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Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Balanced Lawn Mix
Three-species balanced lawn blend: 40% Perennial Ryegrass, 30% Creeping Red Fescue, 30% Kentucky Bluegrass (98/85). Consistent performance in sun and partial shade.
Growing Guides & Fertilizer Education
A true three-way balanced blend where each species contributes equally to the final stand. Unlike mixes dominated by one species, this formula distributes performance evenly: Perennial Ryegrass for establishment speed and wear tolerance, Creeping Red Fescue for shade adaptation and fine texture, Kentucky Bluegrass for self-repair and density. The result is a lawn that performs consistently well across all conditions—the definition of balanced.
Category
Mix
Type
Lawn Mix
Scientific Name
Multi-species blend
Zones
3-7
Brand
Wicked Tuff Turf
What Is It ?
A true three-way balanced blend where each species contributes equally to the final stand. Unlike mixes dominated by one species, this formula distributes performance evenly: Perennial Ryegrass for establishment speed and wear tolerance, Creeping Red Fescue for shade adaptation and fine texture, Kentucky Bluegrass for self-repair and density. The result is a lawn that performs consistently well across all conditions—the definition of balanced.
How to Apply ?
Step 1
Test pH (6.0-7.0) and loosen top 1-2" of soil
Step 2
Apply starter fertilizer
Step 3
Spread seed (6-8 lbs/1k sq ft new; 3-4 lbs overseed)
Step 4
Rake lightly into soil surface
Step 5
Water 2-3 times daily to keep moist
Step 6
First mow at 4-4.5"
Best For
Front lawns and general residential use|Properties with varying sun/shade conditions|Homeowners wanting a hedge-your-bets approach|Areas where you're unsure which species will perform best
FAQs
1.
What is in the Balanced Lawn Mix?
The Balanced Lawn Mix (Green Mountain Special) contains 40% improved perennial ryegrass, 30% creeping red fescue, and 30% Kentucky bluegrass (98/85 grade). It is called balanced because no single species dominates—each contributes roughly equally to the final stand. Perennial ryegrass provides establishment speed and wear tolerance, creeping red fescue handles shade and fine texture, and Kentucky bluegrass delivers self-repair and density. The result is consistent performance across all conditions rather than excellence in one.
2.
What does 85/80 Kentucky bluegrass mean in this mix?
The Balanced Mix self-adjusts to light conditions. In sunny areas, Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass dominate, producing dense, dark green turf. In shadier spots, creeping red fescue takes over, maintaining coverage where sun-loving species thin. This natural species shift creates relatively uniform appearance across sun/shade transitions. Minimum sunlight requirement is 3 hours direct—for less, use the Sun & Shade Mix. Optimal performance is at 4-6 hours.
3.
How much clover is in the All Purpose Lawn Mix and will it be visible?
Yes. The 30% Kentucky bluegrass (98/85 grade) spreads via rhizomes to fill damaged areas. At 30% of the blend—the highest bluegrass percentage of any mix except standalone bluegrass—self-repair is noticeably active. Bare spots from pet damage, foot traffic, or seasonal stress fill over 3-6 weeks during the growing season. This self-repair is the Balanced Mix's key advantage over the Sun & Shade Mix and Kid Safe Lawn, which contain no or minimal bluegrass.
4.
What is the seeding rate for the Balanced Lawn Mix?
Seed the Balanced Lawn Mix at 5-7 lbs per 1,000 sq ft for new lawns, or 3-4 lbs per 1,000 sq ft for overseeding. This is a moderate seeding rate—lower than the tall fescue-heavy Elite Fescue Blend (8-10 lbs) because the Balanced Mix includes spreading Kentucky bluegrass that fills gaps over time. The three-way composition means germination occurs in stages: ryegrass at 5-10 days, fescue at 14-21 days, and bluegrass at 18-28 days.
5.
How does the Balanced Lawn Mix compare to the All Purpose Lawn Mix?
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 the Balanced Lawn Mix?
Plant in late summer to early fall (August 15-September 30 in zones 4-6) for best results. Fall planting allows all three species to germinate in sequence (ryegrass → fescue → bluegrass) and establish root systems before winter. The perennial ryegrass provides visible results within 10 days while slower bluegrass fills in over the following months. Spring planting (April-May) works but Kentucky bluegrass establishment is compromised by summer heat arriving before full root development.