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Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Meadow Fescue
Palatable, persistent cool-season forage grass. Tolerates wet soils and cold winters. Parent of Festulolium hybrids. Festuca pratensis. USDA Zones 3-7.
Growing Guides & Fertilizer Education
A versatile forage and turf grass that combines the palatability of ryegrass with the persistence and drought tolerance of fescue. Meadow Fescue is a parent species of Festulolium hybrids—the qualities that make those hybrids popular originate here. It thrives in cool, moist climates, tolerates heavier soils than most grasses, and provides excellent forage quality for livestock. For turf use, Meadow Fescue offers moderate texture and good adaptability, though it's more commonly used in pasture renovation and conservation plantings.
Category
Grass
Type
Meadow Fescue
Scientific Name
Festuca pratensis (syn. Schedonorus pratensis)
Zones
3-7
Brand
Wicked Tuff Turf
What Is It ?
A versatile forage and turf grass that combines the palatability of ryegrass with the persistence and drought tolerance of fescue. Meadow Fescue is a parent species of Festulolium hybrids—the qualities that make those hybrids popular originate here. It thrives in cool, moist climates, tolerates heavier soils than most grasses, and provides excellent forage quality for livestock. For turf use, Meadow Fescue offers moderate texture and good adaptability, though it's more commonly used in pasture renovation and conservation plantings.
How to Apply ?
Step 1
Test pH (5.5-7.0) and prep heavier soils
Step 2
Apply starter fertilizer
Step 3
Spread seed (6-8 lbs/1k sq ft new; 3-4 lbs overseed)
Step 4
Rake into surface and roll for contact
Step 5
Water consistently for 2-3 weeks
Step 6
First mow at 4-5"; wait 6-8 weeks for grazing
Best For
Pasture renovation and livestock forage|Hay fields in cool, moist climates|Conservation plantings and wildlife habitat|Heavy or wet soils that stress other grasses|Blending with clovers and other legumes for pasture|Northern climates where ryegrass persistence is an issue|Parent stock for understanding Festulolium hybrids
FAQs
1.
What is bromegrass?
Meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis) is a cool-season perennial grass valued for its high palatability, soft leaf texture, and winter hardiness. Compared to tall fescue, meadow fescue is softer, more digestible, and preferred by livestock—but it produces less total biomass and is less drought-tolerant. Meadow fescue does not contain the endophyte toxins that plague many tall fescue varieties (fescue toxicosis), making it a safer forage choice for horses, cattle, and sheep.
2.
What does 85/80 Kentucky bluegrass mean in this mix?
Yes. Meadow fescue does not harbor the toxic endophyte (Epichloë coenophiala) commonly found in tall fescue that causes fescue toxicosis in horses—a condition linked to reproductive problems, poor circulation, and difficulty regulating body temperature. For horse pastures, meadow fescue is a preferred cool-season grass when combined with timothy, orchardgrass, or Kentucky bluegrass. It provides soft, palatable forage without the endophyte risk.
3.
How much clover is in the All Purpose Lawn Mix and will it be visible?
Plant meadow fescue in late summer (August-September) for best results, or in spring (April-May). Late summer planting takes advantage of warm soil temperatures for germination and reduced weed competition from summer annuals. Meadow fescue germinates in 10-14 days at soil temperatures above 50°F. Spring plantings are viable but face more weed pressure. In USDA zones 3-6, late August through mid-September is the optimal planting window.
4.
What is the seeding rate for meadow fescue?
Seed meadow fescue at 20-25 lbs per acre for pure stands, or 8-12 lbs per acre when mixed with other grasses and legumes. For small areas, use approximately 0.5-1 lb per 1,000 sq ft. Plant 0.25-0.5 inches deep on a firm seedbed. In pasture mixes, meadow fescue pairs well with timothy (4-6 lbs/acre), white clover (2-3 lbs/acre), and orchardgrass (4-6 lbs/acre) for a diverse, high-quality forage stand.
5.
How cold-hardy is meadow fescue?
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
Can meadow fescue be used for lawns?
Meadow fescue is occasionally used in lawn-type applications but is not a traditional turfgrass. It produces a coarser, more open stand than Kentucky bluegrass or fine fescues. However, in northern climates (zones 3-4) where other lawn grasses struggle with severe winters, meadow fescue can provide a durable, low-maintenance lawn with good winter survival. It mows well at 3-4 inches and tolerates moderate foot traffic. For premium lawn appearance, Kentucky bluegrass or fine fescue blends are preferred.