The right climate helps produce high quality Kentucky bluegrass. A cold-tolerant grass, Kentucky bluegrass grows best in the northern climates of the U.S. It is highly regarded as one of the best quality turf grasses because of its versatility and resistance to wear and disease. Damaged areas tend to regrow naturally. It grows best in full sunlight, but mixing it with a fine fescue helps increase shade tolerance. Kentucky bluegrass typically establishes within one to three months of seeding or sodding.
Kentucky Bluegrass Planting and Growing Properties
| BEST TIME TO PLANT | Fall |
| PLANTING DEPTH | 1/4 - 1/2 of inch
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| GERMINATION TIME | 21 - 28 days
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| SEEDING RATE | 3 lbs per 1,000 square feet and 1.5 lbs for over-seeding
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| COLOR | Dark, Emerald Green |
| TEXTURE | Fine
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| SHADE TOLERANCE | Moderate |
| DROUGHT TOLERANCE | Low to moderate |
| TRAFFIC TOLERANCE | Good |
| DISEASE TOLERANCE | Moderate |
| MOWING HEIGHT | 2 - 3 inches
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| FERTILITY PROGRAM | 1.0 - 1.5 lbs Nitrogen per 1,000 sq feet in September, November, and May
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Ok, now that you have chosen your grass seed, take a look at the Planting Grass Seed page for detailed instructions on how to prepare your seed bed and plant your grass seed!