Also, pay attention to insect control, for which there are both products to apply after the fact and preventive measures. How Much Topsoil Do You Need Over Fill Dirt? However, it recovers quickly with irrigation and a return to normal conditions. Bluegrass. The irrigation requirement goes up in summer for all grasses. Its one of the least sustainable grasses, as many homeowners rely on synthetic fertilizers, herbicides (weed killers), and pesticides, as well as additional irrigation, to keep this grass healthy. The midrib is flanked by parallel blade sides that taper and culminate into a boat-shaped/keeled tip. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The light cover will absorb moisture and keep seeds moist longer than just leaving them on top of the soil. You can top up compost in the spring with a smaller amount. So, if you already have a gorgeous green swath of KBG growing outside of your home or intend to work with the widely used grass for your lawn goals, here is everything that you need to know to keep your Kentucky bluegrass lawn looking its best.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'greenthumbplanet_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',141,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-medrectangle-4-0'); Kentucky Bluegrass is one of the most popular and widely used cool-season grasses, not only is it known for its striking deep green color but also its superlative winter-hardiness. Check out my ultimate guide for cool season grasses. Poa trivialis dying out in warm weather looks like a fungal disease. Although exclusive KBG lawns are not as common now as they used to be 4 -5 decades ago, you can still find KBG-only seed mixes.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'greenthumbplanet_com-netboard-2','ezslot_22',151,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-netboard-2-0'); The thing to remember when buying single-variety seeds or KBG seed mixes is that the more diverse the blend of cultivars the greater will be their resilience to adverse factors. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'greenthumbplanet_com-portrait-2','ezslot_25',154,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-portrait-2-0');Generally, with other cool-season lawns, you are looking at an average weekly irrigation requirement of 1-1.5 inches, which can easily be supplied in a single session. Now, you know why KBG is called a high maintenance grass. The National Center for Biotechnology Information. 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.. Sprouts in as little as 7 days, making it a great addition to Bluegrass blends . Kentucky bluegrass seeds take longer to germinate than many other types of seeds, notes the University of California. The grass roots will automatically dig deeper and also spread sideways to combat the stress from cutting the blades and will search for space to fill in with more grass . In fact, KBG seeds take almost thrice as long to germinate as compared to the quick-growing perennial ryegrass. Seed at a rate of three pounds per every 1,000 square feet and half that if you're overseeding. Fast-greening perennial ryegrass and shade-tolerant fescues complement Kentucky bluegrass' strengths to create versatile, lush, cool-season lawns. What Does Kentucky Bluegrass Look Like? m.) may be needed. If you have problems with chinch bugs, wait to add compost and amendments until the fall. Grass should never be mowed lower than this because it would cause young seedlings to be pulled up and ruin the overall health of the lawn. Rough bluegrass (also known as rough stem bluegrass) is a perennial grass somewhat similar to annual bluegrass. Cover the seed lightly and keep the soil moist until they start sprouting. For example, you will likely have to test your soil and amend it accordingly. The dust-like, white coverings (powdery mildew) are caused by a fungal organism known as Erysiphe graminis. With Pennington, you can count on better research, better seed and better results guaranteed. Because of the finer and thinner blades, KBG works well for manicured lawns as well as for more natural rolling meadows.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'greenthumbplanet_com-leader-1','ezslot_4',145,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-leader-1-0'); There arent actual streaks of blue in the distinctive green of KBG. Avoid walking on your lawn too much in the winter, which can damage frozen grass. With that out of the way, let me clarify that spring seeding should only be attempted if the turf has been damaged due to winter weather or if it has not recovered as well as it should have from the problems of the previous year or if you are reclaiming a lawn after new construction. Kentucky bluegrass produces a high-quality, medium- to fine-textured turf, at least when grown in the right climate. Similar results were observed in an early British study conducted in 1943. https://www.naturesseed.com/skin/frontend/naturesfinest/vstyle/images/logo.png, Kentucky Bluegrass: How to Plant/Grow and When to Plant, https://www.naturesseed.com/media/wysiwyg/footer-logo.png, Plant at a depth of one-fourth to half-an-inch, Seed at a rate of three pounds per every 1,000 square feet and half that if youre overseeding, Plan to fertilize in the months of September, November, and May (this variety typically requires more fertilizer than tall fescue types), The optimal soil pH for Kentucky bluegrass cultivation is 6.0 to 7.0. You wont have much trouble identifying KBG from other cool-season grasses partly because of the extraordinary dark green color of its blades. Its one of the most widespread grasses in cool-season climates. Check out my article on how to successfully water your lawn with a sprinkler system. Kentucky bluegrass tolerates being mowed as short as 2 to 2.5 inches, although it still benefits from being kept longer (3 inches in spring and fall, 4 inches in summer). The shallow root system also means that not just the young seedlings but also mature plants get pulled out easily if you are not careful. 25-40 Days. Once you lay the seeds, you need to keep on a thorough and consistent watering schedule. Both types of grasses are generally easy to care for and fast-growing. The best part about Kentucky bluegrass cultivars is that theyre easy to plant, grow, and manage. When mowing, never take off more than one-third of the leaf length in a single session as this will stress the plant. Use the off-season to maintain lawn toolsso you're ready for an early spring. When given its preferred growing conditions and proper care, this grass produces a dense, lush, durable lawn that lives up to its reputation. That may seem high if you are not used to it, but the grass quickly adjusts. Well-maintained Kentucky bluegrass develops into a thick, lush lawn. Canada. With proper germination conditions, germination takes 7-10 days. 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. Figure 13 . Spot-treat lawn weedsinstead. Its also the most needy of grasses, requiring a lot of fertilizer, a lot of care for insects and disease, and a lot of water. 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. Lenient mowing at a cutting height of 3-5 cm is strongly recommended. Mow to maintain a height of 2 to 2 1/2 inches during cool spring weather. Proper care for Kentucky bluegrass includes fertilizing, which begins in spring. Some varieties susceptible to heat and drought. Weather conditions are often predictable in the northern regions where KGB thrives. Sprinkle the seed on top of the sand (or compost) and let it dry for 30- 60 minutes. 2. BEST HEAT TOLERANCE: Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Heat-Tolerant Blue Mix. Kentucky bluegrass also grows best with a consistent fertilizer schedule. That being said the grass is gorgeous and I prefer ir over the other elite varieties i have. Ideally, as with its competitors, KBG fares particularly well when planted in fall. Sow at least 6 weeks before the first frost date of the year. Kentucky bluegrass germinates best when soil temperatures range between 50F and 65F. You can also apply organic lawn care techniques, like using organic amendments and hand weeding, to lower your environmental impact while keeping your lawn looking nice. Start mowing your KBG lawn as soon as it starts growing. Kentucky bluegrass ( Poa pratensis) grows 18 to 24 inches tall and is readily identified by its boat-shaped leaf tip. Ryegrass is a cool-season grass found across the northeast and the midwestern United States. So, you can only see those flower heads in their dainty, blue glory if you ever visit northern Idaho or eastern Oregon where KBG is cultivated commercially. Spring is the second-best season but KBG seeding in spring should only be done if absolutely needed. If you choose Kentucky Bluegrass over Tall Fescue, youll need to care for your lawn as this grass requires mowing, aerating, and watering. This height increases to 3 to 4 inches in summer to help it survive the summer heat. Bermuda grass is grayish-white when dormant. That typically corresponds to daytime air temperatures of 60F to 75F. Late seedings are more vulnerable to winter damage. Your local agent may recommend you get your soil analyzed first. This aggressive growth habit gives KBG the capacity to recuperate quickly from damage. Zoysia is an extremely aggressive spreading grass that can literally choke out weeds. Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most popular grass types in American yards. When allowed to flower, Kentucky bluegrass has a panicle-like seed head. Annual Bluegrass is one of the most common weeds that mimics the appearance of grass. Once blades of grass appear and begin growing in the spring, you want to water one to two-and-a-half inches weekly. . Kentucky bluegrass is a perennial, cool-season lawn grass. In some cases, these patches can be up to 3 feet wide. Kentucky bluegrass prefers full sun, but some varieties can do well in lightly shaded areas. In addition, their robust root system knots the soil together, allowing it to stay strong against flood damage or heavy winds and rains. 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