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Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Sheep Fescue
Survives rocky, infertile, acidic soils that kill other grasses. Blue-green color, zero-fertilizer maintenance. Festuca ovina. Hardy to USDA Zone 1.
Growing Guides & Fertilizer Education
The ultimate survivor grass for the worst soils imaginable. Sheep Fescue thrives on rocky ledge, sand, gravel, acidic woodland edges, and infertile ground that kills every other turfgrass. Its distinctive blue-green color and fine, wiry texture create a naturalistic meadow appearance rather than a traditional lawn look. Hardy to USDA Zone 1 (the coldest zone defined), Sheep Fescue handles conditions no other grass can—and does it on zero fertilizer in most situations.
Category
Grass
Type
Sheep Fescue
Scientific Name
Festuca ovina
Zones
1-7
Brand
Wicked Tuff Turf
What Is It ?
The ultimate survivor grass for the worst soils imaginable. Sheep Fescue thrives on rocky ledge, sand, gravel, acidic woodland edges, and infertile ground that kills every other turfgrass. Its distinctive blue-green color and fine, wiry texture create a naturalistic meadow appearance rather than a traditional lawn look. Hardy to USDA Zone 1 (the coldest zone defined), Sheep Fescue handles conditions no other grass can—and does it on zero fertilizer in most situations.
How to Apply ?
Step 1
Minimal prep; prefers poor soil conditions
Step 2
Do not heavily amend or over-fertilize
Step 3
Spread seed (6-8 lbs/1k sq ft new; 3-4 lbs overseed)
Step 4
Rake very lightly or broadcast and roll
Step 5
Water consistently for 3-4 weeks
Step 6
First mow at 5-6" if mowing; slow establishment
Best For
Rocky, thin soils over ledge|Extremely poor and infertile ground|Acidic soils (pH 5.0-5.5) where other grasses fail|Conservation and naturalized plantings|Highway medians and roadside stabilization|No-mow and eco-lawn areas|Extreme cold climates (Zone 1-3)|Blending into low-maintenance mixes
FAQs
1.
How does it compare to tall fescue?
Sheep fescue (Festuca ovina) is an extremely fine-textured, low-growing, bunch-type grass known for its blue-green color, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive on poor, infertile soils. It grows 6-12 inches tall and requires virtually no fertilization or irrigation once established. Unlike creeping red fescue (which spreads via rhizomes) or tall fescue (which grows aggressively), sheep fescue stays in compact tufts and grows very slowly—making it ideal for low-maintenance, naturalized, and no-mow applications.
2.
What does 85/80 Kentucky bluegrass mean in this mix?
Blue Mesa is an improved sheep fescue variety selected for its distinctive blue-green color, improved density, and better performance in ornamental and low-maintenance turf applications. It offers better seedling vigor than common sheep fescue, meaning slightly faster establishment, and maintains its blue color throughout the growing season. Blue Mesa is commonly specified for roadside plantings, conservation areas, and naturalized landscapes where appearance and minimal maintenance are both priorities.
3.
How much clover is in the All Purpose Lawn Mix and will it be visible?
Sheep fescue excels in low-maintenance, low-input applications: roadside plantings, highway medians, conservation buffers, naturalized meadows, cemetery grass, orchard understory, and areas where mowing is infrequent or impossible. It is also used in no-mow lawn alternatives and ecological restoration projects. Sheep fescue is not suitable for traditional lawn use where dense, uniform turf is expected—it grows in clumps and does not spread to fill bare areas.
4.
What is the seeding rate for sheep fescue?
Seed sheep fescue at 30-40 lbs per acre for conservation plantings, or 3-4 lbs per 1,000 sq ft for landscape applications. Sheep fescue seed is very small (approximately 680,000 seeds per pound), so lower per-pound rates cover large areas. Plant 0.125-0.25 inches deep on a firm seedbed. For no-mow meadow mixes, combine sheep fescue with other fine fescues (hard fescue, chewings fescue) at reduced rates of 15-20 lbs per acre each.
5.
Does sheep fescue tolerate shade?
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
How long does sheep fescue take to establish?
Sheep fescue germinates in 14-21 days and establishes very slowly—expect 12-24 months for a mature stand. First-year growth is minimal, and the planting may appear thin and unsuccessful. This is normal. Sheep fescue invests heavily in root development before producing significant top growth. Patience is essential. Weed control during the establishment year is critical because sheep fescue's slow growth cannot compete with aggressive weeds. A nurse crop of annual ryegrass can help suppress weeds during establishment.