Selecting the right grass seed…
Depending on the mixture, you should expect initial growth for most varieties to begin in 7 days provided adequate moisture is available, soil is warm enough and conditions allow for germination. Kentucky Bluegrass will take up to 30 days to germinate. The more ryegrass in the mix the faster the grass will establish. The more Bluegrass in the mix, the slower the grass will establish. First mowing should take place in 3-6 weeks when the grass blades reach 3" in height.
Most grass seed is packaged as blends. Over the long term, blends produce a more durable lawn. When conditions are detrimental to a particular species of grass, other species step up to help keep your lawn thick and green.
There are numerous species of grasses, each with their own unique properties. Most often, grass seed is a mixture of 3-4 species blended to give you an array of desirable qualities.
Here are the most commonly used species:
Kentucky Bluegrass
Its name comes from its deep blue-green color. Kentucky Bluegrass is fine textured grass used in home lawns, sports fields and golf courses.
Pros:
- Deep rich color.
- Spreading root system repairs damaged turf.
- Very winter hardy.
- Good disease resistance.
- Many varieties available.
Cons:
- Slow to germinate (21-30 days).
- Poor shade tolerance.
- Requires regular watering and fertilizer.
Fine Fescues
A very fine-textured family of grasses which include Chewing Fescue, Creeping Red Fescue, Hard Fescue and Sheep's Fescue.
Pros:
- Shade tolerant (up to 65% shade).
- Low maintenance (require little watering or fertilizer).
- Very winter hardy.
- Blends well with bluegrass in mixes.
Cons:
- Slower to germinate (14-21 days).
- Not durable to heavy traffic.
Perennial Ryegrass
Very popular, this grass shows up in golf courses, sports fields and home lawns all over the world.
Pros:
- Very fast germination (7 days).
- Good disease resistance.
- Dark green color, fine leaf texture.
- Blends well with bluegrasses and fine fescues.
Cons:
- Does not spread - a bunch grass.
- Not very winter hardy.
- Not shade tolerant.
- Requires regular watering and fertilizer.
Annual Ryegrass
A coarser grass used mainly as a "nurse grass" for other species or as a low cost ground cover. Annual Ryegrass jumps up quickly and holds the weeds back while the rest of the grasses establish. It is not very suitable for a fine lawn.
Pros:
- Fast germination (5-7 days).
Cons:
- Light green color.
- Very coarse blade - unattractive.
- Annual - only lasts one year.
- Not shade tolerant.
- Grows faster than other species so is usually longer than other grasses in a stand.
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