0000003222 00000 n Kentucky Bluegrass, which is actually native to Europe, is green although some varieties do have a slight bluish cast. 0000009525 00000 n Regular soil testing can help you maintain healthier pH balance and rich color with the help of mineral supplements, soil amendments, and quality lawn fertilizers. When establishing a lawn Kentucky bluegrass needs to make up at least 80% or more of the mix when seeded with fast germinating grasses like perennial ryegrass to remain the predominant grass. 0000007013 00000 n Kentucky bluegrass has a boat-shaped leaf tip. Most cool-season sods are improved Kentucky bluegrass varieties because their spreading rhizomes intertwine to form a strong sod. It is known as a bunch-type grass, growing in clusters, according to Ohio State University. Northeast lawns need grasses that prefer cool temperatures and naturally resist diseases prevalent in this region. Since this is a cool-weather grass, it will need regular watering in warmer weather. Kentucky bluegrass is dark green with some blue tones. Kentucky bluegrass establishes easily from seed, but it germinates more slowly than some other cool-season grasses. Bluegrass lawns require more fertilizer than Tall Fescue. The tips of the leaf blades for both ryegrass species have a tapered shape. Overall, it is more shade tolerant than Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass but is less so than the fine fescues. NEW ARRIVALS. Higher seeding rates ensure quicker ground cover. 0000002359 00000 n Kentucky bluegrass is the most common cool season lawn grass. Perennial ryegrass is a grass that has many uses but probably does not get the credit it should. You should not be pitching perennial ryegrass against Kentucky bluegrass. Perennial ryegrass vs Kentucky bluegrass. Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass blades are.2 to.5 millimeters wide and folded in the bud shoot. Lynn Doxon has a Ph.D. in horticulture, is a retired cooperative extension specialist and teaches courses in urban farming. Bluegrass lawns require more fertilizer than Tall Fescue. H�@���{� �f` ��2I�>�G��8O0�3. Perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass leaves are folded while in the bud. 0000006241 00000 n She is the author of three books: "The Alcohol Fuel Handbook," "High Desert Yards and Gardens" and "Rainbows from Heaven." Also avoid mixes with annual ryegrass which only survive one growing season. 0000000929 00000 n Perennial ryegrass vs. Kentucky bluegrass. Perennial Ryegrass vs Kentucky Bluegrass. This means if you don’t want to put much effort into mowing your lawn bluegrass is a great choice for you! Once established from the seed, it spreads via underground rhizomes to form a thick and dense turf. Mercury Kentucky bluegrass is a medium dark green color and performs well in shade or sun conditions. Kentucky Bluegrass is no exception. Ryegrass is often used to overseed warm season lawns and sports fields or mixed with Kentucky bluegrass in northern lawns. trailer Observe the growth habit of the grasses. The optimal soil pH for Kentucky bluegrass is 5.8 – 7.0. Both ryegrassesand bluegrass grow best in full sun locations t… The most obvious pro of Kentucky Bluegrass is its beauty. Kentucky 31 tall fescue is broad leaved, coarse and light green in color. This grass is not planted as part of a permanent turf, but will reseed itself and can come back if it was planted once and allowed to go to seed. Generally, these mixtures will contain a large percentage of Kentucky bluegrass, with perennial ryegrass and strong creeping red fescue included. Perennial ryegrass vs. Kentucky bluegrass. It has excellent disease resistance and good heat, drought, and wear tolerance. Test Soil - Collect a random soil sample and take to your County Extension Office for analysis. Kentucky bluegrass spread itself and sod forming grass. Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) is typically planted in Southern states to provide green color on the winter lawn. For existing average quality lawns this is a good mixture of species, and chances are your lawn already has some of these species established. Also, the latter does not take too kindly to regular mowing. Kentucky bluegrass – scientifically known as Poa pratensis – typically grows to a height of between 18-24 inches, with a canoe-shaped leaf tip. Annual vs. Perennial Ryegrass – Key Differences ; ... For example, perennial ryegrass seed is often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass (a cold-season grass that is very slow to germinate) seed to add strength, and allow the latter to repair itself, while the former is in its full growth mode. Kentucky Bluegrass vs Perennial Ryegrass. 37 0 obj <>stream It is winter hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 5 to 7, so it may be used as a permanent turf grass in those zones; in warmer climates, it … Moreover, perennial ryegrass offers a denser turf and is more resilient to wear than the annual variety. Kentucky bluegrass is known as the ideal lawn grass, fescues are known for shade and low maintenance, and perennial ryegrass is typically known for speedy germination and not much more. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 8, and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is hardy in zones 2 through 7. 22 0 obj <> endobj Not that speedy germination is not a good trait to be known for, but perennial ryegrass is much more than a nurse grass. The recommended lime, phosphate and potash can be applied anytime, but Perennial Ryegrass is the fastest germinating grass, making it great when you need a green lawn in a hurry, but then grows very slowly. How to Dig Up a Lawn to Replant Grass Seed, How to Kill Fescue Grass in a St. Augustine Lawn, Texas A & M University Extension: Ryegrass, Texas A & M University Extension: Kentucky Bluegrass, How to Revive Centipede & St. Augustine Grasses. 0000000850 00000 n To decide if it is the right species of grass for your lawn, take a look at the pros and cons of Kentucky Bluegrass: The Pros of Kentucky Bluegrass. Also avoid mixes with annual ryegrass which only survive one growing season. Novel Ag and Columbia River Seed have been working on this project and look forward to … 0000001329 00000 n <<0069FF322ABAEB488C9CFC16121A1645>]>> Most cool-season sods are improved Kentucky bluegrass varieties because their spreading rhizomes intertwine to form a strong sod. Most varieties of Kentucky bluegrass have been developed for use in lawns. Cold winters, cool summers and high humidity create challenging conditions for many plants, including lawn grasses. Doxon wrote the Yard and Garden column for the "Albuquerque Journal" and numerous magazine and newspaper articles and cooperative extension service guides. Bluegrass is the smallest seed and contains about 1,500,000 seeds per pound. Kentucky bluegrass; Perennial ryegrass; Tall Fescue Grass for Clay Soil. Annual ryegrass has a lime-green color, while the perennial variety is a richer green. The ligule is an appendage at the base of the leaf blade that is long and membranous (it looks like scotch tape) on annual bluegrass, but is short or absent on Kentucky bluegrass (photos). x�b```f``������Y� Ȁ �@ �X��p�H���K|�1����~�� � � The perennial ryegrass germinates in five to seven days. The optimal soil pH for Kentucky bluegrass is 5.8 – 7.0. A stand planted to one pound of perennial ryegrass and one pound of Kentucky bluegrass Seasonal availability will determine which Kentucky Bluegrass varieties are included in the mix. Because of the germination disparity of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, turf managers often have a difficult time establishing a 50/50 mixture of the two. It has excellent color and a pleasant texture. xref Examine the blades. %%EOF Italian ryegrass blades are 4 to 7 millimeters wide and rolled in the shoot. Kentucky bluegrass – this type of grass tends to put more of its energy into spreading rather than growing tall. Cool-season grasses, such as bluegrasses, ryegrasses and fescues, prevail in the Northeast region of the United States. Tall fescue grows well in clay soil because it has a very deep root system, and will stand up well in the sunlight. 0 0000005469 00000 n 0000000616 00000 n Perennial ryegrass: Kentucky bluegrass – Fine-textured – Bunch-type growth habit – Rapid seed germination and establishments – Resistant to cold and diseases than bluegrass – More drought-resistant then bluegrass – Optimal mowing height is 2-2 1/2″ inches Also, the latter does not take too kindly to regular mowing. Kentucky bluegrass is slightly slower to establish than many other cool-season grasses. This mix contains great color and fine texture for sunny to partial shady areas. For renovation or new establishment avoid mixes that have more than 20% perennial ryegrass as its seedlings can overwhelm the other species. Annual bluegrass usually has a lighter lime-green color than Kentucky bluegrass, but for a positive identification you need to take a closer look at the ligule. If you purchase a 10-pound bag of seed that is 50 % bluegrass and 50% ryegrass, you are getting about 7,500,000 bluegrass seeds and about 1,250,000 ryegrass seeds. Only three forage-type Kentucky bluegrass varieties, 'Park', 'Troy', and 'Ginger', have been released in the past 45 years. 50/50 Kentucky Bluegrass/Perennial Ryegrass Turf Mix is a blend of Kentucky Bluegrasses and Perennial Ryegrasses for quick emergence while Kentucky Bluegrasses fills in. %PDF-1.6 %���� Subject to change at any time. Jonathan Green’s grass seed mixtures contain Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Perennial Ryegrass that will help you achieve a thick, healthy and carefree lawn. The tall fescues germinate next in about 14 days and the Kentucky bluegrass in approximately 21 days. Bluegrass spreads by both tillering and underground stems or rhizomes. For example, perennial ryegrass seed is often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass (a cold-season grass that is very slow to germinate) seed to add strength, and allow the latter to repair itself, while the former is in its full growth mode. This motivates homeowners to continue watering and caring for their lawns as the other two kinds of grass germinate and grow. Comparing Kentucky Bluegrass to other common types of grass is the best way for you to find the right one for your lawn. Perennial Ryegrass Perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne ) is also commonly used for overseeding in warm climates. Let’s look first at the type of grass known as tall fescue. Regular soil testing can help you maintain healthier pH balance and rich color with the help of mineral supplements, soil amendments, and quality lawn fertilizers. 22 16 Both of these grasses do a great job making turfs for homes and for sports fields, but they survive best in different climates. Moreover, perennial ryegrass offers a denser turf and is more resilient to wear than the annual variety. Replicator is a turf tetraploid perennial ryegrass with superb stress tolerance and heat and disease resistance. Compare the flower or seedheads, if they are present. 0000008500 00000 n For renovation or new establishment avoid mixes that have more than 20% perennial ryegrass as its seedlings can overwhelm the other species. While it can be used on its own for a lawn, such as Kentucky Bluegrass, it is often used to overseed southern lawns for a fast, temporary green color in the winter. The bluegrass video discusses the differences between bluegrass and perennial ryegrass since they are often mixed together and look similar. It will give you a desirable yield. 0000003979 00000 n startxref 0000007752 00000 n Most exciting is our new product lines that will be hitting the 2017 NTEP’s. The bluegrass video discusses the differences between bluegrass and perennial ryegrass since they are often mixed together and look similar. This is a great product that comes to you certified and thoroughly tested. While Kentucky Bluegrass can be grown easily in southern lawns for green lawns during the winter, Perennial Ryegrass … 0000004718 00000 n Tall fescue grass is an ideal grass type for the … Kentucky bluegrass seed heads are loose, branched pyramids while ryegrass seedheads are long spikes. ft. per growing season with minimal accumulation of thatch. Fast-growing perennial ryegrass, for example, germinates in one-third the time of KBG. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. Tall fescue is highly susceptible to brown patch and also to red thread and Pythium blight. You should not be pitching perennial ryegrass against Kentucky bluegrass. Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass blades are .2 to .5 millimeters wide and folded in the bud shoot. Kentucky bluegrass does take longer to germinate than perennial ryegrass, commonly 7 to 14 days. Perennial ryegrass: 4: R: R -plus Kentucky bluegrass** 1.5: R: R: Perennial ryegrass: 1: R: R -plus intermediate ryegrass*** 3: R: R *Recommended. Therefore, it is widely considered to be the most important lawn grass in the United States. **Kentucky bluegrass seedlings are extremely poor competitors during establishment. Kentucky bluegrassflourishes throughout the Northeast and the entire northern ti… Tall Fescue/Kentucky Bluegrass/Perennial Ryegrass (Program for summer/fall play) A. J. Powell, Jr., Extension Turfgrass Specialist FEBRUARY - MARCH 1. Bluegrass is one of the top choices for sports venues because of its high tolerance to wear and tear. Kentucky bluegrass blades are boat-shaped at the end while perennial ryegrass blades are sharply tapered at the end. They grow best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 7, but are used as winter grasses in warmer zones. Kentucky bluegrass should be planted at 10 to 14 pounds per acre in late summer or early fall when temperatures begin to moderate and rains are more frequent. Annual bluegrass usually has a lighter lime-green color than Kentucky bluegrass, but for a positive identification you need to take a closer look at the ligule. Ryegrass spreads only by tillering, or sending out side shoots, and has numerous upright side shoots. Kentucky bluegrass – scientifically known as Poa pratensis – typically grows to a height of between 18-24 inches, with a canoe-shaped leaf tip. N/1000 sq. Scrape aside some soil with a shovel to determine if the individual plants are connected by rhizomes. 0000000016 00000 n Kentucky bluegrass (Poa praetensis) and two species of ryegrass -- Italian ryegrass (Lomium multiflorum) and perennial ryegrass (Lomium perenne) -- are cool season turf grasses native to Europe. 0000001054 00000 n The germination of perennial ryegrass, is in one-third the time of Kentucky bluegrass. Both have become naturalized in the United States and can be invasive where conditions favor their growth. Pennington Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed. Ryegrass and Turf-Type Tall Fescue contain between 250,000 to 400,000 seeds per pound. The ligule is an appendage at the base of the leaf blade that is long and membranous (it looks like scotch tape) on annual bluegrass, but is short or absent on Kentucky bluegrass (photos). 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Between 18-24 inches, with a shovel to determine if the individual are... A height of between 18-24 inches, with a canoe-shaped leaf tip do great...