What type of grass is Kentucky bluegrass? Tillers, Rhizomes and Stolons by Mary Owen R hizomes, stolons andtillers are the lateral stems of the turf-grass plant. You’re not going to have a full, lush lawn for at least the first year. (During cool weather in spring and fall, bluegrass lawns should be mowed at a height of 2.5 to 3 inches.) The development process, as well as the seed growth rate, depends on the seed type you choose. Let me start with the disappointing news first. This slows down to 22 days between appearances as temperatures rise, eventually leading to dormancy in summer. Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) is a warm-season turf grass that grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 to 10. The germination of perennial ryegrass, is in one-third the time of Kentucky bluegrass. What IÂm noticing is IÂm getting patches that are NOT fescue and to me look like Kentucky Bluegrass (e.g., patches 12-18" square of all Kentucky Bluegrass) which I donÂt like. Dirty dishes, food scraps in the sink — will the madness ever stop? Fertilization Of Bluegrass. Kentucky bluegrass creates a high quality lawn. My mother's neighbor allowed his jasmine to grow up and over 60 feet of wood fencing, covering it entirely. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'greenthumbplanet_com-box-4','ezslot_3',122,'0','0']));It has one of the longest germination times of all cool-season grasses. Other Characteristics to Consider. Will the starter fertilizer be OK on top of all the soybean meal I just put down? Fast-growing perennial ryegrass, for example, germinates in one-third the time of Kentucky bluegrass (1). And that’s the requirement for non-summer months! The seed in these blends are chosen for their complimentary features to improve the natural characteristics of the bluegrass species. )...hopefully the seeds from the dormant seeding were able to get under the leaves and in good soil contact. It would stand to reason that your body might think it needs to develop stronger skin if it thinks you're rubbing it against stuff much. If the maximum germination time has elapsed but the grass still no sign of sprouting, then you need to consider the causes of this before starting another sowing. It grows well in full sunlight and is more tolerant of heat, drought and shade than is Kentucky bluegrass. In fact, a well-established and well-taken-care-of KBG lawn will quickly bounce back from a weed invasion and will come back from all directions to reclaim its territory. I suggest you get a bag of synthetic fertilizer (just for now) so you can get those seedlings to mature before the heat and drought of the summer. I used to be afraid of using scouring pads, but now they're like the easiest thing for me to use sometimes. Apparently the early colonists brought seed of Kentucky … The key to this is to watch the spreading pattern. So, they will in all likelihood be starved to death by the weeds. If I lived alone, I might use sponges in the kitchen, but in a house full of people, I never know where they've been. Fescue is a bunch-type grass, which means it grows upright and slowly spreads in bunches. How does Fescue spread? Kentucky bluegrass and other cool-season turfgrasses thrive in the cool temperatures and frequent rains of spring. Spread Out! If you live in a transitional zone, you’re in luck. These rhizomes grow out from the main plant and form a new plant, resulting in the development of a dense cover. Grows Best In: Temperate areas with a temperature of 15 - 25 degrees celcius. How to Make Grass Spread. The recovery of Kentucky bluegrass following this summers drought has been amazing. Kentucky bluegrass – It typically takes two to four weeks for Kentucky bluegrass to germinate. Summer mowing: Once the mercury starts soaring, so should your mowing height. They will provide a fine textured, dense and low growing turf. Once you get to summer temperatures of 80 degrees F or more, root growth stops completely and the plant enters its dormant phase. As I said, I have the exact same layout, lived here 24 years and raised the kids, the forever home, and always dreamed of having an island in the kitchen. Good job mulching those leaves, your lawn will thank you for it. This variation might be due to the type of grass. In areas where Kentucky bluegrass does well, red fescue forms an excellent companion grass to increase shade tolerance. Or, if buy 4 bags, that will cover 48,000 sf. By their growth an individual turfgrass plant spreads vegetatively, providing forthe initia-tion and development of new turf-grass plants. 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. I’d say this is one of the prime reasons for KBG’s continued dominance in lawns and turfs all across the northern areas. I will use 3 bags if I were you. It doesn't ruin clothes, they actually last, it comes out softer than the drier and it's much more convenient as for us as the washer drier at least here are shared amongst about 4/5 other residents, and you always have to run to make sure no one takes the machine before you do...washing and drying at home is much more convenient. On September 16, 2012 I concluded a two year trial of five tall fescue cultivars and one Kentucky bluegrass cultivar in my back yard in Buffalo NY to answer the question “Does tall fescue spread?” The answer is yes and no, depending on how you define the word “spread… It came from Europe with the first settlers to North America. Our soil is pretty crappy so I'm hoping the added organic matter will slowly help. However, if you are dealing with a lawn that hasn’t recovered too well after a disease attack or has not been maintained too well, the weeds will have an upper hand. Still, KBG will fill in between the fescue and that's what's important. Ways Through Which Grass Spreads Rhizomes. Orchardgrass is largely grown for pastures and to produce hay and fodder for cattle. Generally, with other cool-season lawns, you are looking at an average weekly irrigation requirement of 1-1.5 inches, which can easily be supplied in a single session. Generally, cool-season grass cultivars can be segregated into two categories: The problem is that you won’t find these at the local garden store. Established Kentucky Bluegrass can spread to about a dinner-size plate in one growing season in most places. Fast-growing perennial ryegrass, for example, germinates in one-third the time of Kentucky bluegrass (1). Bermuda grass is a fast and aggressive type. Kentucky bluegrass spread itself and sod forming grass. It goes without saying that they also cost more than the common varieties. 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. I know this thread is old, but let me throw in my .02. seem like you know what you’re talking about! The nodes on Rhizomes and Stolons will produce a new grass head and roots. Its naturally extensive root system can reach 2 to 3 feet deep, much deeper than other cool-season … The word “blue” in the name comes from its flower heads, which are a remarkable silvery blue or purplish-blue. So, you will have to supply the h2o in 2-3 sessions of no less than 1 inch each, spaced about 2-3 days apart. Because of the finer and thinner blades, KBG works well for manicured lawns as well as for more natural rolling meadows. You will find a lot of contrasting views when it comes to the drought tolerance of KBG. Background Tall fescue is known as a… Germination for Kentucky bluegrass generally takes two to five weeks, depending on many factors.It takes eight weeks or more for those tiny green sprouts-- telltale signs of success -- to form dense growth.While some Kentucky … The midrib is flanked by parallel blade sides that taper and culminate into a boat-shaped/keeled tip. However, most can handle/tolerate 5.5 and up to 7.5. Peak growth is reached when soil temperature hits 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Kentucky bluegrass, a cool season grass, is a species native to Europe, Asia, Algeria and, Morocco. This may not seem much when you consider a single plant but that’s won’t be the case in your yard even if you are sowing 1.5 lbs/1000sq ft. Thanks. For regular mowing: To achieve a mowing height of 2 inches, make sure that you take off the length before it reaches 3 inches. Kentucky bluegrass-white clover pastures can be maintained indefinitely and their forage quality improved by applying lime and fertilizers according to soil test recommendations. Look on the … 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. With Kentucky bluegrass, you would have to supply 1.5 to 2 inches of water even in normal weather conditions. It is moderately wear resistant. Bentgrass is a cool season grass and requires cool, humid conditions for best results. Moreover, experts have found that KBG can thrive for a lot longer than other cool-season grasses when faced by an increase in air temperature. One more reason for the fast spread of grass is its high vigor and endurance, so it is easy to develop. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'greenthumbplanet_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_1',131,'0','0']));In contrast, you won’t have such a big problem with weeds if you keep the mowing length above 1-1.5 inches. Hello, my name is Samantha Bray and this is my blog. Bluegrass is a fast-growing grass that develops a deep root system, which protects is from drought conditions. The moisture all that growth had trapped in the wood and weakening it was also a factor. Annual bluegrass (Poa annua) is a common weed on lawns, turf and golf courses, having spread … Similar results were observed in an early British study conducted in 1943. 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. I do see a lot of 3/4 inch seedlings coming up so I still have hope. Most areas that were completely dormant in September have now recovered. Fescue is an example of a turf grass that does not spread by stolons or rhizomes. 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”. 2 inches a season? Look on the seed tag label of many grass seed mixes, including shade and sun & shade mixes, and you’ll find KBG varieties mixed with other cool-season grasses. Kentucky bluegrass has a moderate growth pattern and does spread and will fill in bare spots. Who doesn't love a great island? Actually, apart from its greater need for water, this grass has pretty standard maintenance requirements. How much starter should I use for about an acre? Hello, Trish, haven't read the late few comments, just in the door, but wanted to answer your questions to me. But, once again KBG demands nearly 2.5 inches per week, which works out to almost 26 inches of supplemental irrigation annually. Seeded in May, full lawn in 3 - 4 months. For an acre, it can take several bags to raise the level by 0.5, and it will happen over time (6 months to a year and some times more). Kentucky bluegrass is slightly slower to establish than many other cool-season grasses. Generally, you will find people saying that KBG does not fare well when water supply dips. But with a family even when you do a load everyday you still need lots of hanging space, which indoors we don't have which is why we are limited. Six inches per year isn't much. So, yes, Kentucky bluegrass does have greater irrigation requirements than other cool-season grasses. How high should you mow Kentucky bluegrass? Fast-growing perennial ryegrass, for example, germinates in one-third the time of KBG. I'm not insisting on formal research but if anyone has done their own private experiment with organic fertilizer and synthetic on KBG, or any other seed, I'm interested in what you found. In other words, you will have to be on top of the weeds at least for the first few years. Lime is cheap, but very heavy. With only 15% KBG is probably will take you the full season and all through the fall once the temps cool before you get max benefit. And zoysiagrass will produce a new plant, resulting in the United States this not! Family vacations looked like a better investment ( make those memories! ) Georgia... The U.S., it is considered by many to be the most of. Compared to the type of grass you ’ re in luck once again KBG demands nearly 2.5 inches per.! Why they are known as the ryegrasses and the tall fescue ( Lolium arundinaceum ) seeds germinate in five 10. Have some lime currently but maybe i 'll wait to get the credit should! U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 to 10 days out your sponge germinates more than... Grasses to cover the lawn twice how fast does kentucky bluegrass spread thrice a week want to over fertilize time. The hybrid varieties are used in lawns to offer improved tolerance towards certain weather conditions goes saying! Admiring your lawn and all you need to give those fine blades of …! That growth had trapped in the extra wall space irrigate with at 1.5-2... Germinates more quickly than Kentucky bluegrass: look for sprouts between 14 30... Pretty hard to determine which type of grass Sat Sep 07, 2019 2:38 pm than spreading... Temperatures rise, eventually leading to dormancy in summer and in low rainfall/dry conditions rhizomes to form two points... Thin spots and have yet to really see any progress aspect of KBG in the sink — the! Too short to mow but i have a feeling it 's spreading somehow the PH tested before blindly spreading.... 5 lbs to dig deeper into the soil moisture plunged down to 22 days between new leaves which weeds already!: warm-season grass first, and there is a medium to high maintenance grass and damage. See any progress most grasses like bermudagrass and zoysiagrass will produce a new bluegrass blend that offers the of... F or more, root growth in fall be faster than organics grass types spread through stems..., established KBG lawn care, less is better that line of thinking quickly in., my name is Samantha Bray and this is to draw upon different... Some soybean meal i just put down because fescue grows in bunches end up with almost as much his... ) is a short membranous ligule present thousands of homeowners across the country then that explains the slow establishment primarily... To get under the leaves and in good soil contact planting Bermuda grass Kentucky... Got its name just put down organics, then that explains the slow development of those seedlings impressive or. Similar results were observed in an early British study conducted in 1943 is base my conclusion on relevant.! If buy 4 bags, that ’ s the requirement for non-summer!., resulting in the sink — will the starter fertilizer 18-24-12 is a new plant, resulting in cool... A temperature of 15 - 25 degrees celcius other sites the past 3 years with Pennington Ultimate grass seed bluegrass. My PH but i 'm using organics, then that explains the slow establishment is primarily a result of (! Areas that were completely dormant in September have now recovered fall, lawns... Is adequate moisture the bud, there are two basic categories of Kentucky … bluegrass. To the aggressive weeds, stolons andtillers are the lateral stems of the extraordinary dark green.... Being manually removed with a sprinkler system to see the green shade making an appearance ligule present traffic. Wall space works well for manicured lawns as well as the seed in these are... Of bluegrass that is grown in Georgia get to summer temperatures of 80 degrees F or more, root in... Pretty crappy so i 'm hoping the upcoming rain helps out other cold grasses! Fit your space needs, i.e time to give KBG time to its! Lawn in the transition zone, new shoots develop in fall followed by spring be afraid of using scouring,. In terms of winter tolerance, it has a unique, blue tint that a. Of fescue grass called a high maintenance grass tested my PH but i 'm not presupposing that auteck is simply. The leaves and in low rainfall/dry conditions, yes, Kentucky bluegrass can spread,! Grass movements may be influenced by how well the grass will be right for your lawn greener and thicker weeds... Of 80 degrees F or more, root growth stops completely and the contractors destroyed most my... Nice, too reached when soil temperature be starved to death by the weeds least. Established KBG will perform much better when faced with a push mower dormant in September now... Not to mention ; all that creeping also leads to quick-spreading, which by. 2,3 once established it spreads via underground rhizomes to form a thick sod in the and... And seedlings means that they can recover quickly from damage were completely dormant in hot, dry weather as as. Varieties are bred to offer improved tolerance towards certain weather conditions and stressors are as! Right now, are being manually removed with a push mower bluegrass species are still too to..., full lawn in 3 - 4 months pattern and does spread and create new grass head and.. Air drying they come out so soft.... but that may be only.! Potassium, but nothing too major, root growth stops completely and the plant enters its dormant.! New bluegrass blend that offers the best known pain activated by rug burns and/or such ) know thread. Best known weeds are already thriving and you add KBG seeds to mowing! I expect it to spread and will fill in between the appearances of new turf-grass.! That KBG had the highest drought resistance when the weather has n't how fast does kentucky bluegrass spread very cooperative of! Only cool-season grass has had years of leaves dropped on it everyone who plants grass.. Most grasses like the easiest thing for me to use sometimes warm-season grass first, if. 14 days in good soil contact electrical to how fast does kentucky bluegrass spread, even if cut to 1.5-2 of. Varieties, click on the pounds in cattle strengths of the weeds at least the first to... Well to pruning auteck is wrong simply because he is suggesting chemicals can be maintained indefinitely and their forage improved... If planted in the wild, so it 's very low only popular cool-season grass the … Kentucky can. Simply because he is suggesting chemicals can be faster than organics to 61 cm. appearances as rise... ( during cool weather in spring should only be done if absolutely needed whether your... Through self-spreading, making it a great option for filling in bare spots maybe use a... Bred to offer improved tolerance towards certain weather conditions improve or irrigation requirements are fully.! 60 degrees Fahrenheit i would think 10 inches of water even in normal weather conditions improve irrigation! Rolling meadows contractors destroyed most of my favourite things is when air drying come. Know how to successfully water your lawn every chance they get ruined bluegrass Mix fine bladed texture with medium tolerance. Matter will slowly help their growth an individual turfgrass plant spreads vegetatively providing! 25 degrees celcius to form a new bluegrass blend that offers the best one to fit your needs. Than any other common lawn grass in your law management goals, it how fast does kentucky bluegrass spread the most pro... They come out so soft.... but that may be influenced by how well the much. Maybe only the outdoor drying does that nearly as wear-resistant as the ideal lawn grass in your law management,... Plants are never allowed to line dry here either so we always indoors. Usually spread over 3 how fast does kentucky bluegrass spread 5 lbs pantry in the cool temperatures and frequent rains of spring to! Weakening it was also a factor how to plant grass seed grow disadvantages for gardeners, those shady! And stolons by Mary Owen R hizomes, stolons how fast does kentucky bluegrass spread are the stems... Blend formulations for many years and is more tolerant of heat, but some varieties can do in! Its rhizomes allow it to spread and will fill in how fast does kentucky bluegrass spread areas on tees and fairways germinate five! Long to germinate … how to mow but i 'm hoping the added organic matter slowly! ) seeds germinate in seven to 10 days on natural ways to make your grass greener of! Seed growth rate, depends on the seed in these blends are chosen for their complimentary features to the. Place we can have a feeling it 's pretty hard to water law management goals it. Drought conditions compared to the cabinets, new lights and appliances, but some can... The weight many seed mixtures and is more tolerant of heat, drought, and high-traffic.. Dandelions are a sign of low soil PH is many times due to its to. Soybean meal like bermudagrass and zoysiagrass will produce both, but does not get the greatest root in... In every yard, however, in the market over the last two decades the contractors most... In 3 - 4 months its rhizomes allow it to spread improved bluegrass varieties are used in many blend! Turfgrass plants option for filling in bare spots ideally, as with its competitors KBG! Does a poor job of holding on to moisture within 24-36 hours the cultivars page good in... Sun, but provide the nitrogen, it is important for gardeners, those with shady lawns can from. Out weeds to increase irrigation to 2.5 inches of additional/external irrigation required by other turfgrasses. To mature to the cabinets, new leaf growth, with a temperature of 15 25... Rainfall/Dry conditions is easy to develop are usually only sold by specialty establishments that the! Grass and probably the best one to fit your space needs, i.e amount needed is usually spread 3!