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Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Low Grow Mix
Reduced-mowing lawn blend with 40% Hard Fescue. Mow every 10-14 days instead of weekly. Drought tolerant, low fertilizer needs. USDA Zones 3-7.
Growing Guides & Fertilizer Education
A reduced-mowing blend that maintains acceptable appearance with roughly half the mowing frequency of standard lawn mixes. The 40% Hard Fescue—a naturally slow-growing fine fescue—anchors the low-grow characteristics, while Perennial Ryegrass and Named Kentucky Bluegrass provide density and traffic tolerance that pure fine fescue stands lack. This isn't a no-mow lawn, but it extends mowing intervals from weekly to every 10-14 days during peak growing season.
Category
Mix
Type
Lawn Mix
Scientific Name
Multi-species blend
Zones
3-7
Brand
Wicked Tuff Turf
What Is It ?
A reduced-mowing blend that maintains acceptable appearance with roughly half the mowing frequency of standard lawn mixes. The 40% Hard Fescue—a naturally slow-growing fine fescue—anchors the low-grow characteristics, while Perennial Ryegrass and Named Kentucky Bluegrass provide density and traffic tolerance that pure fine fescue stands lack. This isn't a no-mow lawn, but it extends mowing intervals from weekly to every 10-14 days during peak growing season.
How to Apply ?
Step 1
Test pH (5.5-7.0); does not require rich soil
Step 2
Apply light starter fertilizer
Step 3
Spread seed (6-8 lbs/1k sq ft new; 3-4 lbs overseed)
Step 4
Rake lightly into surface and roll
Step 5
Water consistently for 4-5 weeks
Step 6
First mow at 5-6"; full maturity takes 18-24 months
Best For
Large properties where mowing is time-consuming|Vacation homes and secondary residences|Rental properties|Eco-conscious homeowners reducing fuel/emissions|Areas where weekly mowing isn't practical|Low-input sustainable lawn approaches
FAQs
1.
What is the Low Grow Mix?
The Low Grow Mix (Shorty Mix) contains 40% hard fescue, 30% perennial ryegrass, and 30% named Kentucky bluegrass. It reduces mowing frequency by 30-50% compared to standard lawn mixes. During peak growing season (May-June), expect mowing every 10-14 days instead of weekly. In summer, every 2-3 weeks is sufficient. This is a reduced-mowing blend, not a no-mow lawn—it still requires occasional mowing to maintain a presentable appearance.
2.
What does 85/80 Kentucky bluegrass mean in this mix?
Named indicates a specific improved cultivar rather than generic common or VNS (Variety Not Stated) Kentucky bluegrass. Named varieties are bred for specific traits: better disease resistance, improved color and density, more predictable performance, and higher seed quality standards. The specific cultivar varies by production lot, but named varieties consistently outperform common bluegrass. At 30%, the named bluegrass provides strong self-repair capability and density that pure fine fescue lawns lack.
3.
How much clover is in the All Purpose Lawn Mix and will it be visible?
The Low Grow Mix establishes slower than ryegrass-heavy mixes. Initial coverage takes 3-4 weeks (perennial ryegrass emerges first at days 5-10, followed by Kentucky bluegrass at 14-21 days). Hard fescue emerges last at 21-35 days and is the slowest-establishing of all lawn grasses. A fully mature stand takes 18-24 months as hard fescue gradually fills in. Patience is required—the slow establishment is the tradeoff for the long-term low-maintenance performance.
4.
What is the seeding rate for the Low Grow Mix?
Seed at 5-6 lbs per 1,000 sq ft for new lawns, or 3-4 lbs per 1,000 sq ft for overseeding. The blend's three species have different seed sizes, so mix thoroughly before applying. Because hard fescue (40%) establishes very slowly, the perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass provide initial coverage while hard fescue develops underneath over the first 1-2 years. Do not expect the full low-mow benefit until the hard fescue component matures.
5.
Who should use the Low Grow 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
What fertilizer does the Low Grow Mix need?
The Low Grow Mix requires only 1-2 lbs nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually—the lowest of any mix that includes Kentucky bluegrass. Excessive fertilization defeats the purpose by accelerating growth and increasing mowing frequency. One fall application (September-October) of 1-1.5 lbs N per 1,000 sq ft is often sufficient for the entire year. Slow-release or organic fertilizers are preferred to avoid growth spikes that require extra mowing.