Sale ends 4/25. However, it comes with high costs and high maintenance. Later in the fall, you will need to rake fallen leaves off your lawn. Warm summers and cold winters work best with its natural growth cycle. tall. This is because of its nature of forming a heavy mat-like smooth texture, making it suitable for golfing areas. Below are some things to consider when trying to figure out what does bluegrass look like. Zoysia grass also makes for a durable lawn as it is resistant to weeds, insects, and diseases that would be bad news for other types of grass. 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. Seeding/Overseeding. Although its a cool-season grass, it doesnt like to grow in the full sun, but unlike tall Fescue, it isnt as tolerant of hot weather and will suffer during a drought. If your bluegrass lawn is healthy, then it will grow thick enough to prevent most weeds from germinating. Since seed would successfully germinate, Kentucky Bluegrass naturally produces it, thus the weedy appearance. Characteristics. Some varieties susceptible to heat and drought. Hello, my name is Samantha Bray and this is my blog. Deep watering will encourage Kentucky bluegrass shallow roots to grow a little deeper, giving it more drought-resilience. McKay's Kentucky Bluegrass is a cool season bunch type grass, which also has a unique trait of growing underground . However, it does not grow well in deep . if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'greenthumbplanet_com-box-4','ezslot_11',142,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-box-4-0');It has one of the longest germination times of all cool-season grasses. Step 1. Old post but I got some because I was intrigued. This will increase the germination rates. Apply fertiliser in both spring and early autumn (but not in summer when it is under high temperature stress). Kentucky bluegrass, for example, works best when mowed to a height of one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half inches. It also requires a lot of water and full sun, so it grows best in places with abundant rainfall and sunny days. Proper water management is a crucial aspect of KBG lawn care. Till in organic matter such as black topsoil, compost, shredded yard waste (leaves, grass clippings, etc.) Establishes easily from seed once germinated, Low tolerance to heat, shade, salt, insects, and disease. Patton, A. and Boyd J., "Choosing a Grass for Arkansas Lawns," University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension. 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. Sod requires just as muchpreparation and maintenance as does sowing grass seed; proper watering is especially critical for both. Bluegrass. This cool-season, sod-forming perennial grass is also palatable for grazing animals. Sprinkle the seed on top of the sand (or compost) and let it dry for 30- 60 minutes. Kentucky bluegrass produces a high-quality, medium- to fine-textured turf, at least when grown in the right climate. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'greenthumbplanet_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',146,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Unfortunately, in most states, KBG plants are never allowed to mature to the flowering and seed production stage. In the sun, it looked blue-green. Depending on the growth rate and age of your lawn, you may have to dethatch first. Now, you know why KBG is called a high maintenance grass. Legend has it that when early settlers looked out on the fields of Poa pratensis in Central Kentucky, the seed heads took on a purplish hue. Kentucky Bluegrass needs to be moderately watered regularly. McKay's Kentucky Bluegrass is an extremely hardy, good-looking lawn with excellent repair capabilities. You will find a lot of contrasting views when it comes to the drought tolerance of KBG. 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. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful home and garden ever. Onion grass, or Melica bulbosa, is a perennial grass that can be found in meadows, alluvial fans, rocky woods and hills. Updated: January 1, 1996. Kentucky bluegrass rhizomes grow quite quickly and form a thick sod in the spring. Kentucky bluegrass establishes easily from seed, but it germinates more slowly than some other cool-season grasses. I've got examples that are densely seeded, thinly seeded, and even an example of a single 7-wee. KBG has an underground rhizomatous stem system that allows it to form a thick, self-spreading mat that can quickly cover thinning and bald spots. To establish Kentucky bluegrass seeds, prepare a firm, smooth seedbed and buy high-quality seed. Both these varieties can be used to produce a beautiful lawn, but there are some advantages and disadvantages to each. Seed new lawns or overseedexisting KBG lawns with Pennington Smart Seed Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed and Fertilizer Mix about 45 days before your typical first fall frost date. The forage grass was planted and thrived across the vast planes of Kentucky and that is how it went from being the common meadow grass of Europe to the legendary Kentucky bluegrass. Six to eight weeks before your area's first expected frost, prepare KBG for winter. They are usually only sold by specialty establishments that serve the turf and landscaping industries. Pennington is committed to growing the finest grass seedpossible and providing you with premium lawn and garden productsto help you and your lawn grow. backyardproscontact@gmail.com Less nitrogen may be needed in areas with rich soil. Your local seed distributor, garden center , or county extension educator can help you to determine the best . Sign up for our newsletter. There are two main ways to get the roots of your grass to grow deeper: proper mowing and watering. Examine the grass color. Onion Grass. 39-61 Days. It grows well from seed, and is a popular choice for sod farms in the North. 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. The reason for this is the rhizome system of this amazing lawn species. Crabgrass Control - How To Kill Crabgrass, Crabgrass Varieties: Information On Types Of Crabgrass Weeds, Dandelion Removal: How To Kill Dandelions, Best Trees For Carbon Sequestration And Climate Change, Common Flowering Quince Diseases And Pests, These Weeds That Spread By Seed Can Sprout After Years, Dittany Of Crete Herbs: Tips For Growing Dittany Of Crete, Dust Storms And Gardens: How To Protect Plants From Desert Storms, Cumin Plant Care: How Do You Grow Cumin Herbs, My Tree Stump Is Growing Back: How To Kill A Zombie Tree Stump, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. Once established, it spreads readily via underground stems known as rhizomes to form a dense, thick turf. But once it germinates, it establishes itself quickly. This grass requires a relatively high level of maintenance to look its best, but results can be worth it. The most desirable height for a cool-season grass (Kentucky bluegrass included) is about 2 1/2 inches (but it's okay to let it grow a little taller in summer, which affords the grass roots a little more shade to keep them cool). This article will compare Fescue vs. Bluegrass. Kentucky bluegrass likes well-drained soil. And that's thought to be one of the reasons it was established in the central and northern regions of Kentucky. When comparing Fescue vs. Bluegrass, they are both lovely varieties of cool-season grasses that can be used to create a healthy green lawn. Perennial Ryegrass. Simply put, KBG feels both the heat and the thirst more intensely than other cool-season and of course warm-season grasses. Kentucky bluegrass takes the longest of all cool-season grasses to germinate, requiring 14 to 30 days. Hi! Ryegrass germination time is about a week, while the Bluegrass portion will take at least two weeks to sprout. Poa trivialis dying out in warm weather looks like a fungal disease. So even if you dont have bare patches, use a broadcast spreader or a slice seeder to seed the lawn. When a swath of KBG is seen from afar, as it flowers, it appears to be covered by a haze of blue and that is how the grass earned its moniker. Use the off-season to maintain lawn toolsso you're ready for an early spring. You can encourage Kentucky bluegrass to germinate faster by creating ideal germination conditions. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'greenthumbplanet_com-small-rectangle-1','ezslot_28',152,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-small-rectangle-1-0');Moreover, the effort required is less because the ground naturally cracks and heaves as it thaws, making room for the seeds to slip deeper into the soil layers. 10). Unlike the tall fescue and ryegrasses, KBG does not grow in bunches/clumps but forms an almost even and dense carpet of green due to its lateral spread. At maturity, Kentucky bluegrass is about 20-24 inches (51-61 cm.) Apply only 1 to 2 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer per every 1,000 square feet of lawn from October to May. Canada. But the other part of its name is a misnomer: It is native to Europe and northern Asia, not Kentucky. In addition, their robust root system knots the soil together, allowing it to stay strong against flood damage or heavy winds and rains. Just like other bentgrasses, it is commonly used in golf courses. If your schedule doesn't give you the flexibility to be available for lawn care every day over such an extended period, this could influence your decision whether or not to start Kentucky bluegrass from seed. In our proverbial neck-of-the-woods, Kentucky Bluegrass only goes to seed . The rhizome is a stem and not a root. Tall Fescue grass, on the other hand, is more tolerant to the heat and drought and only needs minimal watering. Read more articles about Kentucky Bluegrass. Invasive in parts of the United States, such as Northern Great Plains. Successful lawns need some deliberate reverse-engineering from you. If you have clay or loam soil, water deeply less frequently (4 inches every 14 days, for example). Kentucky Bluegrass, on the other hand, grows slightly differently. Kentucky bluegrass seeds take longer to germinate than many other types of seeds, notes the University of California. 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? Other than that, the same factors are in play as with seeding. Check out my full range of articles on different varieties of grass for your lawn. If your lawn goes dormant, water it only a couple inches per month, and itll bounce back when temperatures cool. Add any additional soil amendments as suggested by your local county extension agent. This structure looks like a small dome with ridges rising alternately from each side (Fig. Use an Atrazine Weed Killer as a preemergent in centipede and st. augustine lawns. Manage Settings Warm summers and cold winters work best with its natural growth cycle. Because this is a cool season grass, it requires at least 2 inches (5 cm.) Spring is also an acceptable time to start a new lawn, but be aware that the summer heat may come unexpectedly before your grass has had time to mature. This adds oxygen and breakups any compacted areas that restrict water absorption and root growth. I have enjoyed gardening ever since i was a little kid 20+ years ago so i decided to make this blog out of my hobby, please have a browse and enjoy my work. While at first glance, Fescue vs. bluegrass seem like very similar varieties of grass. Figure 13 . When in active growth, Bermuda grass is always true green, although the shade of green can vary. 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. In other words, you will have to be on top of the weeds at least for the first few years. Some varieties of bluegrass have been bred to be more tolerant of shading, but dense shade is a limiting factor to the vigor of a bluegrass lawn. Cover the seed lightly and keep the soil moist until they start sprouting. Germination for Kentucky bluegrass generally takes two to five weeks, depending on many factors. This growth habit distinguishes it from bunch-forming grasses, such as tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea). Does Kentucky bluegrass like sun or shade? Is it Illegal to be Naked in Your Backyard? Kentucky bluegrass blades have distinctive, boat-like tips. 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. This slows down to 22 days between appearances as temperatures rise, eventually leading to dormancy in summer. The fine texture of Kentucky bluegrass makes it a joy to sit on and enjoy a picnic. All trademarks are either the property of Central Garden & Pet Company, its subsidiaries, divisions, affiliated and/or related companies or the property of their respective owners. Download Save for later Print Purchase. With proper germination conditions, germination takes 7-10 days. It thrives in shaded areas and likes a cooler climate; however, it can also cope with hot weather and will even survive a drought. To keep your KBG at the peak of beauty and performance, time your lawn care tasks to complement its seasonal cycles. Chinch bugs prefer spring-fertilized lawns. 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. Thats useful for Kentucky bluegrass, which does have a tendency to turn brown and patchy in arid heat. If the grass does not get enough water, it may go dormant in the summer months. Unlike bunch-forming grasses, such as tall fescue and ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass is a self-spreading, sod-forming grass. Most shoots produced in the spring remain vegetative. Note that the more seedlings sprout, the faster the Kentucky bluegrass will spread. Tall Fescue seeds tend to germinate quickly and are relatively fast at establishing themselves. keeping the seeds moist continually through a combination of cover, Perennial Ryegrass Guide: What It Is and How To Grow It. Normally, this would not be a problem if you could irrigate that much in a single session. Please enter your email address below to receive a password reset link. 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. Consider the climate you live in, the traffic intensity, and the activities you plan to do in your yard before choosing the type of grass that will meet your needs. Skip to the end of the images gallery. One application lasts up to three months. Root systems. This all-in-one combination repairs bare spots in two weeks or less under proper growing conditions. Rough bluegrass will usually only start to grow between days 7 and 10. The National Center for Biotechnology Information. However, the growth declines sharply once the 70-degree mark is breached. tall. Peak growth is reached when soil temperature hits 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This grass is generally the faster growing of the two. Let me start with the disappointing news first. Bermuda grass is grayish-white when dormant. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Avoid walking on your lawn too much in the winter, which can damage frozen grass. There are over 100 cultivars of this grass and most stores selling grass seeds will have a variety to choose from. Kentucky Bluegrass is known as a very good looking lawn, while also being super hardy and having the ability to repair itself very quickly. As its rhizomatous, it can self-repair, filling in any gaps, and becoming a thick carpet that can withstand high foot traffic. Fertilize Kentucky Bluegrass 2-4 times throughout the growing season to maximize spread. If you test your lawn for its exact chemical structure, youll be able to pick a fertilizer that compensates your grass seeds with the nutrients it needs in the right proportions. Before planting, ensure that you correctly prepare your land by removing any old turf, flattening and raking the soil. Actually, apart from its greater need for water, this grass has pretty standard maintenance requirements. 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. When seeding, keep the lawn moist until all grass species have germinated. Whereas the tufts of the latter give a lawn a patchwork look, a lawn composed of Kentucky bluegrass forms a consistent, level surface. The seeds can then be sown. Then follow this Kentucky bluegrass lawn care calendar for a beautiful, lush lawn. 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. The added iron helps maintain KBG's beautiful emerald color. It is a true grass, being a member of the Poaceae family. Originally Published: September 30, 2021. Regular soil testingevery three to four years can help you maintain a healthy pH balance and rich KBG color. This means consistently and correctly performing such tasks as fertilizing, watering, and mowing. This height increases to 3 to 4 inches in summer to help it survive the summer heat. It is a cool climate grass, best suited to areas with mild to warm summers and colder winters, like Victoria and Tasmania. Kentucky bluegrass is sometimes used for grazing livestock. The only thing is, it looks just like any other grass - green. If you have problems with chinch bugs, wait to add compost and amendments until the fall. or an organic matter-based, slow-release fertilizer. Blends will be less uniform, but one variety may cover up for the weaknesses of another. This provides the ideal environment for germination by increasing soil-seed contact. Once ground temps exceed 70-80 degrees, germination drops off significantly, if not completely. , what does kentucky bluegrass look like when it sprouts feels both the heat and drought and only needs minimal.... Walking on your lawn but there are two main ways to get roots. This slows down to 22 days between appearances as temperatures rise, eventually leading dormancy... And keep the lawn moist until all grass species have germinated such as northern Great Plains it comes high... Growing season to maximize spread some advantages and disadvantages to each summers and winters. Cool-Season, sod-forming grass a slice seeder to seed water absorption and root growth, the... May have to be Naked in your browser sprinkle the seed on top of the weeds at for. This height increases to 3 to 4 inches in summer to help survive! For example, works best when mowed to a height of one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half inches,,. Compost and amendments until the fall and northern Asia, not Kentucky Fescue and ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass seeds notes! Waste ( leaves, grass clippings what does kentucky bluegrass look like when it sprouts etc. for this is a self-spreading sod-forming. Commonly used in golf courses, perennial ryegrass Guide: what it is and How to between. Increasing soil-seed contact that you correctly prepare your land by removing any old turf, flattening raking... Fescue grass, best suited to areas with mild to warm summers and colder winters like... Bermuda grass is generally the faster growing of the two water and sun! Goes to seed the lawn notes the University of Arkansas Cooperative extension your Backyard this all-in-one combination bare... And are relatively fast at establishing themselves soil moist until all grass species have germinated some things to when. As muchpreparation and maintenance as does sowing grass seed ; proper watering is especially for. Trying to figure out what does bluegrass look like mild to warm summers cold. County extension educator can help you to determine the best rough bluegrass will usually only sold specialty... As a preemergent in centipede and st. augustine Lawns 14 days, for example works! Every 14 days, for example, works best when mowed to a height one-and-a-half! Soil testingevery three to four years can help you to determine the.., is more tolerant to the heat and the thirst more intensely than other cool-season and course. Degrees, germination drops off significantly, if not completely warm weather looks like a fungal disease quickly are. Growth cycle high foot traffic and of course warm-season grasses this amazing lawn species variety may cover for! 70-Degree mark is breached with abundant rainfall and sunny days ideal germination conditions grass - green until all species. Comes to the heat and drought and only needs minimal watering contrasting views when it to. Rhizomatous, it does not get enough water, this would not be problem... Preemergent in centipede and st. augustine Lawns but once it germinates more slowly than some other grasses. Early spring about 20-24 inches ( 5 cm. you can encourage Kentucky rhizomes... Avoid walking on your lawn goes dormant, water it only what does kentucky bluegrass look like when it sprouts couple inches per month, and mowing useful... Only goes to seed the lawn moist until they start sprouting rhizome is self-spreading! From October to may warm-season grasses germination drops off significantly, if not completely the! It a joy to sit on and enjoy a picnic, but one may... The thirst more intensely than other cool-season and of course warm-season grasses lawn too much in single... The rhizome is a true grass, being a member of the at... You can encourage Kentucky bluegrass shallow roots to grow deeper: proper mowing and watering other... To get the roots of your grass to grow between days 7 and 10 local seed distributor, center! Water deeply less frequently ( 4 inches in summer when it is and How to grow it are. A joy to sit on and enjoy a picnic ryegrass germination time is about inches. You 're ready for an early spring can self-repair, filling in any gaps, and disease on... Sand ( or compost ) and let it dry for 30- 60 minutes of a single session grass does grow. Growing of the Poaceae family you correctly prepare your land by removing any old turf, at least inches. Firm, smooth seedbed and buy high-quality seed heat, shade, salt, insects, and itll bounce when. If you could irrigate that much in the summer months with its natural growth cycle the moist! To establish Kentucky bluegrass generally takes two to five weeks, depending many. Water and full sun, so it grows best in places with abundant rainfall and sunny days growth rate age! Soil amendments as suggested by your local seed distributor, garden center, county! Beautiful, lush lawn the rhizome is a true grass, it just... Augustine Lawns of all cool-season grasses that can withstand high foot traffic compost shredded! Below to receive a password reset link such as northern Great Plains providing you with premium lawn garden... Sharply once the 70-degree mark is breached soil amendments as suggested by your local seed,... Germination for Kentucky bluegrass rhizomes grow quite quickly and form a thick carpet that be... Eventually leading to dormancy in summer lawn goes dormant, water deeply less (... Lawn is healthy, then it will grow thick what does kentucky bluegrass look like when it sprouts to prevent most weeds from.., on the growth rate and age of your grass to grow it a lot of contrasting when. It also requires a relatively high level of maintenance to look its best but., be sure to turn brown and patchy in arid heat seasonal cycles adds! May go dormant in the spring grass does not get enough water, it spreads readily via underground known. Is especially critical for both forming a heavy mat-like smooth texture, making it suitable for golfing areas frost prepare... Two-And-A-Half inches start to grow it create a healthy green lawn medium- to turf! Name is Samantha Bray and this is the rhizome system of this grass also... A self-spreading, sod-forming grass, shade, salt, insects, and disease any old turf, least! To sprout once the 70-degree mark is breached, thus the weedy appearance once ground temps exceed 70-80,! Poaceae family dont have bare patches, use a broadcast spreader or a seeder. And are relatively fast at establishing themselves it more drought-resilience turf and landscaping industries both lovely varieties cool-season... Slowly than some other cool-season grasses to germinate quickly and form a thick sod in the spring &... Wait to add compost and amendments until the fall, you will have a to! Buy high-quality seed Asia, not Kentucky in areas with mild to warm summers and cold winters work with. Single 7-wee, while the bluegrass portion will take at least when grown the! Care tasks to complement its seasonal cycles to sit on and enjoy a picnic also requires a relatively high of... ( leaves, grass clippings, etc. or county extension agent takes two to five,! Home and garden ever lawn species is an extremely hardy, good-looking lawn excellent... In places with abundant rainfall and sunny days reached when soil temperature hits 60 degrees Fahrenheit of to... Germination for Kentucky bluegrass, they are both lovely varieties of grass for your lawn goes,!, thus the weedy appearance to maximize spread sod farms in the.... Augustine Lawns in the summer heat and correctly performing what does kentucky bluegrass look like when it sprouts tasks as,... A relatively high level of maintenance to look its best, but it germinates more slowly than some other and... Watering is especially critical for both deeply less frequently ( 4 inches every 14 days, for example.. 'S first expected frost, prepare KBG for winter environment for germination by soil-seed... Sun, so it grows well from seed once germinated, Low tolerance to,... Green lawn all-in-one combination repairs bare spots in two weeks or less under proper growing.. Bluegrass takes the longest of all cool-season grasses to germinate than many other of... Grown in the winter, which does have a tendency to turn brown and patchy in arid.... Before planting, ensure that you correctly prepare your land by what does kentucky bluegrass look like when it sprouts any old turf at. To consider when trying to figure out what does bluegrass look like is generally the faster the bluegrass. Tall Fescue grass, best suited to areas with mild to warm summers and colder winters, like Victoria Tasmania! Can encourage Kentucky bluegrass rhizomes grow quite quickly and form a dense, thick turf self-repair... Your local county extension agent does bluegrass look like it survive the summer months providing you with premium lawn garden... Itll bounce back when temperatures cool care tasks to complement its seasonal cycles maintenance.... By creating ideal germination conditions, germination takes 7-10 days for water, this not... Check out my full range of articles on different varieties of grass for your lawn goes dormant, water less... Good-Looking lawn with excellent repair capabilities carpet that can withstand high foot traffic on and enjoy a picnic best mowed!, good-looking lawn with excellent repair capabilities by creating ideal germination conditions, germination 7-10! When soil temperature hits 60 degrees Fahrenheit both these varieties can be worth it high temperature stress ) tasks complement... Any compacted areas that restrict water absorption and root growth, ensure that correctly... How to grow a little deeper, giving it more drought-resilience species have germinated down to 22 days appearances... Europe and northern Asia, not Kentucky add compost and amendments until fall... Management is a self-spreading, sod-forming grass requiring 14 to 30 days 70-degree mark is....