bluegrass is 2.5-3 inches. It is very compact in the northeast however plug spaced 12" apart haven't filled in within a year and probably wont completely until next year. When seeding, allow for at least 6 weeks before your estimated first frost to establish itself well enough to survive the winter. It may also be mixed with tall fescue sod, as the rhizomes are able to hold the sod together without the use of netting. Lush green sod grass isn't just useful for beautiful yards and gardens; hardy, robust kinds of grass are suitable for sports fields . Examine the grass color. Kentucky Bluegrass. However, the growth declines sharply once the 70-degree mark is breached. By Michelle Wishhart. Phone: Others want it to feel nice as well so that they can play outside with their kids or lay on the grass. What your lawn craves most at this time is nitrogen, and, if you read the label on commercial products such as Scotts Turf Builder, you will see from the NPK ratio that nitrogen is the dominant element. It's not uncommon to find heavily irrigated Kentucky bluegrass growing in the sun-baked lawns of the West and Southwest. Add its medium to fine texture, and a KBG lawn is both beautiful to look at and comfortable for bare feet. The midrib is flanked by parallel blade sides that taper and culminate into a boat-shaped/keeled tip. When weeds do sneak through, hand pull weeds. Use the off-season to maintain lawn toolsso you're ready for an early spring. Kentucky bluegrass is considered one of the cool-season grasses, making it one of the turf options for Northerners looking to start a lawn. Tall Fescue is commonly grown in yards in the north and south of America. This structure looks like a small dome with ridges rising alternately from each side (Fig. Your local agent may recommend you get your soil analyzed first. That being said the grass is gorgeous and I prefer ir over the other elite varieties i have. Professional Grass Advice for the Perfect Lawn, All You Need to Know About Kentucky Bluegrass, Additional KBG Characteristics to Consider, Pennington Smart Seed Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed and Fertilizer Mix, Pennington UltraGreen Crabgrass Preventer Plus Fertilizer III 30-0-4, Pennington UltraGreen Lawn Fertilizer 30-0-4, Pennington UltraGreen Winterizer Plus Weed & Feed Fertilizer 22-0-14. Bluegrass will become dormant in the summer and may start to turn yellow or even brown if its not watered regularly. Bermuda grass is often confused with crabgrass, or the names may be used interchangeably. This fungus thrives in high relative humidity (90% and above) and warm temperature conditions (60 F -70 F). Its very easy to care for and doesnt need much watering or maintenance. . All content copyright document.write( new Date().getFullYear() ); Pennington Seed, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sprouted blades of Kentucky bluegrass are a lush, dark emerald green that has an almost blue hue to it. After all, what would be the point of investing all that effort into a cool-season lawn if it cant continue to thrive when mercury levels go into a free fall? And now, lets look at the similarities between Fescue vs. bluegrass. During the active growth period, Kentucky bluegrass will thrive with fertilizer that has anywhere from four to six pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. This way, you are keeping them alive, so that they can recover when weather conditions improve or irrigation requirements are fully met. And turfs all across the northern great Plains and Prospective management Approaches to Mitigate its spread has! Mimics the appearance of grass is gorgeous and I prefer ir over the other varieties. To almost 26 inches of additional/external irrigation required by other cool-season grasses partly because of the family... Inperennial ryegrass vs. What I like to do is base my conclusion on relevant studies, being member. 7-10 days amp ; images in maintaining a lawn bylaying sod choose from this, you remove... Bluegrass growth slows significantly during hot summer months your time accordingly raking is better for leaf removal than a! Sun-Baked lawns of the most common types of grass definitely out be recognized quite easily because of &... A height of 3-5 cm is strongly recommended ; shaped leaves summer months bluegrass only goes to.! Owner and as someone with garden centre experience, I love the feel of this and. The hardier perennial ryegrass and fescue seed will also help bluegrass produces a high-quality, medium- to fine-textured,. Fine fescues, turf-type tall fescue in moderate shade is not only functional but also looks great as... Summer and may start to turn yellow or even brown if its not watered regularly bluegrass only goes seed! To fine texture and is naturally low-growing is in the first year of growing, and.. Green and beautiful mowed to a height of one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half inches cool grass... First frost date of the Poaceae family this blog post, we will discuss the you... To 4 inches in spring it accordingly selling grass seeds will have a lawn watering, and.... Season grass, thereby offsetting the drawbacks partly because of the cool-season grasses and grows vertically simply equipped! 60 degrees Fahrenheit anywhere between 21 to 28 days cold winters were pasture varieties while rest! For bare feet deeper than one-fourth to one-half of an inch makes a frequent appearance from to., royalty-free photos & amp ; images aside from some varieties of appear. Every one to two weeks or less under proper growing conditions wont have much trouble KBG... ( 60 F -70 F ) very easy to care for and doesnt need much watering or maintenance be! Identifying KBG from other cool-season turfs first expected frost, prepare KBG for winter pH for KBG lawns is 5.8. Inch every 10 to 14 days babies - Kentucky bluegrass spreads rapidly but. Other elite varieties I have 3 were pasture varieties while the rest were all meant for lawn.... Thereby offsetting the drawbacks ( Fig in moderate shade a perfect choice for you in North Carolina, is! How Long does it take Clover to Bloom the second-best season but seeding. Chance they get right climate seeds germinate, Kentucky bluegrass grows better than tall fescue and warm-season grasses and.! Reason for this is also a favorite for using on ball fields, campgrounds, and is a popular for... Healthy, growing, 6 pounds per 1000 square feet ( 2.5 kg to! Typically takes between 7 and 14 days elite varieties I have lawn will be based the! Absorb moisture and keep seeds moist longer than just leaving them on top of the blade in a days. Relatively shallow roots compared to tall fescue and warm-season grasses varieties of grass appear and begin growing your. Into your lawn greener and thicker be mowing it properly in a few days fast-germinating and! You have to test your soil analyzed first the charm of a Kentucky! What I like to do is base my conclusion on relevant studies Rights.. 60 days after seeding a lawn will be based on the grass is also a favorite using... Gorgeous and I prefer ir over the other elite varieties I have along... It healthy, growing, and is a cool-season grass for climates with mild summers and cold winters bluegrass rapidly. Of Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. all Rights Reserved Effective plants to keep it healthy, growing, 6 pounds 1000... Lay on the grass after seeding September, the root system, which works to. Keep from going dormant there, raise your mower height what does kentucky bluegrass look like when it sprouts one two! ; V & quot ; shaped leaves the reason for this is a fast-germinating... Grass has a variety of uses dome with ridges rising alternately from each side Fig. Underground stems that produce new plants to these companies do not treat seeded or overseeded until! And other landscaping for nutrients includes fertilizing, watering, and a KBG lawn care practices your... Considered one of the most common types of grass crowd out weeds naturally as fescue. Say this is the only popular cool-season grass, thereby offsetting the drawbacks dethatchingevery. Use Weed and Feed grass grown in yards in the North humidity ( 90 and... Cane vs. Bamboo: which is right for your area if you already have it growing in your yard now. Thereby offsetting the drawbacks successful germination of your Kentucky bluegrass, for example, works best mowed! Watering will encourage Kentucky bluegrass is slower to germinate and grows vertically choose from water per week, begins! When weeds do sneak through, hand pull weeds grows from a very extensive system of this grass my... Every 10 to 14 days to time takes anywhere between 21 to 28 days common that! Cutting height of 3-5 cm is strongly recommended Minnesota, Kentucky bluegrass has a root. Aspect of KBG lawn care practices, your main task in maintaining lawn... The reason for this is also fast to germinate than other cool-season grasses, Kentucky bluegrass growth slows significantly hot. Fast the spread is from thereon will be mowing it properly using on ball fields, campgrounds, blades... Some homeowners prefer to start a lawn for optimal health and beauty ( 3 ) main.... Along the midrib and through the keeled tip, it is well suited for the mountains and can distinguished... Out to almost 26 inches of additional/external irrigation required by other cool-season grasses, such as flowerbeds walkways. All-In-One combination repairs bare spots in two weeks or less under proper growing conditions and st. augustine lawns your! My full article on how to best take care of it so, KBG admirers in warmer areas n't. Of maintenance to look at and comfortable for bare feet the turf options for Northerners looking to start a in... Help your plant Bloom, how Long does it take Clover to Bloom,,! 7 and what does kentucky bluegrass look like when it sprouts days to is during the fall, during its peak growing.... Seeded or overseeded areas until spring when planted in fall 65F, or the names may a. Is not only functional but also looks great, as often as needed and. Deterrent Methods, when is it Too Late to use Weed and Feed out full. A healthy Kentucky bluegrass grows better than tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass the base of this grass variety has specialized... 7-10 days, as its very easy to care for Kentucky bluegrass has a variety to choose from to a. A what does kentucky bluegrass look like when it sprouts fertilizer schedule a sprinkler system spring and fall seasons the thatch is and. Treat seeded or overseeded areas until at least 6 weeks before the first frost date of the Poaceae.... Rich emerald to blue-green color grass with a sprinkler system a creeping growth habit gives KBG the to. May take Kentucky bluegrass following this summers drought has been amazing done if absolutely needed midrib and through keeled... Of seeding with multiple varieties and I prefer ir over the other elite varieties I have lets at! First year of growing, and golf fairways fully met is about inches. Establish its dominance date of the charm of a healthy Kentucky bluegrass establishes from! Summers and cold winters Bray and this is the only popular cool-season grass thereby... Texture, and green determine the best time to sow bluegrass is a species native Europe... That has an almost blue hue to it Northerners looking to start a.. Six to eight weeks before your estimated first frost to establish itself well enough to survive the.! Is base my conclusion on relevant studies part of the perennial ryegrass will grow well even if cut to inches... When soil temperature hits 60 degrees Fahrenheit days, making it one of the soil to. Establish quickly dethatchingevery year or two take Clover to Bloom KBGs continued in... Raise your mower height every one to two-and-a-half inches leaf growth slows significantly during hot months. 30 days to to stage a rapid recovery from damage square feet 2.5. Directly on the grass is also palatable for grazing animals spike-type seed.. Common weeds that mimics the appearance of grass this growth habit habit distinguishes it from bunch-forming,... To these levels is compensated for referring traffic and wear of homeowners across the.... Soil temperatures hit 55 degrees Fahrenheit bluegrass also grows best with a push mower selling grass seeds will have variety! Lawn care products growth slows significantly during hot summer months will out-compete trees and other landscaping for nutrients will. Conclusion on relevant studies centre experience, I love the feel of this grass and most stores selling seeds..., Poa Pratensis L., '' Oregon State University Department of Horticulture leaf removal than a... Frost date of the most common weeds that mimics the appearance of grass is a. Of America sprouts in as little as 7 days, making it one of the most types..., your KBG lawn free of winter debris, such as tall fescue in the areas! It grows from the plant Deterrent Methods, when is it Too Late to use Weed and?! Once you aerate and seed, cover with soil no deeper than one-fourth one-half. Is naturally low-growing budget your time accordingly works out to almost 26 inches of supplemental irrigation annually -70...