| UC IPM Home <! /notices/notice.cgi was activated. > | | Home & Garden > Lawn Guide > Turf Species > Kentucky Bluegrass The UC Guide to Healthy Lawns | Index to contents | Acknowledgments | Related UC publications | References | Kentucky bluegrass — Poa pratensis 
Boat-shaped tip and parallel-sided leaf blades
| Qualities Kentucky bluegrass is a cool-season grass that grows best during the fall, winter, and spring months when temperatures are cool. Its growth slows during the warm summer months. Kentucky bluegrass prefers full sun, but will tolerate some shade. This species is used widely throughout the U.S. where it is well adapted, but it has a poor summer performance in California in areas with warm to hot temperatures. When stressed by temperatures, lack of water, or poor soils, Kentucky bluegrass can be susceptible to disease and weed invasion. For a more disease resistant turf that offers good color and year-round performance, Kentucky bluegrass is often mixed with perennial ryegrass. Usually 2 or more cultivars of each species are used and it is recommended that at least 15% of the mixture is perennial ryegrass. Identifying tips A dark-green, medium-textured turf. The new leaves are folded in the bud, there are no auricles, and a short, membranous ligule is present. The leaf blades have a boat-shaped tip; the sides of the blades are parallel, giving a stiff appearance. This species spreads by underground rhizomes that can self-repair injured, worn, or damaged spots. Kentucky bluegrass produces a dense turf. Maintenance Moderate to high maintenance. It can tolerate cold winters but has a relatively low tolerance for heat and is only moderately drought tolerant. During the summer months if stressed for water, Kentucky bluegrass can go dormant. It has moderate wear tolerance, recovering quickly from some abuse. |
Overall plant structure of Kentucky bluegrass Collar of Kentucky bluegrass | Top of page |
FAQs
Kentucky bluegrass prefers full sun, but will tolerate some shade. This species is used widely throughout the U.S. where it is well adapted, but it has a poor summer performance in California in areas with warm to hot temperatures.
What is the best fertilizer for Kentucky 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.
Does Kentucky bluegrass come back every year? ›
Kentucky bluegrass is what's known as a perennial, cool-season lawn grass. This means it comes back year after year and grows most vigorously during the cool seasons of fall and spring.
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.
What grass is better than Kentucky bluegrass? ›
Highlights. Kentucky bluegrass is a cold-season grass, while tall fescue is a warm-season grass. Kentucky bluegrass requires more maintenance than tall fescue. Tall fescue is more resilient to foot traffic than Kentucky bluegrass.
How do I make my Kentucky bluegrass thicker? ›
Overseed
Overseeding is simply sowing grass seed into existing grass to make thin lawns thick—or keep them from getting thin. New grass fills in between what's already there, creating a thicker, lusher feel and look. Routine overseeding is the pro secret to a great lawn.
How often should I fertilize Kentucky bluegrass? ›
Fertilizer should be applied 3 to 4 times per year, using the following schedule as a general guide. Use a rotary-type spreader for best results. Apply in two different directions to avoid streaking. Fertilizer should be watered in immediately.
Will Kentucky bluegrass choke out weeds? ›
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.
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.
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.
1. You See Discolored or Pale Grass. Your lawn should be a lush, deep green color. If it looks yellow, pale green, or brown, there's a high likelihood the grass is getting too much water.
Does Kentucky bluegrass need dethatching? ›
Kentucky bluegrass should be dethatched in the spring (April) or fall (Sept.) when it is actively growing and never in the summer. Zoysiagrass, on the other hand, should be dethatched in the summer when it is actively growing.
What height should you mow Kentucky bluegrass? ›
The recommended height for Kentucky Bluegrass is generally about ¾” to 3-½”. During your lawn's growth season, try to mow your lawn at least once per week. During your lawn's dormancy season, it is common to mow much less frequently.
What is better Kentucky bluegrass or Bermuda grass? ›
warm-season grasses when comparing Bermuda grass against Kentucky bluegrass. Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass, making it best suited for climates that don't experience extreme cold. Kentucky bluegrass, a cool-season grass, is better for areas with cooler climates.
Is Kentucky bluegrass high maintenance? ›
To look its best, KBG requires a moderate to heavy fertilizer program, weed control, and irrigation, not to mention disease control. If you're interested in this high-maintenance grass, we'll reveal the pros and cons of this cool-season beauty.
Which is better Kentucky bluegrass or fescue? ›
Tall fescue boasts deep roots and requires minimal maintenance to thrive. On the other hand, Kentucky bluegrass features vigorous roots capable of self-repair! Keep reading to learn more about why these cool-season grasses should be your top choice for your lawn.
Is bluegrass better than fescue? ›
The reason we use Fescue is because of its hardiness. It is very tolerant against, drought, disease and it is a lower maintenance grass to keep it green and healthy during the year. Bluegrass is a good looking grass but very high maintenance is involved in this area of the country.
