Kentucky Bluegrass

Kentucky bluegrass is arguably the most popular turfgrass sown in the United States, at least in the northern states. This grass, though its name may indicate otherwise, is not a native of Kentucky but is of European origin. If you live in hardiness (zones of a climate based on how cold the area gets on average) zones between 3 and 6, then Kentucky bluegrass would do well in your area. The grass grows well in loamy soil but can also tolerate clay soil that is fertile and well drained. Soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 provides the ideal soil balance for this bluegrass type. It also tolerates windy areas. It also thrives when it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day, but the more the better. Kentucky needs a generous amount of watering of about 1 to 2 inches per week. When considering its water requirements take into consideration the natural rainfall during each week. Use a rain gauge to determine how much rain falls each week and supplement this by watering the lawn.

Kentucky bluegrass grows well in such states, in part or total, as: central to eastern Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, central to eastern Oregon, Wyoming, South Dakota, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, West Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, central to northern Nevada

Kentucky bluegrass germinates at a rate of about 14 to 30 days. Depending upon how much water it receives it can grow at a rate of 1 to 2 inches a week. It establishes slowly compared to other grass types. It also needs higher amounts of nitrogen than other grass types, about 4-6 lbs of actual nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per year. Kentucky bluegrass mixes well with perennial ryegrass and fine fescue. Kentucky bluegrass can be planted by seed or laid as sod.

Nativity: Europe                                                                                                                                                       Grass type: cool-season
Recommended zones: 3-7                                                                                                                                        Ideal climate: general northern hemisphere
Planting rate: 1-3 lbs per 1000 sq ft
Soil pH level: 6.0-7.5 slight acidic to slightly alkaline
Soil texture: loam to clay; fertile with good drainage
Germination rate: 14-30 days                                                                                                                                  Growth rate: up to 2 inches per week
Establishment rate: low, slow                                                                                                                                  Thatch production: moderate
Ideal mowing height: 1 ¾ -2 ½ inches
Fertilization: 4-6 lbs of actual nitrogen per 1000 sq ft per year
Nitrogen need: high Watering: generous
Disease potential: moderate                                                                                                                                    Maintenance need: moderate to high
Salty soil tolerance: low
Good grass mixes: perennial ryegrass, fine fescues
Color: dark blue-green                                                                                                                                             Texture: fine to medium
Root depth: moderate, 2-6 inches                                                                                                                           Availability: seed and sod
Traffic/wear tolerance: low                                                                                                                                       Recuperative capability: High, fast
Shade tolerance: low
Sunlight tolerance: high, full sun to light shade
Cold tolerance: moderate                                                                                                                                        Heat tolerance: moderate, 60-90 F
Drought tolerance: low                                                                                                                                            Flood/water tolerance: low