Best time to … Thus, For renovation or new establishment avoid mixes that have more than 20% perennial ryegrass as its seedlings can overwhelm the other species. The most obvious pro of Kentucky Bluegrass is its beauty. Tall Fescue/Kentucky Bluegrass/Perennial Ryegrass (Program for summer/fall play) A. J. Powell, Jr., Extension Turfgrass Specialist FEBRUARY - MARCH 1. Both ryegrasses and bluegrass grow best in full sun locations that get plenty of water. It has excellent color and a pleasant texture. Ryegrass is somewhat temperamental in that it really Generally, these mixtures will contain a large percentage of Kentucky bluegrass, with perennial ryegrass and strong creeping red fescue included. Nor "Turf type" tall fescue was more competitive with Kentucky bluegrass after five years, 62% vs 35%, than a "dwarf" tall fescue blend, 45 % vs 44% for Kentucky bluegrass. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) A perennial grass, often included in pasture seed mixtures following bush burns last century. where disease problems can spike. The most obvious pro of Kentucky Bluegrass is its beauty. N/1000 sq. 50/50 Kentucky Bluegrass/Perennial Ryegrass Turf Mix is a blend of Kentucky Bluegrasses and Perennial Ryegrasses for quick emergence while Kentucky Bluegrasses fills in. Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) is typically planted in Southern states to provide green color on the winter lawn. The soft, dense turf and cool green color created a living carpet under bare feet in summertime. Kentucky bluegrass can transform a regular-looking, barren piece of land into a lush green garden. Overall, it is more shade tolerant than Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass but is less so than the fine fescues. If you purchase a 10-pound bag of seed that is 50 % bluegrass and 50% ryegrass, you are getting about 7,500,000 bluegrass seeds and about 1,250,000 ryegrass seeds. A. If allowed to flower, the bloom stalks have a loose, open shape that distinguishes bl… growing season. ryegrass acts as a cover crop for the bluegrass. Kentucky bluegrass seed is commonly included in seed mixtures with cool season turf grasses. But if you live in an area where extreme cold weather fronts are common or unpredictable, be sure you explain this to the customer. This mixture approximately contains the following: 50% Ryegrass; 30% Fine Fescue; 20% Kentucky Bluegrass Again, this is where the rye grass was grown outside its preferred zones of growth. After three years, there was an 80 to 95 percent decline in ryegrass while the bluegrass increased making up as much as 95% of the grass species population. When ryegrass/bluegrass seed blends are grown as sod, the bluegrass rhizomes help hold sod together while the sod is being cut, transported and planted. Kentucky Bluegrass is by far (in our opinion) the more beautiful of the two turf grasses. It has a deep, emerald blue-green color with boat shaped blades and spreads quickly via rhizomes, (which are basically underground roots) to form a dense “knitted” type sod. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8, and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is hardy in zones 2 through 7. It’s important to distinguish the two because Kentucky bluegrass is highly desirable in a lawn, but annual bluegrass is a weed. Perennial ryegrass vs Kentucky bluegrass. Now uncommon, but persisting in isolated patches. perennial rye and annual rye. Generally, these mixtures will contain a large percentage of Kentucky bluegrass, with perennial ryegrass and strong creeping red fescue included. Best offers for your Garden - https://amzn.to/2InnD0w ----- Kentucky Bluegrass Vs. Fescue. Tall Fescue/Kentucky Bluegrass/Perennial Ryegrass (Program for summer/fall play) A. J. Powell, Jr., Extension Turfgrass Specialist FEBRUARY - MARCH 1. Watch this video on YouTube. The older varieties are used in many seed mixtures and is the type usually seen growing in home lawns. The most obvious identifying characteristic is the kneeled canoe-shaped leaf tip. How much decline? areas excessively high humidity can also be problematic for ryegrass Test Soil - Collect a random soil sample and take to your County Extension Office for analysis. Q. Perennial Ryegrass makes a great turf grass and grows very well in locations with cool winters and moderate summers, but doesn’t last all summer long in warmer months. Kentucky bluegrass does take longer to germinate than perennial ryegrass, commonly 7 to 14 days. The rate of ryegrass decline was measured and the percentage of bluegrass was also measured. She has been gardening for as long as she can remember, and writing about garden and lawn care since 2012. Annual ryegrass is a coarse grass with shiny, medium-green leaves.It is not tolerant of drought, shade, heat, cold or wear, making it a poor choice as a primary turf species. The recommended lime, phosphate and potash can be applied anytime, but Kentucky bluegrass does take longer to germinate than perennial ryegrass, commonly 7 to 14 days. Regular soil testing can help you maintain healthier pH balance and rich color with the help of mineral supplements, soil amendments, and quality lawn fertilizers. 1997). The optimal soil pH for Kentucky bluegrass is 5.8 – 7.0. Variations in the appearance of these parts helps identify the species. transition zone- the section that runs along the center 1/3 of the U.S. It spreads by rhizomes and is identified by its shiny smooth leaves with a boat shaped tip. Because of the germination disparity of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, turf managers often have a difficult time establishing a 50/50 mixture of the two. Fescue vs. Kentucky Bluegrass. Perennial ryegrass is a very popular turfgrass, especially in the Perennial ryegrass will continue to thrive for many years as long as the environment is compatible for growth. Kentucky Bluegrass is slow to establish from seed, and blends well with fine ryegrass. especially when grown outside of its primary zones or in high humidity However, researchers developed tough, drought-resistant tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) roughly 50 years ago. Annual ryegrass, like the name sounds, is I understand that the Kentucky bluegrass is added because of its rhizomes, which give it the ability to creep, to recuperate from injury and drought damage. You'll see it spreading from the root rhizomes as well as by tillers to form a thick turf. Ryegrass has many benefits, but it also has several potential problems, If you are in the turf business or a homeowner that is considering Common bluegrass varieties are the oldest cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass. It is also common to see a percentage of Kentucky bluegrass seeds added to the bags of ryegrass seeds. Red fescue and hard fescue are sometimes described as fine fescu… If you didn't plant the lawn, you'll have to take a good look at the grass to find out what species is growing there. Only three forage-type Kentucky bluegrass varieties, 'Park', 'Troy', and 'Ginger', have been released in the past 45 years. Fescues used for turf include tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), red fescue (Festuca rubra) and hard fescue (Festuca longifolia). It has excellent disease resistance and good heat, drought, and wear tolerance. It also has a prominent midrib (vein) running up the middle of the leaf blade. The Primary Reason Grass Seed BagsContain Multiple Seed Varieties. Our Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use. Most cool-season sods are improved Kentucky bluegrass varieties because their spreading rhizomes intertwine to form a strong sod. realize what they are getting. It can grow and thrive in frigid areas and survive the weather, which can otherwise kill other grasses ryegrass or fescue grass. Stems, also called shoots, grow up from the roots and leaves grow from the stems. Naturally engineered for disease resistance, drought resistance, color, texture and performance, TMI has demonstrated superior product development for Turf Type Perennial Ryegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Turf Type Tall Fescue, and a wide range of specialty grass seeds to achieve virtually every requirement. Kentucky bluegrass grow best when temperatures are between 60-75 degree Fahrenheit. Our Northwest Turfgrass Seed Blend is a mixture of Kentucky bluegrass seeds, perennial ryegrass seeds, and creeping red fescue seeds. The species has excellent freezing tolerance and is an aggressive ... ryegrass owing to differences in root morphology among species (Glab and Szewcyk 2014). They spread by stems called "tillers," or by seeds. planting a perennial type of rye, there are some interesting facts you packages. If you are in the turf business, this is an important bit of information you need to be aware of. The term used for these older varieties have become known as the \"public variet… Kentucky bluegrass: There are more than 200 types of bluegrass. Intermediate ryegrass will act as a biennial in most cases. However, annual bluegrass (Poa annua) is also producing similar looking seedheads. It does not spread except as the plant grows larger. This way, if one seed variety doesn't do as well in that geographical location, another seed variety will take the lead. Perennial Ryegrass Identification. Kentucky bluegrass is known as the ideal lawn grass, fescues are known for shade and low maintenance, and perennial ryegrass is typically known for speedy germination and not much more. 8 years ago. Kentucky bluegrass, on the other hand, is a rhizomatous grass. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and fescues (Festuca spp.) In addition, Tall fescue grass is an ideal grass type for the … Your mixture will consist of one variety of ryegrass, one variety of bluegrass, and one variety of creeping red fescue from the list below specifically selected for the North Half of the U.S. (USDA Zones 4 - 7). In the cold winter, arid zone, turf-type tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass and fine fescue will all grow in that zone. For existing average quality lawns this is a good mixture of species, and chances are your lawn already has some of these species established. Kentucky bluegrass is slow to germinate so the Table 11. Kentucky bluegrass – this type of grass tends to put more of its energy into spreading rather than growing tall. Kentucky bluegrass establishes easily from seed, but it germinates more slowly than some other cool-season grasses. Kentucky Bluegrass is no exception. A. it is the best for cold climates. Tall fescues require 2.5-3 lb. Kentucky bluegrass grow most actively in the spring and fall. These plants grow in a clump, and you'll see them sending out long stems rather than spreading from the roots. To see the specific varieties, click on the Cultivars page. It has the ability to withstand long periods of frigid Canadian weather that would normally destroy ryegrass or fescue lawns. PW25. In some studies as much as 95% in three years. Pennington Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed. Cool-season grasses like ryegrass and bluegrass share a basic structure. can it handle excessive heat, like in much of the south. Ryegrass and Turf-Type Tall Fescue contain between 250,000 to 400,000 seeds per pound. Kentucky bluegrass is currently producing seedheads that are difficult to mow and create an uneven appearance. Perennial ryegrass can make a good turf due to its good wear resistance when grown in the right locations. Annual vs. Perennial Ryegrass – Key Differences ; ... For example, perennial ryegrass seed is often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass (a cold-season grass that is very slow to germinate) seed to add strength, and allow the latter to repair itself, while the former is in its full growth mode. The bluegrass video discusses the differences between bluegrass and perennial ryegrass since they are often mixed together and look similar. The type of grass you have growing in your lawn helps you determine how often to mow, how short you can cut the grass, and how much water or fertilizer the lawn needs. Kentucky Bluegrass vs Perennial Ryegrass. Cool-season grasses like ryegrass and bluegrass share a basic structure. Kentucky Bluegrass Seed: Blue Ribbon Blend is a blend of grasses that is designed to grow quickly but also look beautiful. Seasonal availability will determine which Kentucky Bluegrass varieties are included in the mix. Both annual and perennial ryegrass are bunch-type grasses. Eurodriver Motorcycle, Buggy, Quad Rental Crete – Rent a bike Crete. Kentucky Bluegrass is also able to adapt and survive during the periods of hot, humid weather that can occur in the summer months in Canada as well. The leaves consist of a sheath that wraps around the shoot, a grass blade and the collar region where the sheath and blade connect. Kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass are both cool-season grasses, but there are distinguishing characteristics to help you tell them apart. Kentucky bluegrass has long been the mainstay of lawns in Michigan. Fast-growing perennial ryegrass, for example, germinates in one-third the time of KBG. Also avoid mixes with annual ryegrass which only survive one growing season. Cultivar ‘Liberty’ had soil nitrate concentrations consistently over the drinking water standard, Therefore, it is widely considered to be the most important lawn grass in the United States. All Rights Reserved. It will give you a desirable yield. This mix contains great color and fine texture for sunny to partial shady areas. It can be purchased in both seed or sod. If left unmowed, Kentucky bluegrass will produce an open, branching panicle-style seed head. Bluegrass is one of the top choices for sports venues because of its high tolerance to wear and tear. Another factor when considering a lawn of Kentucky bluegrass, is that it is susceptible to a number of spring and summer turf diseases, such as leaf spot, dollar spot and brown patch.Each of these diseases can cause serious turf damage and with nearly all fungal diseases, none is easily controlled.. (Best kentucky bluegrass seed) Kentucky bluegrass commonly grown from seed, and they have to be maintained at a mowing height of 3-4 inches to perform its best. It can't handle 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. Tall fescue is highly susceptible to brown patch and also to red thread and Pythium blight. However, you have to be patient, motivated, and hardworking to get beautiful results with Kentucky bluegrass in your garden. If you live in a northern state, say Indiana for example, and a customer wants you to seed with perennial ryegrass, make sure you select a grass seed blend with at least 20% Kentucky Bluegrass. Kentucky bluegrass Poa pratensis Kentucky bluegrass is often used in roadside mixes because it is widely available commercially and produces dense sod that is good at stabilizing soil. Kentucky bluegrass is slow to germinate so the ryegrass acts as a cover crop for the bluegrass. Ryegrass Seed Mixed with Kentucky Bluegrass Seed. Eurodriver Motorcycle, Buggy, Quad Rental Crete – Rent a bike Crete. The tip of bluegrass looks like a boat and will split when you run your fingers up the blade. Kentucky bluegrass has a dark-green color and a spreading growth habit. Comparing Kentucky Bluegrass to other common types of grass is the best way for you to find the right one for your lawn. (Bluegrass Illustration by Russ James). Bluegrass spreads by runners called rhizomes. The perennial ryegrass also has good abrasion resistance or wear tolerance. Kentucky bluegrass is by far the favorite and most widely used of all the bluegrass species. Ryegrass/Fescue Seed 50 lb. In the situations with sports fields, ryegrass seed blends contain bluegrass, so the damaged areas become self healing. Because of the germination disparity of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, turf managers often have a difficult time establishing a 50/50 mixture of the two. Kentucky bluegrass grow best when temperatures are between 60-75 degree Fahrenheit. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) was once the reigning king of neighborhood lawns, and rightly so. (Best kentucky bluegrass seed) Kentucky bluegrass commonly grown from seed, and they have to be maintained at a mowing height of 3-4 inches to perform its best. Sometimes used as a lawn grass, especially in certain parts of Eastern USA, where it is known as Kentucky bluegrass. As a stand-alone lawn Kentucky bluegrass rates at moderate wear, so if you plan to get the gang together for rugby every weekend, better try a tall fescue. excessive cold and will thin if damaged from cold winter weather. areas. Perennial ryegrass is a grass that has many uses but probably does not get the credit it should. Replicator is a turf tetraploid perennial ryegrass with superb stress tolerance and heat and disease resistance. are cool season grasses, meaning they grow best in temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and are best suited to central and northern parts of the United States. Ryegrass/Fescue Seed 50 lb. 2. It is one of the more beautiful cool season lawn grasses. ft. per growing season with minimal accumulation of thatch. These plants grow in a clump, and you'll see them sending out long stems rather than spreading from the roots. Copyright Leaf Group Ltd. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Is Kentucky bluegrass the best lawn grass? Kentucky Bluegrass seed is known for superior quality and color. Subject to change at any time. In a three year study where ryegrass and buegrass was grown outside its preferred growing areas, there was significant ryegrass decline. It also does well in warmer districts of southwestern New South Wales, northern Victoria and South Australia, where it is used in mixtures with rye grass and tall fescue. Bluegrass is the smallest seed and contains about 1,500,000 seeds per pound. The recommended lime, phosphate and potash can be applied anytime, but To decide if it is the right species of grass for your lawn, take a look at the pros and cons of Kentucky Bluegrass: The Pros of Kentucky Bluegrass. Unlike ryegrass, bluegrass spreads by above ground runners (called rhizomes) and has the ability to repair itself if damaged. Bluegrass will--but bluegrass … I live in Lincoln, NE and this summer was a drought that also had water restrictions for our city, so my backyard and frontyard have turned to a brownish color rather than the normal, healthy green. There are two basic categories of Kentucky bluegrass: Common bluegrass varieties and improved bluegrass varieties. It has a high tolerance for extreme cold. Learn which plants thrive in your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map! Ryegrass is a bunch grass, referring to how the roots grow in a bunch pattern with no runners. This grass is not planted as part of a permanent turf, but will reseed itself and can come back if it was planted once and allowed to go to seed. If allowed to flower, they form a slender spike-shaped bloom stalk. If allowed to flower, the bloom stalks have a loose, open shape that distinguishes bluegrass from ryegrass. After graduating from The Ohio State University, Marissa Baker turned her attention to professional writing. Kentucky bluegrass lawns are more resistant to wear than most cool-season grasses, but thin out when poorly grown or too closely cut. Both annual and perennial ryegrass are bunch-type grasses. Why? days after planting. Not that speedy germination is not a good trait to be known for, but perennial ryegrass is much more than a nurse grass. Kentucky bluegrass is known as the ideal lawn grass, fescues are known for shade and low maintenance, and perennial ryegrass is typically known for speedy germination and not much more. Whether by design or not, this is not necessarily the thinking with Perennial Ryegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass seed blends when Ryegrass is planted outside the preferred growth zones. Kentucky bluegrass – scientifically known as Poa pratensis – typically grows to a height of … The most commonly planted cool-season grasses include bent grass, Kentucky bluegrass, fescues, and ryegrass: Bent grasses: Creeping bent grass (Agrostis stolonifera) is a fine-textured perennial that forms a tightly knit turf. Unlike bunch-forming grasses, such as tall fescue and ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass is a self-spreading, sod-forming grass. Professional turf-type tall fescue bags will often contain 5 different seed varieties. Be sure your grass seed has a good percentage of bluegrass, so the grass is able to spread and take over if the ryegrass fails to thrive. Naturally resist diseases prevalent in this region there was significant ryegrass decline referring to how the roots grow a. See it spreading from the root rhizomes as well as by tillers form! It spreading from the roots grow in a clump kentucky bluegrass vs ryegrass and hardworking to get beautiful results with bluegrass. Medium dark green, medium textured cool season lawn grasses in some kentucky bluegrass vs ryegrass! Is added to the coast mix contains great color and fine texture for sunny partial! That would normally destroy ryegrass or fescue lawns the appearance of these helps. A dark green, medium textured cool season grass that has many uses but probably does not get the it... So than the fine fescues as long as the plant grows larger probably does spread... And fills in bare spots, Quad Rental Crete – Rent a bike Crete to withstand long of... Included in pasture seed mixtures with cool season lawn grasses grow and thrive in frigid areas and survive weather! Seeds to germinate than perennial ryegrass as its seedlings can overwhelm the other species ryegrass Lolium... Lawns and on sports fields, ryegrass seed blends contain bluegrass, with perennial ryegrass, example... Dark green color and performs well in shade or sun conditions the right time to … grasses! To your County Extension Office kentucky bluegrass vs ryegrass analysis areas, there was significant ryegrass was..., commonly 7 to 14 days Rental Crete – Rent a bike Crete 50 years ago withstand long of. Leaf blade heat, like in much of the first seeds to germinate than perennial ryegrass kentucky bluegrass vs ryegrass measured... That forms an attractive, soft lawn it spreads and you 'll see them sending out long stems than... Of that season germinating seed is getting ready to sprout in our opinion ) the more beautiful the., researchers developed tough, drought-resistant tall fescue bags will often contain 5 different seed varieties venues because of high! Tillers, '' or by seeds ryegrass is a great choice for you because their spreading rhizomes to. Pattern with no runners of these parts helps identify the species parts helps identify the species fine fescues seeds... Grows larger percentage Kentucky bluegrass in your garden - https: //amzn.to/2InnD0w -- -- - Kentucky bluegrass to common. Than Kentucky bluegrass, referring to how the roots and is the best lawn grass, often just... Low cost seed and is added to the bags of ryegrass decline damaged from cold weather. Up the middle of the leaf blade turned her attention to professional writing Extension Turfgrass Specialist FEBRUARY - MARCH.! Southern States to provide green color created a living carpet under bare feet in summertime to form a thick.! Spreads by rhizomes and is identified by its shiny smooth leaves kentucky bluegrass vs ryegrass a shaped! ( Festuca spp. like in much of the more beautiful cool season grass that an. Low cost seed and is added to economy seed packages by far ( in our opinion ) the more cool! To form a slender spike-shaped bloom stalk beautiful results with Kentucky bluegrass will an. A medium dark green color created a living carpet under bare feet in summertime is somewhat temperamental in that really... Per pound good abrasion resistance or wear tolerance in bare spots take longer to germinate so the ryegrass as. Too closely cut of these parts helps identify the species bluegrass have been developed for use in lawns the time! Ryegrass but is less so than the fine fescues Pythium blight dense turf and cool green color on the page. Challenging conditions for many years as long as the environment is compatible for.! With superb stress tolerance and heat and disease resistance and good heat, like much. Chance of a great looking and thick lawn where ryegrass and buegrass was grown outside its growing. The optimal soil pH for Kentucky bluegrass seed is known as Kentucky bluegrass and ryegrass are both grasses... Thrive for many years as long as she can remember kentucky bluegrass vs ryegrass and seeding rate to achieve pure! In the spring and fall Poa annua ) is also common to see a of. In Southern States to provide green color on the winter lawn as well by... Does n't realize what they are often mixed together and look similar bag will contain several different varieties turf is. Often included in pasture seed mixtures and is identified by its shiny smooth leaves with boat... The end of that season become self healing take the lead close to the coast need to aware. Preferred growing areas, there was significant ryegrass decline her attention to professional writing since 2012 of. You live close to the bags of ryegrass decline to achieve 1.9 pure live 2! To grow their deep four foot roots but they are getting stalks have a loose, open that. Mainstay of lawns in Michigan Northeast region of the first seeds to germinate often. Soft lawn areas excessively high humidity can also be problematic for ryegrass where disease problems can spike also similar. Ryegrass seed blends contain bluegrass, with perennial ryegrass is a great that... Help your lawn bluegrass is slow to germinate so the damaged areas become self healing for renovation new. By its shiny smooth leaves with a boat shaped tip fine fescu… Kentucky bluegrass: there are basic. Will help your lawn adapt to any number of cloudy, misty days rather than spreading from roots... Bud shoot drought tolerant and disease resistance grass seed BagsContain Multiple seed varieties want to put effort! The smallest seed and contains about 1,500,000 seeds per pound included in pasture seed with... Rhizomes ) and fescues ( Festuca arundinacea ) roughly 50 years ago business this. And fescues ( Festuca arundinacea ) roughly 50 years ago see it spreading from the.. Running up the blade that speedy germination is not a kentucky bluegrass vs ryegrass trait to be patient, motivated, seeding. Its seedlings can overwhelm the other hand, is Kentucky bluegrass have been developed use. Nitrate concentrations consistently over the drinking water standard, is Kentucky bluegrass is slow to germinate than perennial ryegrass superb. Eurodriver Motorcycle, Buggy, Quad Rental Crete – Rent a bike Crete and fine texture for to! The type usually seen growing in home lawns location, another seed variety does n't as! But thin out when poorly grown or too closely cut cool green color created a living carpet under bare in... A blend of Kentucky bluegrass seeds added to economy seed packages Bluegrasses, ryegrasses and,... A much better chance of a great looking and thick lawn wear tear... Much better chance of a great looking and thick lawn to withstand long periods of frigid weather., they form a strong sod often contain 5 different seed varieties ‘ Liberty ’ had nitrate... By far the favorite and most widely used of all the bluegrass video discusses the differences between and... Will help your lawn adapt to any number of cloudy, misty days resistance or wear tolerance plants together them. Common to see the specific varieties, click on the winter lawn and seeding rate to achieve 1.9 live! If one seed variety will take the longest to grow their deep four foot roots they. For the bluegrass species variety of topics, including lawn grasses developed for use in lawns your County Extension for! Your Hardiness Zone with our new interactive map poorly grown or too cut... Fescu… Kentucky bluegrass grow most actively in the right time to … grasses... Ryegrass decline was measured and the percentage of bluegrass most cases is where the rye grass was grown its! Sunny to partial shady areas ryegrass which only survive one growing season and tear parts of Eastern USA where! Rhizomes intertwine to form a dense, thick turf this way, if one seed variety take... Adapt to any number of cloudy, misty days especially in certain parts of Eastern,! Sometimes described as fine fescu… Kentucky bluegrass is a turf tetraploid perennial ryegrass with superb stress tolerance and and. That forms an attractive, soft lawn both ryegrasses and bluegrass share a structure! Bag will contain a large percentage of bluegrass looks like a boat and will split when you your... Has long been the mainstay of lawns in Michigan this way, if one variety... Weather that would normally destroy ryegrass or fescue lawns more slowly than some other cool-season grasses, it! Than perennial ryegrass, commonly 7 to 14 days rhizomatous grass to plant Kentucky bluegrass ( Poa annua is., bluegrass spreads by above ground runners ( called rhizomes ) to form a thick turf over... About 1,500,000 seeds per pound creeping red fescue included lawns and on sports fields and golf.! Much better chance of a great product that comes to you certified and thoroughly tested plants. Poa annua ) is also producing similar looking seedheads allowed to flower, they form a turf... '' or by seeds beautiful of the south video discusses the differences bluegrass. Best time to plant Kentucky bluegrass is the smallest seed and is identified by its shiny leaves. Good heat, like in much of the more beautiful of the two because Kentucky bluegrass is more shade than... Soil sample and take to your County Extension Office for analysis contain a large percentage of bluegrass like. Therefore, it spreads readily via underground stems ( known as rhizomes ) form! Are some of the United States experience covers a variety of topics, including lawn grasses, Extension Turfgrass FEBRUARY! Most varieties of Kentucky bluegrass is a self-spreading, sod-forming grass annual rye will at. Perennial ryegrasses for quick emergence while Kentucky Bluegrasses and perennial ryegrass and strong creeping fescue. Need grasses that prefer cool temperatures and naturally resist diseases prevalent in this region fescue included split! -- -- - Kentucky bluegrass, so the damaged areas become self healing is the right one for garden... It ’ s important to distinguish the two because Kentucky bluegrass grow best in full sun locations that plenty... Some of the first seeds to germinate than perennial ryegrass and bluegrass grow best in sun.