Plan on using 2 to 3 pounds of seed for every 1,000 square feet, advises the University of California. Many farm . It makes a frequent appearance from coast to coast, in states with northern climates. RUNNER UP: Outsidepride Midnight Kentucky Bluegrass Seed BEST WITH FERTILIZER: Pennington Smart Seed Grass Seed and Fertilizer Mix BEST HEAT TOLERANCE: Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed. Other options include moss (which is used to carpet large garden areas in Japan), sweet woodruff (which has scented white flowers), Persian ivy (English ivy should be avoided in areas of the US where it is invasive), and golden star (which is evergreen in mild winters). 'Monopoly,' 'Preakness' and 'Eagleton' are mid-Atlantic cultivars that have deep and extensive root systems and are tolerant of summer stress. Kentucky Bluegrass takes longer to sprout from seed than other cool-season grasses. You may sow seed the traditional method. Also watch out for mold and rot--can help prevent this with a diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse. . Add any additional soil amendments as suggested by your local county extension agent. Kentucky bluegrass is the fastest spreading cool season grass. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. For a shaded lawn with some sunny areas, he suggests a mix of 50-60% fine fescues, 30-40% Kentucky bluegrass, and 10-20% perennial ryegrass. This plant grows best when the temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Perennial ryegrass grows best in cooler climates, making it a good choice for Connecticut lawns. Unfortunately, there is no secret way for ultra-accelerating grass growth. Specifically: This height maximizes leaf blade growth and grass spread. Opt for the grass that most suits your situation: the climate, air quality, light levels, and soil type determine which variety to go for we offer advice on all these elements below. For areas that get fewer than three hours of direct sun, use a shade-tolerant ground cover, such as myrtle or pachysandra, says Peter Landschoot, Professor of Turfgrass Science at Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences. Like many common U.S. turf grasses, this versatile, widely used grass is native to Europe and northern Asia.1 Its first use in the U.S. came as a pasture grass in states like Kentucky, where it still covers the state's gently rolling hills. Grass seed mixes sometimes comprise two or more grass species to boost the probability of effective seed germination, or sprouting, and growth in places that are adversely impacted by a condition such as shade, heavy soil, or poor soil drainage. The other benefit would be if trying to spot seed KBG, you are competing with fast growing mature plants. Kentucky bluegrass seed (Poa pratensis) germinates in 14 to 30 days, according to the University of California. The following are the fastest-growing warm-season grasses: From the lower Atlantic Coast to southern California, these grasses are found in warm, humid climates in the southern United States, where they flourish in the warm, humid climates. 6. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L., KBG) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L., PRG) are two of the most widely used turfgrass species.PRG germinates relatively quickly and develops rapidly compared to KBG (Proctor et al. Bluegrass rhizomes spread in a network, turning Kentucky Bluegrass lawns into a thick sod lawn. Kentucky bluegrass: It typically takes two to four weeks for Kentucky bluegrass to germinate. Kentucky bluegrass establishes quickly from the seed, but germinates more slowly than other cool-season grasses, like fine fescue and perennial ryegrass. I may have had some germination at 8 days, but wide spread was probably 10-14. Compare Turf Builder Quick + Thick Grass Seed Sunny Bluegrass Mix 12-0-0 - 1.2kg - 191m2 (2,066ft2) The Most Rapidly Growing Warm Season Grass, Cool-Season: fastest germinating grass seed. In fact, when you buy grass seed that is labeled as "Fast Grow" or "Quick Grow" the seed blend is commonly dominated by ryegrass. There is no secret formula to making grass grow in a matter of hours, but here are the best practices for making your grass grow as thick and luscious as possible as quickly as possible. After treatment, wait at least three weeks before reseeding. During warmer months when the Kentucky bluegrass is growing at a slower rate, keep the grass taller. It is best for sowing in Fall and Spring when ground temperatures are within 60 0 F-80 0 F range. The USDA recommends planting seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch. Fresh grass not only looks good and allows for outdoor activities, but it also benefits the soil by pulling nutrients to the top and storing water; all while preventing erosion. Poorly maintained Bluegrass lawns may struggle and spread more slowly. Pennington is committed to growing the finest grass seedpossible and providing you with premium lawn and garden productsto help you and your lawn grow. Tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum): This grass variety germinates in 10 to 14 days, depending on the weather conditions. Bare Spot Repair To sow clover alone, mix it with enough sand to facilitate spreading. Because it spreads naturally, Kentucky Bluegrass resists weeds, repairs itself, and forms a lush lawn. Overseeding is not optional because a certain percentage of your lawns grass will reach the end of its lifecycle. That typically corresponds to daytime air temperatures of 60F to 75F. Germination percentages of 90% or higher are desired. This grass seed establishes quickly and germinates within four days, even in fall and winter. KBG establishes easily from seed, but it germinates more slowly than some other cool-season grasses. Apply organic matter such as rotted manure or compost tilled to eight to ten inches to improve soil structure and fertility. When adding clover to an existing lawn, first mow it close and remove any thatch to allow the seed to fall to the soil surface. The best time for this grass to grow is in the fall in the north. In comparison, many varieties of Fescue and Ryegrass begin to sprout within a week. Dont drown the seeds; instead, keep the top 1/2 inch of their soil continuously wet all of the time. Zoysia: Zoysia grass tolerates partial shade, heat, heavy foot traffic, and drought but is a slow grower. Year-round. With Pennington, you can count on better research, better seed and better results guaranteed. Use the off-season to maintain lawn toolsso you're ready for an early spring. Fast-growing perennial ryegrass, for example, germinates in one-third the time of KBG. Not all cultivars are quite as resistant to stress, however, so make sure to check the specific characteristics of your chosen cultivar. The following are the fastest-growing cool-season grasses: Cool-season grasses have active growth spurts in the early spring and early autumn, and they thrive in climates with cold winters and hot summers. Snow moldoften attacks KBG lawns. The best time to plant Kentucky bluegrassand do major lawn maintenance is during early fall as cool-season KBG growth peaks. Perennial ryegrass seed germinates in seven to ten days, but tall fescue seed takes 10 to 14 days. Most perennial ryegrass forms are good quality and excellent for seeding dead patches of lawn or thickening an existing lawn. Sprouted blades of Kentucky bluegrass are a lush, dark emerald green that has an almost blue hue to it. Perennial ryegrass is a bunch-type grass best suited for use in full sun to moderately shaded lawns at elevations above 1500 feet. Provide 1 inch of water per week to established Kentucky Bluegrass in cool weather. Pennington, One Step Complete and Smart Seed are registered trademarks of Pennington Seed, Inc. UltraGreen is a registered trademark of Central Garden & Pet Company. This is in direct contrast to Rye and Tall Fescue, which are the other common turf grass varieties in regions where KBG grows. Poor. #4. Good. But plant tall fescue alone its light-green color and coarse texture don't blend well with the finer turfgrasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and fine fescue. Continue mowing until your grass stops growing. Turf-type tall fescue creates a lush greensward that copes with foot traffic and requires less mowing and watering than some turf grasses. Hearty and highly palatable to homeowners and livestock alike, Kentucky bluegrass has a variety of uses. Pros Also, research at MSU shows that tall fescue root has good tolerance to European chafer grub damage when compared with other cool-season grasses.. Watering. It is important to keep in mind that the fine fescues do not handle foot traffic well, should be infrequently mowed, and need at a bare minimum two hours of direct sunlight. Watering just once or twice a week will not enough in the early stages of the plants development. During extreme heat or extended drought, the grass will go dormant. You should be aware that grass seed . Below, we bring you the best fast-growing grass seeds to make a lawn green and thick fast. Tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum, originally Festuca arundinacea): Tall fescue germinates in 4 to 7 days, depending on the weather conditions. Peppers Home and Garden 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. The germination percentage should be at least 80 percent preferably higher.. Mix it with some sort of dry substrate (I've seen compost, sand, milorganite, peat moss all suggested) 7. If you happen to reside in a transitional zone, consider yourself fortunate. During hot summer weather, especially in the transition zone, KBG may need 2 inches or more water per week to avoid going dormant in summer. Thats useful for Kentucky bluegrass, which does have a tendency to turn brown and patchy in arid heat. Apply insecticide if you notice any signs of insect damage. Apply this preemergent before crabgrass starts germinating that happens as soil temperatures hit 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Carex is a low-growing evergreen grass with beautiful, arching growth and elegant, narrow foliage. Kentucky bluegrass prefers full sun, but some varieties can do well in lightly shaded areas. Bag the season's first lawn clippings to discourage winter-related lawn disease. For example, a 3-pound bag of Scotts Kentucky bluegrass mix costs $21.99, as of July 2020, according to Scotts.com. Hybrid bluegrass germinates and establishes slower than tall fescue. Mow the grass: When the grass has grown to 3 to 4 inches in height, it is time to mow it for the first time. Bermudagrass is the fastest-growing warm-season grass for lawns, yet it is also the most expensive. Another thing to note about Kentucky Bluegrass is that it it's seeds can take longer to germinate than both Ryegrass and Fescue, once it has germinated it grows fast! Featuring a blend of Kentucky bluegrass, perennial rye, and black beauty tall fescue, this mix gets our vote for the best overall grass seed. Turf Builder 7-lb Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed. There are many different types, including gold, cream, bronze, and green forms. Types of Grass. Our recommendations for the best grass for Southern California are Scotts Turf Builder Bermuda Grass Seed Mix Bag and Jonathan Green Kentucky Tall Fescue Grass Seed. To help it establish quickly, it is best bought as sod (turf). Perennial ryegrass is one of the cool-season grasses to grow to obtain a thick lawn turf quickly. The fastest-growing cool season grasses include: Perennial and annual ryegrass: Both germinate in just seven to 10 days. Why? The use of the fastest germinating grass seed may assist in the resolution of these and other lawn issues. Kentucky bluegrass ( Poa pratensis ), a fine-textured, dark-green grass, is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 7 and is widely planted in the northern. Part of the charm of a healthy Kentucky bluegrass lawn is its rich emerald to blue-green color. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Kentucky bluegrass gained early U.S. popularity as a pasture grass in Kentucky. Published 25 February 23. What Fertilizer Do You Put on Fescue Grass in the Winter. It typically germinates in five to 10 days. Once sprouted, Kentucky Bluegrass spreads to fill a lawn much faster than other grasses. In cold areas, Kentucky blue is a tough-cookie grass, able to withstand pets; and, in zones in between, perennial ryegrass and tall fescue are safe bets. Scotts Kentucky Bluegrass Mix - Best Grass Seed for Wet Areas. However, it is both costly and time-consuming due to the quantity of labor required. However, it will also grow in loamy soil. The Queer Eye designer shares how to utilize space for a multifunctional, organized home whatever the size, By Megan Slack The temperature of the soil, on the other hand, has a significant impact on germination speed. GROWING SEASON GROWTH RATE HEAVY FOOT TRAFFIC TOLERANCE UNIQUE CARE REQUIREMENTS; Tall fescue* Sun. A perfect mix for incredibly fast germination, with the finest quality of seed varieties. It is a dark green, fine-textured species that germinates and establishes quickly, and can accept light traffic within 8-10 weeks.. It is a bunchgrass, which germinates quickly and is often found in seed mixtures with Kentucky bluegrass. According to Oregon State University, this grass is capable of growing in soil with a pH of 4.5 - 9.0. When given the right growing conditions, one seed can grow and spread to cover one square foot in one growing season. The germination percentage may be significantly lower than that of improved varieties as well. This is because Kentucky Bluegrass (or KBG) sends out rhizomes (long roots) in both spring and late summer. Kentucky bluegrass likes well-drained soil. All of these grasses are ideal for warm areas, with St Augustine being perhaps the most shade tolerant. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Under ideal conditions, 1 Kentucky Bluegrass seed can grow to cover one square foot of lawn in a single growing season (spring through fall). After all, it takes an average grass seed eight weeks or more to germinate (i.e., sprout from the soil) and grow into a lawn suitable for foot traffic. Till in organic matter such as black topsoil, compost, shredded yard waste (leaves, grass clippings, etc.) Once blades of grass appear and begin growing in the spring, you want to water one to two-and-a-half inches weekly. what is the fastest germinating grass seed at home? Its critical to make the right option, or otherwise, your grass may grow swiftly, then falter, and finally fail. Sprouted blades of Kentucky bluegrass are a lush, dark emerald green that has an almost blue hue to it. If there is somewhere for the water to seep, it may be worth installing a drainage system. Whether you live in the north of the country, or one of the Southern transition states, Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most common turfgrass for lawns. In terms of soil type, tall fescue does best in clay soil with a high amount of organic matter. Cool-season grasses are a kind of grass that grows best in locations with cold winters and hot summers. Proper mowing height for Kentucky Bluegrass is 2.53 inches. [5 Identifying Traits]. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. To establish Kentucky bluegrass seeds, prepare a firm, smooth seedbed and buy high-quality seed. Look for new sprouts filling in your lawn in spring and late summer. After a few weeks, expect a dense growth of fine-bladed grass, with a deep green color. Once it has properly spread throughout the lawn, you should keep it at a height of 2 inches. Zoysia and paspalum are the much finer options.. or an organic matter-based, slow-release fertilizer. USDA zones, on the other hand, are often congruent with grass climatic zones in terms of geographic location. All rights reserved. The greatest period to plant warm-season grasses is between late spring and summer when the weather is most pleasant. Being relatively slow to establish, it is best bought as sod (turf) to enjoy a fast result, and in many areas is better mixed with perennial ryegrass. The germination of Bermudagrass seed might take as little as seven days if the conditions are right. Soil Moisture Requirements All content copyright document.write( new Date().getFullYear() ); Pennington Seed, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Anyways, just like Bamboo, all plants need sunlight, water, and soil. Begin by aerating your lawn. Hybrid bluegrass survive prolonged heat and drought periods. Carex (sedge) is a very attractive grass to use a contemporary alternative to traditional mown lawn turf. Also maintain pH levels in your soil. A table lists the characteristics of those grasses, such as drought tolerance and disease tolerance, to help you make the right selection. When it comes to sowing grass seed, there are a variety of possibilities. We understand your desire to have a lush and healthy lawn that grows thickly, greenly, and vibrantly overnight. Where the soils drainage is not good, try to improve it before sowing tall fescues. Let me start with the disappointing news first. The Kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass will predominate in the sunny areas, and the fine fescues do well in the shade, explains Peter. Kentucky bluegrass takes about 3 weeks to grow if the soil is warm and moist. #2. Depending on your grass-growing region and your lawn care goals, Kentucky bluegrass may be a perfect choice for you. Before planting your Kentucky bluegrass seed, rototill the top six inches of your existing soil. Take the seed out and let it drain well and dry a bit. Common pests include white grubs and sod webworms. This is the optimal time for KBG germination, establishment and repair. Its thick growth suppresses weeds. Pennington Smart Seed Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed and Fertilizer Mix's fertilizer-enhanced seed coat technology speeds establishment and promotes greener grass. In comparison, other cool-season grasses grow in bunches and dont produce many rhizomes. Bermuda grass (Cynodon spp. Fast seed germination and turf establishment give you a greener, stronger lawn in only 6-10 days. Well-maintained Kentucky bluegrass develops into a thick, lush lawn. What is the Fastest Germinating Grass Seed? After your lawn is established, fertilize each year when the grass is actively growing using 4 to 6 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 square feet of grass. If you do have disturbed areas, use soil amendments to fortify the seedbed. For best results, the test date should be within nine months of purchase. Duble, R.L., "Kentucky Bluegrass," Texas A&M Agrilife Extension. (4 pp., 9 maps, 2 tables) Looking for solutions in your county? Fertilize and treat broadleaf weeds with Pennington UltraGreen Winterizer Plus Weed & Feed Fertilizer 22-0-14. Ryegrass, for example, germinates in just five to 10 days, and fescue germinates in seven to 14 days. Some varieties vulnerable to stress damage. When the temperature is lower, it might take up to 30 days for the seed to germinate. ft.. 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. You may, however, reduce the amount of time it takes to establish your lawn if you follow a certain procedure. Its important to note that starter fertilizers are low in nitrogen since too much nitrogen might stimulate the development of weeds, which can compete with your young grass for nutrients. If you want a lawn that is ready right away, sod is the way to go. Some of the fastest-growing grass types include Perennial Ryegrass, Annual Ryegrass, Fine-leaf Fescues, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Bentgrasses. Kentucky bluegrass should be planted at 10 to 14 pounds per acre in late summer or early fall when temperatures begin to moderate and rains are more frequent. It can be seeded on its own, without the need for creating a seed mix. Unlike bunch-forming grasses, such as tall fescue and ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass is a self-spreading, sod-forming grass. Sevin is a registered trademark of Tessenderlo Kerley, Inc. 1. This aggressive growth habit gives KBG the capacity to recuperate quickly from damage. Lush green sod grass isn't just useful for beautiful yards and gardens; hardy, robust kinds of grass are suitable . Kentucky bluegrass (KBG) is native to Europe and Northern Asia. Kentucky bluegrass seeds take longer to germinate than many other types of seeds, notes the University of California. If you want to grass a patch of land (such as a front garden) that nobody ever walks across, carex is a great option. We have received so many queries on fast germinating grass that we have decided to tackle the following subject in the preceding post. Fast-greening perennial ryegrass and shade-tolerant fescues complement Kentucky bluegrass' strengths to create versatile, lush, cool-season lawns. This is because Kentucky Bluegrass (or KBG) sends out rhizomes (long roots) in both spring and late summer. It produces a dense dark-green lawn with an average texture. 3. What is the best way to fastest germinating grass seed ? In order to get the most out of your Bluegrass, give it the essentials: water and nutrients. This grass is generally the faster growing of the two. Prepare the soil by removing any and all rubbish, such as stones and wood, from the area. Bath Cook, T., "Kentucky Bluegrass, Poa Pratensis L.," Oregon State University Department of Horticulture. It is often paired with Kentucky bluegrass seed in grass seed . Kentucky bluegrass is susceptible to pests, disease and weed problems. Increase to 2 inches per week in temperatures above 75 (24). It is a popular, dense, dark-green grass that grows well in cooler months and is. It can make a great companion grass if you're thinking of seeding with multiple varieties. Kentucky Bluegrass: This is a hardy grass that's very tolerant to cold, but it takes longer . Stay away from the variety Kentucky 31, which produces large, coarse clumps.. Seed and overseed. Kentucky bluegrass is slightly slower to establish than many other cool-season grasses. This all-in-one combination repairs bare spots in two weeks or less under proper growing conditions. Once established, this specially formulated blend of KBG varieties delivers a luxuriant lawn that requires 30% less water than ordinary grass seed. 4. This type of grass prefers sun but will tolerate partial shade. During periods of high heat and lower rainfall, increase KBG mowing heights to 3 to 4 inches. Poor. Do You Know the Strongest Epoxy for Plastic? Kentucky Bluegrass spreads on its own as long as it is properly maintained. It takes 2 to 5 weeks for it to grow, but once established it will kill most weeds. Visit our corporate site. Moderate. In the case of cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, your work calls for a regiment of fall preparation for lush springtime germination. Also, buy a good quality "turf type" tall fescue from a reputable dealer. Kentucky bluegrass is not tolerant of drought, flooding or salinity, so avoid locations that often flood or that you cannot regularly water. Successful lawns need some deliberate reverse-engineering from you. Give annual ryegrass a wide berth too, although it is incredibly fast-growing, it has a rough texture and thins in the long-term, so that a few years down the line youll have to re-do the lawn again. You'll often find the seeds of these grass types mixed together for different needs and uses, such ashigh traffic,sunny, ordense shadeconditions. Is it possible to put down too much grass seed? Plant the seeds: To achieve even development, youll need to use a spreader. Winter's arrival and departure shift from year to year, so let your lawn be your guide. The Northeast, the Upper Midwest, and the Pacific Northwest are among the regions in question. Avoid treating newly seeded areas until new grass establishes and you mow it at least three times. Recognizing and understanding your grass type is a critical and basic stage in the grass growth process. Does Kentucky Bluegrass Spread Faster than Other Grasses? Zoysia is an attractive, dense dark-green grass that performs well in hot sun and needs less irrigation than other sun-loving grasses. ): This grass variety germinates in as little as seven to ten days and may reach maturity in as little as three months. Regularly spiking the lawn with a suitable tool (even a large fork will do the trick) will help. You want to make sure everything is in place for optimal grass growththat is, that it has enough drainage and is rich in the necessary nutrients. As with other cool-season grasses, Kentucky bluegrass growth slows significantly during hot summer months. Remain patient and water your newly seeded Kentucky Bluegrass until it begins to take root. This grass is also extremely adaptable to many different soil types, and the seeds germinate quickly. She was asked to repeat that success at Homes & Gardens, where she has also taken on the editorship of the magazine. 2015).Rapid germination and subsequent seedling development are critical to managing high traffic areas. If you seed in fall, your lawn will be fully established by the middle of the following summer. She is an outdoor lover who spends her weekends tending her raised garden and small orchard of fruit trees. what is the fastest germinating grass seed daily? Add its medium to fine texture, and a KBG lawn is both beautiful to look at and comfortable for bare feet. In California, for example, the active growing time ranges from late February to late May and again in October and November. C. flacca (glauca sedge) has lovely green-blue foliage. This adds oxygen and breakups any compacted areas that restrict water absorption and root growth. Popular types of grass include Kentucky bluegrass, Bermuda grass, centipede grass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescue lawn grass. Kentucky Bluegrass has the fastest ability to spread and fill damaged areas of any cool-season turf grass. To sprout and thrive, all grass seeds need an adequate amount of moisture. Perennial ryegrass is the fast-growing lawn grass that I would suggest for temperate climates like the northern US and the UK, says Peter Landschoot, Professor of Turfgrass Science at Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences (opens in new tab). 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. Often referred to in the grass industry by the initials KBG, Kentucky bluegrass rose to become a premier lawn grass throughout much of the country. However, Kentucky bluegrass doesn't do it on its own. Kentucky Bluegrass: This grass seed will germinate within 10 to 21 days, but can take longer. It must be maintained wet while being laid down piece by piece; with care taken to ensure that it is smooth and free of gaps. The best part about Kentucky bluegrass cultivars is that theyre easy to plant, grow, and manage. To encourage your Bluegrass lawn to spread quickly, apply nitrogen fertilizer regularly throughout the growing season, provide 12 inches of water per week, and practice proper mowing methods. It is typically mixed with Kentucky bluegrass seed to combine ryegrasss rapid growth with bluegrasss spreading potential. This grass requires a relatively high level of maintenance to look its best, but results can be worth it. Poke the soil to create small holes that allow air, water, and nutrients to reach the grasss roots. Some weeds that may infest your grass include crabgrass, clover and dandelions. You need to maintain the moisture in your soil for successful germination, so make sure to irrigate up to 16 inches. Once established, it spreads readily via underground stems known as rhizomes to form a dense, thick turf. Where the soils drainage is not good, try to improve it before sowing fine fescues. This grass is a good variety for high-traffic areas such as golf courses, sports fields, playgrounds, and camping grounds. Perennial ryegrass is low-maintenance, fine . For a sunny lawn with some trees, go for a mix of 40-60% Kentucky bluegrass, 30-40 % fine fescues, and 10-20% perennial ryegrass. Then follow this Kentucky bluegrass lawn care calendar for a beautiful, lush lawn. A diverse seed mix ensures that your lawn will thrive under different conditions, says Peter Landschoot, Professor of Turfgrass Science at Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences (opens in new tab). Another type of grass that will grow well in clay soils and a cooler environment is Kentucky bluegrass. The grass seeds take longer to germinate as they can take up to 14 days before the first seed shoot compared to other grasses, which take 5 - 10 days. A grass mix is often the best option for sowing or sod (turf) purchase, since many peoples backyards have both areas of sun and areas of partial shade. Taking some time and effort to improve your soil before seeding a bluegrass lawn will reduce water usage and save you money in the future.