Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Creeping Red Fescue (Variety Not Stated)

Fine-textured, shade-tolerant cool-season turf for lawns, golf courses & parks. Low maintenance, drought resistant, and ideal for cooler climates.

Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra) is a premium cool-season grass seed valued for its fine texture, deep green color, and excellent shade tolerance. Perfect for lawns, parks, golf courses, and naturalized areas, this perennial grass forms a dense, carpet-like turf that thrives in cooler climates and partially shaded conditions.

With its creeping growth habit, Creeping Red Fescue spreads naturally to fill bare patches, helping prevent soil erosion and crowding out weeds. Once established, it requires minimal mowing, moderate fertilization, and infrequent watering, making it a sustainable and low-maintenance choice for homeowners and landscapers alike.

Adaptable to loamy, sandy, and clay soils, Creeping Red Fescue performs best in USDA Zones 2–7 and germinates in 7–12 days under ideal conditions. Its versatility and resilience make it an excellent option whether planted alone or blended with other cool-season grasses for a durable, attractive lawn.

Key Features

Seed Type: Creeping Red Fescue (perennial, cool-season grass)

Fine Texture: Produces soft, needle-like blades with a lush, green appearance

Shade Tolerant: Thrives under trees, in partial shade, or dappled light

Creeping Growth: Spreads by rhizomes to fill bare spots and repair turf naturally

Drought Adaptable: Moderate drought tolerance once established

Low Maintenance: Requires less mowing and fertilizer than many grasses

Soil Range: Grows well in loam, sandy, or clay soils (pH 5.5–7.0)

USDA Zones: Best suited for Zones 2–7

Growth Profile

Germination: 7–12 days under optimal soil temperatures (60°F–75°F)

Establishment: Moderate speed, develops dense root system

Mowing Height: Maintain between 1.5–2.5 inches (taller in shade)

Watering: Light, frequent watering during establishment; deep, infrequent watering once established

Shelf Life: 1–2 years if stored cool and dry

Best Uses / Plant Types

Residential lawns in shaded or partially shaded areas

Parks, golf course roughs, and naturalized meadows

Erosion control on slopes and embankments

Blended into seed mixes for cool-season climates

Benefits & Performance

Forms a soft, walkable turf with elegant appearance

Excellent shade performance compared to other grasses

Suppresses weeds through dense growth

Reduces maintenance costs (less mowing, less fertilization)

Eco-friendly choice with water conservation benefits

How & When to Apply

Best Planting Time: Early fall (ideal) or early spring

Seeding Rate: 3–5 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft. for new lawns, 2–3 lbs for overseeding

Planting Depth: Lightly rake seed into soil at 1/4 inch depth

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist until germination, then reduce frequency

Fertilization: Apply balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and fall

Why Choose Creeping Red Fescue?

Creeping Red Fescue is the perfect solution for creating beautiful, low-maintenance lawns in cooler regions or shaded environments. Unlike other grasses that struggle under trees or in dappled sunlight, Creeping Red Fescue thrives, offering a lush green carpet with minimal upkeep. Its creeping growth habit ensures natural repair and long-term durability, while its adaptability to diverse soils makes it a versatile choice for any property.

Ideal For

Homeowners wanting a lush lawn with minimal maintenance

Landscapers needing reliable turf for shaded areas

Parks, golf courses, and municipal properties

Erosion control and sustainable landscaping projects

Available Sizes

5 lb bag – great for small yards or overseeding patches

10 lb bag – ideal for medium lawns

15 lb bag – perfect for larger residential lawns

20 lb bag – best for professional landscapers and parks