Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Leonidas Hard Fescue

A premium cool-season grass seed known for its fine texture, shade tolerance, drought resistance, and low maintenance needs. Perfect for eco-friendly, resilient lawns and landscapes.

Leonidas Hard Fescue is a premium fine fescue variety designed for homeowners, landscapers, and eco-conscious gardeners who value resilience and sustainability. As part of the fine fescue family, it is celebrated for its exceptional shade tolerance, drought resistance, and adaptability to poor soils, making it one of the most versatile cool-season grasses available.

This seed thrives in USDA Zones 3–7, performing well in northern climates with cold winters and moderate summers. Its dense, fine-bladed turf creates a rich, carpet-like lawn that requires less mowing, fertilizing, and watering than most traditional grass types.

Once established, Leonidas Hard Fescue offers a low-maintenance, sustainable solution for residential lawns, parks, slopes, and naturalized landscapes. Its eco-friendly benefits—including reduced fertilizer needs, strong erosion control, and natural pest/disease resistance—make it a smart choice for sustainable lawn care.

Key Features

Fine-Bladed Texture – Soft, dense, and carpet-like lawn appearance

Shade Tolerant – Excels in partial to full shade conditions

Drought Resistant – Requires minimal watering once established

Low Maintenance – Slow growth reduces mowing and fertilizer needs

Cold Hardy – Thrives in USDA Zones 3–7 with harsh winters

Eco-Friendly – Minimal chemical inputs, supports soil health

Weed & Disease Resistant – Dense turf suppresses weeds naturally

Nutrient Profile

Seed Type: Cool-season fine fescue (Festuca brevipila)

Purity: 95%+

Germination Rate: 85%+

Weed Seed Content: <0.5%

Other Crop Seed: <0.5%

Inert Matter: <2%

Growth Habit: Bunch-type (clump forming)

Germination Time: 7–14 days

Soil pH Range: 5.5–7.5

Light Requirement: Shade to partial sun (tolerates full sun in cool climates)

Water Requirement: Low; drought-tolerant after establishment

Best Uses / Plant Types

Shaded residential lawns
Parks, naturalized areas, and slopes
Low-maintenance home landscapes
Erosion control and soil stabilization
Golf course roughs & ornamental lawns

Benefits & Performance

Thrives in shade & poor soils where other grasses struggle

Conserves water thanks to strong drought tolerance

Minimal mowing required due to slow growth

Sustainable & eco-friendly with fewer chemical inputs

Pest and disease resistance reduces maintenance needs

Aesthetic appeal with soft, fine blades and rich green color

How & When to Apply

Best Planting Time:

Early fall (preferred) or early spring when soil temps are 50–65°F (10–18°C)

Seeding Rates:

New Lawns: 4–5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft

Overseeding: 3–4 lbs per 1,000 sq ft

Application Steps:

Prepare soil (loosen top 2–3 inches, remove weeds/debris).

Spread seed evenly using a broadcast spreader.

Lightly rake for seed-to-soil contact.

Water lightly and frequently until germination.

Shift to deep, infrequent watering once established.

Maintenance:

Mow at 2–3 inches (optional for naturalized areas).

Fertilize sparingly, once annually in fall.

Overseed thin patches every 2–3 years.

Why Choose Old Cobblers Farm Wicked Leonidas Hard Fescue

Premium purity & germination rates for reliable establishment

Low-maintenance seed for eco-friendly landscapes

Superior shade tolerance & drought resistance

Perfect for sustainable, naturalized lawns & slopes

Ideal For

Homeowners seeking a low-maintenance, eco-friendly lawn

Landscapes with heavy shade from trees & structures

Slopes & erosion-prone areas needing stabilization

Sustainable landscapes with minimal inputs

Golf course roughs & ornamental groundcover

Content

Color: Rich, deep green

Texture: Fine, soft, and dense

Blade Shape: Narrow, upright, and needle-like

Growth Pattern: Bunch-forming, clump style (non-spreading)

Durability: Best for light–moderate foot traffic (slow recovery under heavy use)

Climate Suitability: USDA Zones 3–7

Multiple Sizes Available

5 lb – Shaded lawn sections & overseeding

10 lb – Medium residential lawns

15 lb – Parks, slopes, and estates

20 lb – Commercial use, golf roughs, & naturalized landscapes