Cool Season Grass Seed

About Cool Season Grass Seed

Cool season grasses will grow very well once the snow melts in warm spring temperatures. It can survive in summer, but may brown or go dormant in very hot or drought-like conditions. These grasses are generally more shade tolerant than warm season grasses, but still love full sun for optimal growth.

How To Use Cool Season Grass Seed

Just like other types of grass seeds, it is important to get uniform seed distribution when seeding with a rotary or drop spreader. However, choosing the right seed type for your lawn is crucial. Where you live and your local climate and soil play a very big part in creating the best looking lawn year-round. If you’re not sure where you fall in the cool versus warm season grass seed, check our lawn care schedule or ask your local extension office or master gardener for recommendations. Here is a brief list of common cool season grass seeds and their properties, so you can make the best choice.

• Ryegrass: Ryegrass establishes quickly and is often sold in a blend of other seeds. It does best in full sun with a regular maintenance schedule; this is not a low-maintenance grass.
• Tall Fescue: This grass is somewhat heat and drought tolerant, and can adapt to a range of weather and soil conditions. It does best in well-drained, sunny soil, and is very easy to maintain. It is a popular choice with homeowners.
• Kentucky bluegrass: This type of grass is somewhat high maintenance, as it struggles to recover from damage, disease, heavy traffic, and pests. However, the lush, dark green color makes it an attractive choice for your lawn.
• Fine Fescues: A group of grass seed types that can include creeping red fescue, hard fescue, chewings fescue, or sheep fescue, among others, is best in shadier conditions with well-drained soil. It doesn’t do will with heavy foot traffic, but is drought tolerant. It also struggles with wet conditions and being over fertilized.