Old Cobblers Farm™ Creeping Red Fescue

Creeping Red Fescue (Variety Not Stated)

Seed Type & Composition: Creeping Red Fescue

Creeping Red Fescue is a popular cool-season grass seed known for its fine texture and shade tolerance, making it an excellent choice for lawns, parks, and golf courses. As a member of the Festuca rubra species, this grass thrives in cooler climates and less sunny areas, providing a lush, green carpet even under trees or in partially shaded gardens.

Seed Type:

Creeping Red Fescue is a perennial grass with a creeping growth habit, allowing it to spread and fill in bare spots effectively. It is favored for its durability and low-maintenance needs, often used in blends to enhance performance in shaded areas.

Composition:

Composed primarily of fine-bladed grass seeds, Creeping Red Fescue forms a dense, soft turf that prevents weeds and soil erosion. Its rich green color and adaptability to various soil types, combined with moderate drought tolerance, make it a reliable option for sustainable landscaping.

Label Information:

• Purity (%): Typically above 90%

• Germination Rate (%): Usually above 80%

• Weed Seed (%): Ideally near 0%

• Other Crop Seeds (%): Low percentage preferred

• Inert Matter (%): As low as possible

• Origin: Varies (check packaging)

• Lot Number: Unique identifier for batch tracking

• Test Date: Indicates freshness

• Net Weight: Listed on packaging

Geographic Suitability:

• Regions: Northern U.S., Canada, Northern & Central Europe

• USDA Zones: 2–7

• Shade Tolerance: Excellent; thrives in partial to full shade

Sunlight Tolerance:

• Best in partial shade to full shade

• Can tolerate dappled sunlight

• Survives in full sun if well-maintained

Soil Compatibility:

• Clay: Tolerant with good drainage

• Loam: Ideal growing conditions

• pH Range: 5.5–7.0

• Drainage: Needs well-drained soil

Watering & Drought Requirements:

• Establishment Phase: Consistent moisture, avoid waterlogging

• Established Lawns: Deep, infrequent watering (1 inch/week)

• Drought Tolerance: Moderate; may go dormant but recovers

Germination & Growth:

• Germination Time: 7–12 days

• Optimal Soil Temp: 60°F–75°F

• Growth Habit: Rhizomatous spreading

• Shade Tolerance: High

• Drought Tolerance: Moderate

• Seasonal Growth: Active in spring and fall

Mowing & Maintenance:

• Mowing Height: 1.5–2.5 inches

• Watering: About 1 inch/week

• Fertilization: Spring & fall with balanced fertilizer

• Aeration: Once per year

• Thatch Management: Dethatch if >0.5 inch

• Pest/Disease Management: Monitor for red thread, dollar spot

Foot Traffic & Recovery:

• Durability: Moderate (light–moderate traffic)

• Recovery: Decent with proper care

• Maintenance Practices: Overseeding, proper mowing, soil fertility

Best Planting Time:

• Primary: Early Fall

• Secondary: Early Spring

Pest, Disease & Weed Resistance:

• Pests: Generally resistant; monitor sod webworms, billbugs

• Diseases: Resistant to dollar spot, red thread

• Weeds: Dense growth suppresses weeds

Appearance:

• Color: Rich, deep green (sometimes bluish)

• Texture: Fine, soft blades

• Growth Habit: Dense, carpet-like

Packaging & Shelf Life:

• Packaging: Moisture-resistant bags (1–50 lb sizes)

• Labeling: Includes product info, lot number, germination rate

• Shelf Life: 1–2 years if stored cool, dry

• Storage Conditions: 40°F–50°F, low humidity