Kentucky bluegrass, a cool season grass, is a species native to Europe, Asia, Algeria, and Morocco. 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.
Information on Kentucky Bluegrass
What Does Kentucky Bluegrass Look Like?
At maturity, Kentucky bluegrass is about 20-24 inches (51-61 cm.) tall. It can be recognized quite easily because of its “V” shaped leaves. Its rhizomes allow it to spread and create new grass plants. Kentucky bluegrass rhizomes grow quite quickly and form a thick sod in the spring. There are over 100 cultivars of this grass and most stores selling grass seeds will have a variety to choose from. Bluegrass seed is also frequently sold mixed with other grass seeds. This will give you a more balanced lawn.
Planting Kentucky Bluegrass
The best time to plant Kentucky bluegrass seed is in the fall when the soil temperatures are between 50-65 degrees F (10-18.5 C.). The soil needs to be warm enough for germination and root development so that it will survive through the winter. You can plant Kentucky bluegrass on its own or combine several varieties for a diverse blend.
Kentucky Bluegrass as Forage Crop
Kentucky bluegrass is sometimes used for grazing livestock. If allowed to develop properly, it can withstand low grazing. Because of this, it does well as a grazing crop when mixed with other cool season grasses.
Kentucky Bluegrass Maintenance
Because this is a cool season grass, it requires at least 2 inches (5 cm.) of water per week to keep it healthy, growing, and green. If your area gets less water than this, it will be necessary to irrigate. If irrigation is required, the turf should be watered in small amounts daily instead of once per week in large amounts. If the grass does not get enough water, it may go dormant in the summer months. Kentucky bluegrass will do much better when nitrogen is applied. In the first year of growing, 6 pounds per 1000 square feet (2.5 kg. per 93 sq. m.) may be needed. Years after, 3 pounds per 1000 square feet (1.5 kg. per 93 sq. m.) should be adequate. Less nitrogen may be needed in areas with rich soil. Usually, if weeds are allowed to grow, Kentucky bluegrass lawns will be covered in dandelions, crabgrass, and clover. The best form of control is using a pre-emergent herbicide on lawns annually. The best time to do this is in the early spring before weeds are noticeable.
Mowing Kentucky Bluegrass Lawns
Young grass does best when kept at a 2-inch (5 cm.) height. It should be mowed before it ever reaches 3 inches (7.5 cm.). 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.
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FAQs
Kentucky bluegrass requires more water than most cool-season grasses due to its shallow root system. Keeping a regular water schedule, especially during times of high heat, will prevent KBG from going dormant. Watering KBG deeply, with at least 1 – 2 inches of water each week, will help it establish deeper roots.
What is the best fertilizer for Kentucky bluegrass? ›
Type of Fertilizer to use on Bluegrass
For Kentucky Bluegrass, it is best to use a slow-release formula with a 3-1-2 ratio. An example would be a 12-4-8 fertilizer. It is important to use slow-release fertilizers when possible.
How do you thicken blue grass in Kentucky? ›
Fall is a good time to pull them up and reseed where they once were. Doing this will allow your lawn to grow back thicker in those areas, hopefully choking out any weeds that try to grow back.
How long does it take for Kentucky bluegrass to establish? ›
Kentucky bluegrass is a bit harder to establish than other grass types. It has more air and temperature needs and it will require some patience, as it takes between 14-28 days to germinate, but it is definitely worth the work and wait.
What is the best seed to mix with Kentucky bluegrass? ›
Fast-greening perennial ryegrass and shade-tolerant fescues complement Kentucky bluegrass' strengths to create versatile, lush, cool-season lawns.
How do you speed up Kentucky bluegrass germination? ›
Turfgrass seeds can be soaked in water for 3 to 5 days to germinate. Kentucky Bluegrass (KBG) is slow to germinate and should be soaked for five days. Don't soak seeds for more than the recommended number of days. Soaking seeds too long can cause the seeds to rot.
Can you over seed Kentucky bluegrass? ›
It is certainly frustrating to see thinning or big empty patches in an otherwise smooth, green Kentucky bluegrass seed lawn. Such problems may indicate something beyond usual lawn neglect. Two ways to get your bluegrass seed lawn back to normal is through patching or overseeding.
Will Kentucky bluegrass fill in bare spots? ›
It depends on the type of grass. Kentucky bluegrass has runners that help it spread on its own. But many northern grasses are bunch-type grasses which don't spread, so seeding is needed to fill in bare spots.
Is 2 inches too short for Kentucky bluegrass? ›
Kentucky bluegrass lawns should be mowed at the height of 2.5 to 3 inches in spring and fall. Set the mower blade to a height of 3 to 3.5 inches during summer. As a general rule, never remove more than one-third of the total leaf surface at any one mowing.
How often should I water my Kentucky bluegrass? ›
Consider some of these facts: Most lawns need an average of 1 to 1 ½” of water per week, while Kentucky bluegrass needs at least 2” of water per week, and sometimes even 2 ½” per week during the summer.
Some warm season grasses include St. Augustine grass, Scutch grass, and Cynodon. The thick blades of Kentucky bluegrass are able to crowd out weeds while still allowing air and sunlight into the soil, which promotes healthy growth without having an overly dense look.
Is Kentucky bluegrass hard to grow? ›
Kentucky bluegrass thrives in full sun yet still grows in partial shade, albeit not as thickly. It recovers quickly from foot traffic, and bare or damaged spots fill in quickly, but a shorter root system means it's only moderately capable of staying green through a drought.
What should I overseed Kentucky bluegrass with? ›
Blue Panther contains a highly durable seed that grows a beautiful sod-quality lawn. Its ability to withstand high traffic and rich, dark green color makes it the perfect choice for overseeding Kentucky bluegrass sod and those who want to keep a 100% KBG lawn.
Does Kentucky bluegrass need a lot of water? ›
Consider some of these facts: Most lawns need an average of 1 to 1 ½” of water per week, while Kentucky bluegrass needs at least 2” of water per week, and sometimes even 2 ½” per week during the summer.
