Cool-season grasses are a staple in Northern yards, and Minnesota is about as north as it gets. Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, fine fescue, and perennial ryegrass all grow here, thanks to the local climate.
However, each of these grasses is slightly different and does better in some parts of Minnesota than others. Let’s take a look at the best Minnesota grasses and explore the differences that make each unique.
Tall fescue: The adaptable, low-maintenance grass
| Recommended for | All of Minnesota |
| Best time to seed | Mid-May to mid-September depending on your region |
| Hardiness zone | 3 to 8 |
| Optimal soil temperature for growth | 59 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Available as sod? | Yes |
Tall fescue tolerates temperatures as low as -40 degrees. It’s a perfect fit for all of Minnesota but is particularly suited for northern Minnesota. Typically, it takes 7 to 21 days to germinate.
Tall fescue adapts well to various soil types, so if you have sandy soil, tall fescue is a great option for you. It also resists drought, heat, and moderate shade. An excellent choice for an easy-care option.
The best time for seeding tall fescue depends on where you live in Minnesota and the soil temperature. But all cool-season grasses have this in common: The soil temperature should ideally be between 50 and 65 degrees when seeding.
For more about when to plant grass seed, see When to Plant Grass Seed in Minnesota.
Grass Seed Options:
– Triple-Play Tall Fescue Grass Seed Blend (5000 sq ft)
– Eretz Kentucky 31 K31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed (choose your size)
– Pennington The Rebels Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix (7 lb.)
Fine fescue: The shade-tolerant, easy-care grass
| Recommended for | Central Minnesota, southern Minnesota, and parts of northern Minnesota |
| Best time to seed | Late August to mid-September depending on your region and preference |
| Hardiness zone | Depends on cultivar; 4 to 9 for hard fescue and 4 to 8 for sheep fescue; but only up to cold hardiness 7 for some other fescues |
| Optimal soil temperature for growth | 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Available as sod? | Rarely available. Mostly, fine-fescue is established as seed. |
Fine fescue is a low-maintenance, shade-tolerant, fine grass. It grows well in central Minnesota, southern Minnesota, and even parts of northern Minnesota. However, fine fescue isn’t quite as cold-hardy as tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass. However, the hard fescue cultivar requires little mowing, making it a great option if you live in the right area and want something close to a “no-mow” lawn.
Grass Seed Options:
– Outsidepride Legacy Fine Fescue Grass Seed (5 lbs.)
– Eretz Creeping Red Fine Fescue Seed (choose your size)
– Outsidepride Creeping Red Fine Fescue Grass Seed (25 lbs.)
Kentucky bluegrass: The cold-tolerant grass with a self-healing ability
| Recommended for | All of Minnesota, although it will need more watering on the south |
| Best time to seed | Mid-August to early September depending on your region and preference |
| Hardiness zone | 3 to 7 |
| Optimal soil temperature for growth | 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Available as sod? | Both sod and seed are available. |
Kentucky bluegrass is a cold-hardy, dense grass that grows well in all of Minnesota and is the most common grass type. Similarly to tall fescue, it resists damage from temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it’s a bit more needy than other grasses. On top of its high maintenance, Kentucky bluegrass also needs extra irrigation in the summer in the south of the state.
Grass Seed Options:
– Jonathan Green (11970) Blue Panther Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed (3 lbs.)
– SeedRanch Midnight Kentucky Bluegrass Seed (5 lbs.)
Perennial ryegrass: The fast-growing, traffic-tolerant grass
| Recommended for | Parts of southern Minnesota |
| Best time to seed | Late April to early June or late August to mid-September |
| Hardiness zone | 5 to 7 |
| Optimal soil temperature for growth | 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Available as sod? | Yes |
Perennial ryegrass is a fast-growing, traffic-tolerant champ of a grass that grows well in certain southern parts of Minnesota. But don’t plant it out of hardiness zone 5. Perennial ryegrass can’t handle temperature drops below -20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nevertheless, if you do live in hardiness zone 5, perennial ryegrass also makes a good overseeding grass.
Grass Seed Options:
– Outsidepride Perennial Ryegrass Seed (5 lbs.)
– Eretz ProTurf Perennial Ryegrass Fine Lawn Seed (choose your size)
For the best grasses for specific areas of Minnesota, check out these guides:
The Best Grass Seed for Northern Minnesota
The Best Grass Seed for Southern Minnesota
FAQ
What is the best grass seed for overseeding in Minnesota?
Any Minnesota grass can be used for overseeding, but tall fescue is the best choice.
What is the best grass type for heat and drought in Minnesota?
Tall fescue is great at growing in cold conditions as well as in the summer sunshine.
Do warm-season grasses grow in Minnesota?
No. Because of the climate, popular warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass, buffalograss, or even the more cold-hardy Zoysiagrass don’t grow here. Stick with a cool-season grass.
Let a pro handle your Minnesota lawn
In general, the University of Minnesota gives you the green light for seeding cool-season grasses anytime from early August to late September or seeding in mid-November. But, as we read above, lawn care and choosing the right grass type can be a nuanced process.
It can all get confusing. Plus, you probably have many other things to do. Let a pro handle your lawn care. Get an instant quote.
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Main Image Credit: Lukas Bergstrom | Flickr | CC BY 2.0
