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Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Chewings Fescue
Most competitive fine fescue—naturally crowds out weeds in shade. Thrives in 2-3 hours sun. Ultra-soft texture. Festuca rubra commutata. USDA Zones 2-7.
Growing Guides & Fertilizer Education
The most aggressive and competitive fine fescue—Chewings Fescue crowds out weeds naturally through dense, upright growth that shades the soil surface. It thrives in shade conditions that defeat most lawn grasses, requiring as little as 2-3 hours of direct sunlight. Its fine, needle-like blades produce a soft, carpet-like texture. Chewings Fescue is bunch-type (no spreading), so it doesn't fill gaps on its own, but its competitive density means gaps rarely form in the first place.
Category
Grass
Type
Chewings Fescue
Scientific Name
Festuca rubra subsp. commutata
Zones
2-7
Brand
Wicked Tuff Turf
What Is It ?
The most aggressive and competitive fine fescue—Chewings Fescue crowds out weeds naturally through dense, upright growth that shades the soil surface. It thrives in shade conditions that defeat most lawn grasses, requiring as little as 2-3 hours of direct sunlight. Its fine, needle-like blades produce a soft, carpet-like texture. Chewings Fescue is bunch-type (no spreading), so it doesn't fill gaps on its own, but its competitive density means gaps rarely form in the first place.
How to Apply ?
Step 1
Ensure well-drained soil; test pH (5.5-6.5)
Step 2
Apply light organic starter fertilizer
Step 3
Spread seed (6-8 lbs/1k sq ft new; 3-4 lbs overseed)
Step 4
Rake very lightly and roll gently
Step 5
Water 2-3 times daily for 2-3 weeks
Step 6
First mow at 4-4.5"; maintain 3-4" height
Best For
Shaded areas where weed suppression is desired|Low-maintenance lawns under trees|Blending with other fine fescues and ryegrass|Low-nitrogen organic lawn programs|Areas where natural weed competition is preferred over herbicides|Fine-textured, soft-feeling turf
FAQs
1.
What is chewings fescue?
Chewings fescue (Festuca rubra subsp. commutata) is a fine-textured, bunch-type grass that grows in dense, upright clumps. Unlike creeping red fescue which spreads via short rhizomes, chewings fescue has no rhizomes and does not spread laterally. It compensates with aggressive competitive growth within its clump—it is the most competitive of the fine fescues, crowding out weeds and neighboring plants more effectively. Its dense growth habit makes it excellent for weed suppression in shade.
2.
What does 85/80 Kentucky bluegrass mean in this mix?
Radar is an improved chewings fescue variety known for its fine leaf texture, dark green color, and strong shade tolerance. It provides better density and turf quality than common chewings fescue, with improved resistance to red thread and other common fescue diseases. Radar is widely used in shade-tolerant lawn mixes and fine fescue blends throughout the northern United States. It is a component species in several Wicked Tuff Turf mixes where shade performance is needed.
3.
How much clover is in the All Purpose Lawn Mix and will it be visible?
Chewings fescue has excellent shade tolerance—among the best of any cool-season lawn grass. It maintains quality with as little as 2-3 hours of direct sunlight or bright filtered light. Its competitive growth habit allows it to dominate shaded areas where Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass thin out. Chewings fescue is included at 25% in the Wicked Tuff Turf Sun & Shade Mix and 20% in the Kid Safe Lawn specifically for its shade performance.
4.
What is the seeding rate for chewings fescue?
Seed chewings fescue at 4-5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft for new lawns, or 2-3 lbs per 1,000 sq ft for overseeding. For larger areas, use 150-200 lbs per acre. Plant 0.125-0.25 inches deep on a firm seedbed. Chewings fescue germinates in 10-14 days. Because it does not spread, initial seed distribution must be uniform—thin spots will not fill via lateral growth. Mix seed with dry sand for more even hand-broadcasting.
5.
Does chewings fescue tolerate foot traffic?
The All Purpose Mix performs in 3-8+ hours of direct sunlight. Optimal performance is at 4-6 hours. In shadier spots (3-4 hours), creeping red fescue carries the stand. In full sun (8+ hours), tall fescue tends to dominate over time. For less than 3 hours of direct sun, the Sun & Shade Mix is a better choice with its 65% fine fescue content designed specifically for heavy shade. The All Purpose is best described as a moderate-shade-tolerant blend.
6.
What fertilizer program does the All Purpose Lawn Mix need?
Apply 2-3 lbs nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually, with the white clover component providing an additional 0.5-1 lb N through biological fixation. Fall fertilization (September-October in zones 4-6) produces the best results. A simple program: 1 lb N per 1,000 sq ft in September, 1 lb in late October, and optionally 0.5-1 lb in late May. Avoid heavy spring nitrogen which promotes disease and weed pressure. Slow-release or organic fertilizers complement the clover's natural fertility contribution.
7
What USDA zones does chewings fescue grow in?
Chewings fescue thrives in USDA zones 3-7, performing best in cool, moist climates. It has excellent cold tolerance (surviving to -30°F and below) but moderate heat tolerance—it may thin or go dormant during extended summer heat above 85°F. In zones 6-7, chewings fescue performs best in shaded areas where summer temperatures are moderated. For full-sun applications in warmer zones, tall fescue is a more heat-tolerant alternative.