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Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Kentucky Bluegrass
Premium Kentucky Bluegrass seed—self-repairing lawn grass with rich blue-green color. Rhizomatous growth fills bare spots naturally. USDA Zones 2-7.
Growing Guides & Fertilizer Education
The gold standard of cool-season lawn grasses—prized for its rich blue-green color, fine texture, and unmatched self-repair ability. Kentucky Bluegrass is the only common lawn grass that spreads aggressively via underground rhizomes, meaning it fills bare spots and repairs damage without overseeding. The tradeoff: it's the slowest to germinate (14-30 days), has moderate shade tolerance, requires more nitrogen than most grasses, and demands consistent moisture. For homeowners willing to invest in proper maintenance, nothing matches a pure Kentucky Bluegrass lawn for density, color, and resilience.
Category
Grass
Type
Kentucky Bluegrass
Scientific Name
Poa pratensis
Zones
2-7
Brand
Wicked Tuff Turf
What Is It ?
The gold standard of cool-season lawn grasses—prized for its rich blue-green color, fine texture, and unmatched self-repair ability. Kentucky Bluegrass is the only common lawn grass that spreads aggressively via underground rhizomes, meaning it fills bare spots and repairs damage without overseeding. The tradeoff: it's the slowest to germinate (14-30 days), has moderate shade tolerance, requires more nitrogen than most grasses, and demands consistent moisture. For homeowners willing to invest in proper maintenance, nothing matches a pure Kentucky Bluegrass lawn for density, color, and resilience.
How to Apply ?
Step 1
Test pH (6.0-7.0) and prep fine, smooth bed
Step 2
Apply high-phosphorus starter fertilizer
Step 3
Spread seed (6-8 lbs/1k sq ft new; 3-4 lbs overseed)
Step 4
Lightly rake (do not bury—needs light)
Step 5
Water 2-3x daily for 3-4 weeks (Critical)
Step 6
First mow at 3.5-4"; full density in 12-24 months
Best For
Premium residential lawns where appearance is the priority|High-traffic areas needing self-repair (backyards, play areas)|Sod production and sports turf|Blending with ryegrass and fescue for balanced performance|Homeowners committed to regular maintenance programs
FAQs
1.
What is Kentucky bluegrass?
Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is a cool-season perennial grass that forms dense, dark green turf through its aggressive rhizome system—underground stems that spread horizontally and produce new shoots. This rhizomatous growth gives Kentucky bluegrass its signature ability to self-repair damaged areas, filling bare spots without overseeding. No other common lawn grass matches bluegrass for density, color, and self-healing ability, which is why it dominates premium lawns across USDA zones 3-7.
2.
What does 85/80 Kentucky bluegrass mean in this mix?
Full Moon is a premium Kentucky bluegrass cultivar known for its dark green color, excellent density, strong disease resistance, and aggressive rhizome production. It consistently ranks among the top-performing bluegrass varieties in National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (NTEP) trials. Full Moon establishes more quickly than many bluegrass varieties while maintaining the fine texture and deep color that premium lawns demand. It is particularly well-suited for USDA zones 3-7 in full sun to moderate shade conditions.
3.
How much clover is in the All Purpose Lawn Mix and will it be visible?
Shamrock Kentucky bluegrass is selected for improved shade tolerance and disease resistance, making it a strong choice for lawns with 4-6 hours of sun and moderate tree cover. Navy Kentucky bluegrass emphasizes aggressive lateral spread and wear tolerance, performing well in high-traffic areas and sports turf applications. Both are named, improved cultivars that significantly outperform common or VNS (Variety Not Stated) Kentucky bluegrass in color, density, and disease resistance.
4.
How long does Kentucky bluegrass take to germinate?
Kentucky bluegrass germinates in 14-28 days—the slowest of all common lawn grasses. This slow germination is normal and not a sign of seed failure. Soil temperature must reach 50-65°F for germination to begin. During the 2-4 week germination period, keep the seedbed consistently moist (light watering 2-3 times daily). Higher-grade seed (98/85 or better) germinates more uniformly than economy grades. Full lawn establishment from Kentucky bluegrass takes 12-18 months as rhizomes gradually fill the stand.
5.
What does 98/85 and 85/80 mean on Kentucky bluegrass seed labels?
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
When is the best time to plant Kentucky bluegrass seed?
Plant Kentucky bluegrass in late summer to early fall (August 15-September 30 in zones 4-6) for best results. Fall planting provides warm soil for germination, reduced weed competition, and a full fall growing season for root establishment before winter. Spring planting (April-May) is possible but less ideal—summer heat stress arrives before bluegrass is fully established. Avoid planting after October 15 in zones 4-5 because bluegrass needs 6-8 weeks of growth before winter dormancy.