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.

Planting and management tips for Kentucky bluegrass

Mowing

Mow at 1.5 - 2.5 inches.
For optimum performance, mow relatively high, especially during the warm months.

Fertilizing

Fertilize using 4 - 6 lbs. nitrogen/1000 sq. ft. per year during the period of active growth (end of February - end of May; October - November).

Planting

Plant with seed or use sod.
If seeding, seed at 2 - 3 lbs. seed/1000 sq. ft.

Irrigation

Water frequently, every 1 - 3 days during the summer because of the shallow root system.

Special problems

Susceptible to most turfgrass diseases and insects
Low drought tolerance