So, heres what tests have revealed over the years: Plus, there is a significant difference in the drought tolerance of various cultivars. This website is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'greenthumbplanet_com-portrait-1','ezslot_23',161,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-portrait-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[120,600],'greenthumbplanet_com-portrait-1','ezslot_24',161,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-greenthumbplanet_com-portrait-1-0_1');.portrait-1-multi-161{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}In terms of maintenance, as long as you can keep it hydrated, KBG can wade even through summer, at least most of it. 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. Durable KBG is also a regular component of seed mixes for athletic fields and active northern lawns. Whereas the tufts of the latter give a lawn a patchwork look, a lawn composed of Kentucky bluegrass forms a consistent, level surface. If allowed to develop properly, it can withstand low grazing. Ditto for a lawn in which weeds are already thriving and you add KBG seeds to start a lawn. When weeds do sneak through, hand pull weeds. The fine texture of Kentucky bluegrass makes it a joy to sit on and enjoy a picnic. It thrives in shaded areas and likes a cooler climate; however, it can also cope with hot weather and will even survive a drought. How long does it take to grow Kentucky bluegrass? . Check out my full range of articles on different varieties of grass for your lawn. m.) may be needed. 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. Kentucky bluegrass gained early U.S. popularity as a pasture grass in Kentucky. At maturity, Kentucky bluegrass is about 20-24 inches (51-61 cm.) Deep, thorough watering encourages deep root growth. 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. Late seedings are more vulnerable to winter damage. KBG has relatively shallow roots compared to tall fescue and warm-season grasses. Your local seed distributor, garden center , or county extension educator can help you to determine the best . 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. KBG requires well-drained soil and consistent moisture for optimal health and beauty (3). If your area gets less water than this, it will be necessary to irrigate. (This makes it easier to spread.) The grass will need time to recover and itll be more vulnerable to pests and disease. Fertilize and treat broadleaf weeds with Pennington UltraGreen Winterizer Plus Weed & Feed Fertilizer 22-0-14. Bluegrass likes well-drained soil, so if you notice your bluegrass struggling, check for compaction. Characteristics. Successful lawns need some deliberate reverse-engineering from you. Plus, it is hard to not be enticed by that green, which is like no other. During periods of high heat and lower rainfall, increase KBG mowing heights to 3 to 4 inches. Others want it to feel nice as well so that they can play outside with their kids or lay on the grass. Tall Fescue is a cool-season grass which means it grows throughout the fall and winter months. You can top up compost in the spring with a smaller amount. In terms of winter tolerance, it is the most resilient of all cool-season grasses. With proper germination conditions, germination takes 7-10 days. The good news is that Kentucky bluegrass is a relatively fast-germinating grass and typically takes between 7 and 14 days to sprout. Hello, my name is Samantha Bray and this is my blog. Set your first few mowings at a lower setting with a sharpened blade. Today, you could randomly pick any seed mix, and you are bound to find a significant ratio of KBG grass seeds in it. 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. All content copyright document.write( new Date().getFullYear() ); Pennington Seed, Inc. All Rights Reserved. For best results, keep in mind these following seeding and growth characteristics for Kentucky bluegrass: Plant at a depth of one-fourth to half-an-inch. Well-maintained Kentucky bluegrass develops into a thick, lush lawn. The word blue in the name comes from its flower heads, which are a remarkable silvery blue or purplish-blue. When grown in the proper conditions, Kentucky bluegrass has a look like . . Ideally, as with its competitors, KBG fares particularly well when planted in fall. Spot-treat lawn weedsinstead. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online. You will seldom need to overseed a Kentucky bluegrass lawn unless it encounters heavy traffic and wear. Usually, weekly mowing will be enough to achieve this result. Some people like their lawns to look nice and green. Often, homeowners choose to install a lawn using a grass seed mix rather than sticking with one particular type of grass. The recovery of Kentucky bluegrass following this summers drought has been amazing. Spring provides the optimal temperature for leaf growth, with a spacing of just 10 days between the appearances of new leaves. Tall Fescue does need to be cut regularly, and if its damaged, youll need to overseed patchy areas. Proper mowing height for Kentucky Bluegrass is 2.5-3 inches. Once it gets going, Kentucky bluegrass spreads rapidly, but getting new seed to that stage can take some time. The cool season turfgrasses growing in Michigan have been in full-blown seedhead production mode in the last week. How fast the spread is from thereon will be based on the number of seeds broadcasted. When your lawn goals call for a dense, durable, cool-season lawn with luxuriant color, Kentucky bluegrass may be the answer to your hopes. You can choose the grass that meets your needs. Moreover, it is nearly as wear-resistant as the ryegrasses and the tall fescue. Kentucky bluegrass seeds will tolerate limited shade but grow best in full sun. 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. Once ground temps exceed 70-80 degrees, germination drops off significantly, if not completely. Warm summers and cold winters work best with its natural growth cycle. The best time to do this is in the early spring before weeds are noticeable. For example, you will likely have to test your soil and amend it accordingly. As a cool-season grass, it grows most vigorously during the spring and fall seasons. backyardproscontact@gmail.com Kentucky bluegrass will do much better when nitrogen is applied. Read more articles about Kentucky Bluegrass. Well over 100 Kentucky bluegrass cultivars have been introduced in the market over the last two decades. Kentucky bluegrass produces a high-quality, medium- to fine-textured turf, at least when grown in the right climate. Avoid walking on your lawn too much in the winter, which can damage frozen grass. Kentucky bluegrass likes well-drained soil. Add any additional soil amendments as suggested by your local county extension agent. Just the Facts, Actaea Simplex Brunette: Growth and Care Guide. Moreover, it makes for a tasty pasture grass for livestock grazing due to its ability to pile on the pounds in cattle. Kentucky bluegrass can require up to 21 days before it sprouts. Tall Fescue grows in small clumps, and blades of grass grow vertically. Peak growth is reached when soil temperature hits 60 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you dont have to give up your dream of a bluegrass lawn if you can find the right cultivar. If the grass gets damaged, your lawn will repair itself. In case you experience a hot or dry summer, this will also help retain moisture. BEST WITH FERTILIZER: Pennington Smart Seed Grass Seed and Fertilizer Mix. Canada. That includes keeping the seeds moist continually through a combination of cover (even a thin layer of soil or compost will help tremendously) and continuous shallow watering. Whether or not you know it, when you think of the ideal lawn, youre probably imagining Kentucky bluegrass. Always read product labels thoroughly and follow instructions. Problem insects for lawns include: But, along with watering, your main task in maintaining a lawn will be mowing it properly. Add its medium to fine texture, and a KBG lawn is both beautiful to look at and comfortable for bare feet. If you have problems with chinch bugs, wait to add compost and amendments until the fall. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. At maturity, Kentucky bluegrass is about 20-24 inches (51-61 cm.) It grows via a horizontal rooting system known as rhizomes. Warm summers and cold winters work best with its natural growth cycle. Germination for Kentucky bluegrass generally takes two to five weeks, depending on many factors. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. If you're comparing two lawns side-by-side, it's useful to know that zoysia goes dormant later in the . 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 you do have disturbed areas, use soil amendments to fortify the seedbed. The only thing is, it looks just like any other grass - green. This is a cool-season grass, so summer is definitely out. Check out my ultimate guide for cool season grasses. Kentucky bluegrass ( Poa pratensis) grows 18 to 24 inches tall and is readily identified by its boat-shaped leaf tip. So, use the tips in this article and get ready to have your neighbors admiring your lawn every chance they get. The highest quality turf grass for sunny areas is Kentucky Bluegrass (at least 6 hours of direct sun). Spread it over your prepared area and rake it out to distribute it evenly. This means that when wear and tear, damage due to erosion, or burning due to the hot sun occurs, your lawn will repair itself. The state of Kentucky lays claim to the nickname "Bluegrass State," but Kentucky bluegrass didn't originate there. In the first year of growing, 6 pounds per 1000 square feet (2.5 kg. But, once again KBG demands nearly 2.5 inches per week, which works out to almost 26 inches of supplemental irrigation annually. 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. This allows sun, water, and nutrients to continue penetrating the base of your grass and stops the tips from turning dull and brown. Kentucky Bluegrass, on the other hand, grows slightly differently. Seed and overseed. There are two main ways to get the roots of your grass to grow deeper: proper mowing and watering. Tall Fescue is a very hardy variety of robust grass that doesnt easily suffer from wear and tear. Rough bluegrass will usually only start to grow between days 7 and 10. 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 soil needs to be warm enough for germination and root development so that it will survive through the winter. If you have clay or loam soil, water deeply less frequently (4 inches every 14 days, for example). gold thread cypress,
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