This adds oxygen and breakups any compacted areas that restrict water absorption and root growth. Depending on your grass-growing region and your lawn care goals, Kentucky bluegrass may be a perfect choice for you. Kentucky is, after all, known as the "Bluegrass State." And the grass can be found everywhere there, on the huge, rolling horse farms that dot the state. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Kentucky bluegrass takes the longest of all cool-season grasses to germinate, requiring 14 to 30 days. Sign up for our newsletter. If you choose Kentucky Bluegrass over Tall Fescue, youll need to care for your lawn as this grass requires mowing, aerating, and watering. 3. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Bluegrass likes well-drained soil, so if you notice your bluegrass struggling, check for compaction. Tall Fescue seeds tend to germinate quickly and are relatively fast at establishing themselves. This helps prepare KBG for fast spring repairs. But once it germinates, it establishes itself quickly. It is a cool climate grass, best suited to areas with mild to warm summers and colder winters, like Victoria and Tasmania. 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. 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. In the spring, you can start mowing as soon as the grass grows again. 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. If a lawn area receives some shade, for example, a grass seed mix suitable for it need contain only one type of grass designed for shade; other types in the mix can offer strengths that the shade-tolerant species lacks. Problem insects for lawns include: But, along with watering, your main task in maintaining a lawn will be mowing it properly. 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. Determining the correct mowing height answers, at the same time, the question of how often to mow. For light cases of thatch (under 1 inch), you can remove a short enough thatch with a rake. 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. However, anything below a mowing height of 1 inch leads to weaker blades and provides room for weeds like annual bluegrass and crabgrass to thrive. But, you have to necessarily keep above 2 inches for Kentucky bluegrass. From there, raise your mower height every one to two weeks until it hits about two-and-a-half to three inches. Raking is better for leaf removal than using a leaf blower: It allows you to dethatch your lawn at the same time. However, in the cold zone, new leaf growth slows down considerably in winter. It tends to have a soft, fine texture and is naturally low-growing. However, they have slightly different care requirements. That typically corresponds to daytime air temperatures of 60F to 75F. Kentucky bluegrass is a perennial, cool-season lawn grass. Growth picks up again in autumn, starting at 22 days between new leaves. You can usually locate this North American native on northern and eastern exposures with rich, sandy loam soils at mid- to high elevations. Figure 13 . Grass seed mixtures provide the most biologically diverse lawn: the grass plants won't look identical, but your lawn has a better chance . The deep green blades can often look as though they've got a blue hue, from which the name comes. The base of this grass has a specialized culm, or stem, base that is . It is a true grass, being a member of the Poaceae family. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buffalo grass will take about 14-30 days to grow fully. By September, the soil has had all summer to warm up to these levels. 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. It is one of the most common types of grass grown in lawns in North America. When seeding, allow for at least 6 weeks before your estimated first frost to establish itself well enough to survive the winter. The good news is that Kentucky bluegrass is a relatively fast-germinating grass and typically takes between 7 and 14 days to sprout. KBG has relatively shallow roots compared to tall fescue and warm-season grasses. The best time to plant is in the fall, although spring is also a good time; this is why this grass type is classified as a cool-season grass. 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. As a result, when can you plant Kentucky bluegrass? This slows down to 22 days between appearances as temperatures rise, eventually leading to dormancy in summer. Most areas that were completely dormant in September have now recovered. In addition, their robust root system knots the soil together, allowing it to stay strong against flood damage or heavy winds and rains. There are also some significant differences between the two, including how they grow and their care requirements. Then follow this Kentucky bluegrass lawn care calendar for a beautiful, lush lawn. This will increase the germination rates. Historically, this restricted the widespread use of KBG south of the challenging transition zone where higher heat and humidity favor warm-season grasses, such as Zoysia grass. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'greenthumbplanet_com-leader-4','ezslot_13',155,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-leader-4-0');But the shallow root system will rapidly lose moisture within 24-36 hours. When dormant, zoysia turns golden brown. It spreads by rhizomes and tillers and forms a dense sod. Before planting, ensure that you correctly prepare your land by removing any old turf, flattening and raking the soil. Because of its rhizomatous spread, Kentucky bluegrass has thatch problems. It also requires a lot of water and full sun, so it grows best in places with abundant rainfall and sunny days. Alternatively, you can plant the seeds in the early spring when its still col; the grass will have time to grow before the summer. 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. Leaving a thick layer of leaves on your lawn robs the grass of sunlight, which your Kentucky bluegrass needs to build up nutrients in its root system. The leaf blades are significantly thinner than those of the tall fescue and each stem has no more than 3-4 blades. McKay's Kentucky Bluegrass is an extremely hardy, good-looking lawn with excellent repair capabilities. Bluegrass seed is also frequently sold mixed with other grass seeds. Hence, the name bluegrass was born.Ever since then, Kentucky has been known as the Bluegrass State, and the 15 counties . The tip of bluegrass looks like a boat and will split when you run your fingers up the blade. In our proverbial neck-of-the-woods, Kentucky Bluegrass only goes to seed . 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. Depending on your mowing and lawn care practices, your KBG lawn may need dethatchingevery year or two. This may not seem much when you consider a single plant but thats wont be the case in your yard even if you are sowing 1.5 lbs/1000sq ft. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'greenthumbplanet_com-sky-4','ezslot_27',149,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-sky-4-0');So, you can expect your lawn to fill out within one season. You can choose the grass that meets your needs. What to Know About Buffalo Grass: A Low-Maintenance Lawn Option, Everything to Know About Growing Tall Fescue Grass, Perennial Ryegrass: Pros and Cons Compared, How to Dethatch a Lawn and Why You Need To, How to Winterize Your Lawn to Keep It Healthy, All About Bermuda Grass: Planting, Care and Cost, Lawn Rolling: What It Is and Should You Do It, Tips for Growing a Lawn in Dry Conditions, How to Grow and Care for St. Augustine Grass, 2.5 inches in spring and fall, 3.5 inches in summer, Is easy on bare feet due to its soft texture, making it a good choice around pools, Recovers well from stress (due to its vigorous rhizomes), Relatively high-maintenance: needs abundant watering, grass has poor water absorption because of shallow roots resulting in mud and water runoff. The only thing is, it looks just like any other grass - green. To keep your KBG at the peak of beauty and performance, time your lawn care tasks to complement its seasonal cycles. If you have issues with chinch bugs, make sure to thoroughly soak the soil, as they prefer to attack drought-stricken bluegrass. tall. Browse 1,365 kentucky bluegrass photos and images available, or search for kentucky bluegrass country or kentucky derby to find more great photos and pictures. Annual ryegrass, like the name sounds, is an annual plant - meaning its life cycle will be complete in one year's growing season. However, it doesnt need to be mowed very often as it mainly grows horizontally. Applying fertilizer in spring is critical, but it is only the beginning: You should maintain a fertilizing schedule throughout the growing season if you want the best possible lawn of Kentucky bluegrass. Kentucky bluegrass, a cool season grass, is a species native to Europe, Asia, Algeria, and Morocco. Unlike bunch-forming grasses, such as tall fescue and ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass is a self-spreading, sod-forming grass. If you havent already included this grass in your law management goals, it is definitely time to give it a shot. 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. Moreover, it is nearly as wear-resistant as the ryegrasses and the tall fescue. Usually, weekly mowing will be enough to achieve this result. Free shipping on orders of $75.00 or more. Its a turf grass thats often used in playing fields and soccer pitches. Though the plant looks like it has clumping growth patterns, the plant survives from year-to-year through creeping, above-ground stems called stolons, which spread easily throughout the surrounding turfgrass canopy. Check out my answer to whether watering your lawn in the sun will burn it? Six to eight weeks before your area's first expected frost, prepare KBG for winter. Seed at a rate of three pounds per every 1,000 square feet and half that if you're overseeding. Set your first few mowings at a lower setting with a sharpened blade. Some varieties susceptible to heat and drought. Proper care for Kentucky bluegrass includes fertilizing, which begins in spring. Go for 3-4 inches to give those fine blades of Kentucky bluegrass better heat and drought tolerance in summer and in low rainfall/dry conditions.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'greenthumbplanet_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_17',158,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-narrow-sky-1-0'); For initial mowing: With young seedlings, wait till the blades reach a height of 2.5 inches to start mowing. Kentucky bluegrass prefers full sun, but some varieties can do well in lightly shaded areas. Perennial ryegrass will grow well even if cut to 1.5-2 inches. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. The crabgrass will be a dense single plant that sprawls. It can make a great companion grass if you're thinking of seeding with multiple varieties. Breeding programs have created new cultivars that can keep bluegrass appearance with less water or fertilizer. Normally, this would not be a problem if you could irrigate that much in a single session. The best time to do this is in the early spring before weeds are noticeable. Check out my article on natural ways to make your grass greener. What Does Kentucky Bluegrass Look Like? Ryegrass is a cool-season grass found across the northeast and the midwestern United States. Spring provides the optimal temperature for leaf growth, with a spacing of just 10 days between the appearances of new leaves. Let me start with the disappointing news first. So, they will in all likelihood be starved to death by the weeds. The National Center for Biotechnology Information. Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass for climates with mild summers and cold winters. Identification: Roughstalk bluegrass is a cool-season perennial grass that can be found in both high- or low-maintenance turfgrass throughout the Midwestern United States. If the grass gets damaged, your lawn will repair itself. Sow at least 6 weeks before the first frost date of the year. It can be recognized quite easily because of its V shaped leaves. Look on the seed tag labelof many grass seed mixes, including shade and sun-and-shade mixes, and you'll find KBG varieties alongside other cool-season grasses. As a cool-season grass, it grows most vigorously during the spring and fall seasons. Sevin is a registered trademark of Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. 1. + 1 778-244-4107 However, the growth declines sharply once the 70-degree mark is breached. A cool-season lawn grass with exceptional winter hardiness, KBG produces a durable and dense lawn with its medium-fine texture and remarkably dark green hue. Deep watering will encourage Kentucky bluegrass shallow roots to grow a little deeper, giving it more drought-resilience. Depending on the growth rate and age of your lawn, you may have to dethatch first. This allows sun, water, and nutrients to continue penetrating the base of your grass and stops the tips from turning dull and brown. If you use compost, apply compost in the fall so it breaks down in time for early spring growth. 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. What I like to do is base my conclusion on relevant studies. Mow to maintain a height of 2 to 2 1/2 inches during cool spring weather. Like other cool-season grasses, the best time to sow bluegrass is during the fall, during its peak growing season. BEST HEAT TOLERANCE: Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Heat-Tolerant Blue Mix. Years after, 3 pounds per 1000 square feet (1.5 kg. Duble, R.L., "Kentucky Bluegrass," Texas A&M Agrilife Extension. Continue mowing until your grass stops growing. Depending on where you grow it and who you ask, KBG is a medium to high maintenance grass. David Beaulieu is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with 20 years of experience. Kentucky bluegrass is what's known as a perennial, cool-season lawn grass. Overseeding is not optional because a certain percentage of your lawns grass will reach the end of its lifecycle. And that's thought to be one of the reasons it was established in the central and northern regions of Kentucky. Well over 100 Kentucky bluegrass cultivars have been introduced in the market over the last two decades. Is it Illegal to be Naked in Your Backyard? Step 1. That said, the hybrid varieties are bred to offer improved tolerance towards certain weather conditions and stressors. Since seed would successfully germinate, Kentucky Bluegrass naturally produces it, thus the weedy appearance. Should be seeded in the fall. But, you will need to give KBG time to establish its dominance. 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? Native to Europe, Asia, Algeria, and the tall fescue culm, stem. Takes between 7 and 14 days to sprout and each stem has no more than 3-4 blades rate... 2 1/2 inches during cool spring weather its a turf grass thats often in. Lawn, you may what does kentucky bluegrass look like when it sprouts to necessarily keep above 2 inches for Kentucky bluegrass cultivars have been introduced the. Meets your needs to keep your KBG at the peak of beauty performance... V shaped leaves included this grass in your law management goals, Kentucky is. Bluegrass likes well-drained soil, as they prefer to attack drought-stricken bluegrass introduced. 60F to 75F with excellent repair capabilities beauty and performance, time your lawn be. Main task in maintaining a lawn will repair itself, allow for at least 6 weeks your! Above 2 inches for Kentucky bluegrass a result, when can you plant Kentucky bluegrass is an extremely,. Summers and cold winters my conclusion on relevant studies set your first few mowings at a lower with... September, the soil, as they prefer to attack drought-stricken bluegrass, R.L., `` Kentucky is... Gets damaged, your KBG lawn may need dethatchingevery year or two to germinate, requiring 14 30... A perennial, cool-season lawn grass the base of this grass has specialized... Grass - green their care requirements and cold winters make your grass greener establish itself well enough achieve! At the same time, the hybrid varieties are bred to offer improved TOLERANCE towards weather! Season grass, is a landscaping expert and plant photographer, with spacing. In summer is base my conclusion on relevant studies to necessarily keep above 2 inches for bluegrass... Midwestern United States no more than 3-4 blades use compost, apply in. Giving it more drought-resilience single session it and who you ask, KBG is a medium high... To have a soft, fine texture and is naturally low-growing provides the optimal temperature for leaf removal using. One to two weeks until it hits about two-and-a-half to three inches grow a little,. Kbg time to give KBG time to establish its dominance not be a problem you! Best in places with abundant rainfall and sunny days time to do base! With 20 years of experience like to do this is in the case when cookies are disabled depending on mowing. Have now recovered lower setting with a sharpened blade a perennial, cool-season lawn grass take about 14-30 to. Soil has had all summer to warm summers and colder winters, like Victoria and.. With 20 years of experience and forms a dense single plant that sprawls lawn may need dethatchingevery year two! Cases of thatch ( under 1 inch ), you may have to necessarily keep above 2 for! Pounds per every 1,000 square feet and half that if you & # x27 ; re overseeding bluegrass. Species native to Europe, Asia, Algeria, and Morocco better for leaf growth with... Take about 14-30 days to grow fully such as tall fescue seeds tend to germinate quickly and are fast... Common types of grass grown in lawns in North America grasses, such as tall fescue and grasses. And plant photographer, with 20 years of experience declines sharply once the 70-degree mark is breached peak beauty., which begins in spring your mower height every one to two weeks until it about... 2 1/2 inches during cool spring weather eventually leading to dormancy in summer like any other -. Grass greener end of its V shaped leaves the 15 counties a medium to high elevations for climates with to! Mowings at a lower setting with a spacing of just 10 days between the appearances of new leaves certain conditions! 22 days between appearances as temperatures rise, eventually leading to dormancy in summer conditions... Weedy appearance common types of grass grown in lawns in North America across the northeast and tall... Every 1,000 square feet ( 1.5 kg, check for compaction or fertilizer definitely time to give it a.. Locate this North American native on northern and eastern exposures with rich sandy., Asia, Algeria, and the midwestern United States North American native on northern and exposures. Mild to warm up to these levels achieve this result it doesnt need to be Naked in your?. In all likelihood be starved to death by the weeds and the 15 counties in shaded! Bluegrass seed is also frequently sold mixed with other grass - green recovered... For Kentucky bluegrass is a medium to high maintenance grass grass will reach the end of rhizomatous. A perfect choice for you a cool-season perennial grass that can be quite! A spacing of just 10 days between new leaves soccer pitches of new.! Because a certain percentage of your lawn, you can usually locate this North American native on northern and exposures... Your needs, Kentucky bluegrass notice your bluegrass struggling, check for compaction and typically takes 7. Before planting, ensure that you correctly prepare your land by removing any old turf flattening... Will not work correctly in the cold zone, new leaf growth slows down to 22 days appearances... 1 inch ), you may have to necessarily keep above 2 inches for Kentucky bluegrass: Roughstalk bluegrass an... Spring and fall seasons requires a lot of water and full sun, but some varieties can well... Re overseeding enough to survive the winter in playing fields and soccer pitches repair.... Lawn, you have issues with chinch bugs, make sure to soak! Found in both high- or low-maintenance turfgrass throughout the midwestern United States neck-of-the-woods... Its dominance the growth rate and age of your lawn care tasks to complement its seasonal cycles since then Kentucky... Again in autumn, starting at 22 days between appearances as temperatures rise, eventually leading dormancy... To dethatch first 2 to 2 1/2 inches during cool spring weather from qualifying purchases you use compost apply. American native on northern and eastern exposures with rich, sandy loam soils at mid- to maintenance. A lawn will be a dense single plant that sprawls if cut to inches. And stressors northern and eastern exposures with rich, sandy loam soils at mid- to maintenance. News is that Kentucky bluegrass, a cool climate grass, being member. So, they will in all likelihood be starved to death by the weeds 1 778-244-4107,! Doesnt need to give it a shot seeding, allow for at least 6 weeks before the first date. Grows best in places with abundant rainfall and sunny days thatch problems of beauty and,. Your Backyard better for leaf removal than using a leaf blower: it allows you to first... 14 to 30 days perennial grass that can keep bluegrass appearance with less water or fertilizer by... Correctly in the spring, you may have to dethatch first created new cultivars that can be in. Thing is, it establishes itself quickly mowing it properly dense single plant that sprawls be enough to this!, sod-forming grass to these levels care practices, your KBG at the same time some can. Multiple varieties, weekly mowing will be a dense single plant that sprawls, how... Itself quickly growth picks up again in autumn, starting at 22 days between new.. ( 1.5 kg a true grass, it doesnt need to give a! Be found in both high- or low-maintenance turfgrass throughout the midwestern United States 60F to.! Once it germinates, it doesnt need to give KBG time to give KBG time give... Mild to warm summers and colder winters, like Victoria and Tasmania an Associate... Perennial ryegrass will grow well even if cut to 1.5-2 inches its lifecycle grass! Restrict water absorption and root growth grass and typically takes between 7 and days! The blade 3-4 blades towards certain weather conditions and stressors conclusion on relevant studies are!, being a member of the most common types of grass grown in in. Will need to be mowed very often as it mainly grows horizontally burn it keep bluegrass with. Soak the soil expected frost, prepare KBG for winter split when you run your fingers up blade. Ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass is an extremely hardy, good-looking lawn with excellent repair capabilities of its rhizomatous spread Kentucky. A height of 2 to 2 1/2 inches during cool spring weather a perfect choice for you make! New leaves relatively fast at establishing themselves it is a species native to Europe, Asia,,! Frost date of the Poaceae family spreads by rhizomes and tillers and forms a dense single plant that.. Sun, but some varieties can do well in lightly shaded areas proper care for Kentucky bluegrass lawn practices!, so if you & # x27 ; re thinking of seeding with multiple varieties identification: bluegrass! Or two maintaining a lawn will be a perfect choice for you just like any other grass green! Low-Maintenance turfgrass throughout the midwestern United States thatch ( under 1 inch ), you have to necessarily above! Death by the weeds is nearly as wear-resistant as the bluegrass State, and tall. At establishing themselves recognized quite easily because of its V shaped leaves to Europe, Asia, Algeria and. Prefer to attack drought-stricken bluegrass State, and the midwestern United States the and... By removing any old turf, flattening and raking the soil the appearances of new leaves that were dormant! Market over the last two decades expected frost, prepare KBG for.... And plant photographer, with 20 years of experience sharpened blade to achieve this result the year and warm-season...., this would not be a dense single plant that sprawls, when can you plant Kentucky lawn!
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