Choosing the right grass seed is key to growing a green, healthy lawn in central Kentucky. The best grass types for this area are Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescue.
These grass species are adapted to the hot summers and cold winters of central Kentucky, and they can thrive in various soil conditions. Their maintenance needs vary, with some requiring more care than others. This diversity ensures there’s a grass type that’s perfect for your yard.
If you’re looking for grass seed in another area of the state, check out our guide for The Best Grass Seed for Kentucky Lawns.
The best grasses for central Kentucky
Because of central Kentucky’s moderate rainfall and cooler temperatures, cool-season grasses are a popular choice for lawns. With the right upkeep and care, grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, and fine fescue are the best grass types for lawns in Louisville and throughout central Kentucky.
When selecting grass seed for your central Kentucky lawn, take into account factors such as sunlight and watering needs, soil compatibility, resistance to foot traffic, and maintenance requirements.
Kentucky bluegrass: Best grass for high-traffic areas
Naturally, Kentucky bluegrass is an ideal choice for lawns in the heart of the Bluegrass State. As a cool-season turfgrass well-adapted to this area, it is celebrated for its lush, dense growth and vibrant emerald color. It resists the region’s hot, humid summers and cold, wet winters with resilience. This resilience allows it to rebound and regrow, maintaining its beauty and vitality throughout the year.
Kentucky bluegrass thrives in full sun, tolerates moderate foot traffic, and grows best in well-drained soil with a pH of 6-7.5. While it has a moderate to high potential for diseases common to Kentucky bluegrass, newer cultivars are typically hardier and more disease-resistant. Pests like grubs or armyworms can be an issue.
Learn more in our guide for How to Grow and Care for Kentucky Bluegrass.
Grass Seed Options:
– Outsidepride Perennial Ryegrass Seed (5 lbs.)
– Eretz ProTurf Perennial Ryegrass Fine Lawn Seed (choose your size)
Perennial ryegrass: Best grass for quick establishment
Perennial ryegrass is an excellent choice for central Kentucky’s climate. It has a fine texture and thrives in full sun, although it has limited shade tolerance. Renowned for its rapid germination, this grass provides quick ground coverage. However, the University of Kentucky Extension recommends mixing perennial ryegrass with Kentucky bluegrass, rather than cultivating it alone, to help it survive the summer heat.
A cool-season grass, perennial ryegrass can withstand high foot traffic and requires moderate mowing. It thrives in well-drained soils with a pH between 6 and 7. Annual fertilization is recommended, preferably from late summer to early fall. However, it is susceptible to several lawn diseases including gray leaf spot, dollar spot, and brown patch.
See our How to Grow and Care for Perennial Ryegrass guide for more information.
Grass Seed Options:
– Outsidepride Perennial Ryegrass Seed (5 lbs.)
– Eretz ProTurf Perennial Ryegrass Fine Lawn Seed (choose your size)
Tall fescue: Best grass for poor soil
Tall fescue is a popular choice for lawns throughout Kentucky due to its resilience against heat and drought. This cool-season grass stays green even in dry conditions, courtesy of its deep root system. Its adaptability to various soil types and high drought resistance make tall fescue an excellent choice for Kentucky’s hot summers.
Tall fescue also resists common Kentucky weeds and tolerates heavy use. It can withstand shade, drought, and foot traffic. This grass grows quickly and prefers a soil pH of 5.5-6.5. It performs best in fertile, well-drained soil.
Pro tip: For a healthier lawn, regular overseeding is recommended. Also, consider choosing “turf-type” tall fescue (TTTF) seed blends for better home lawn performance.
For more details, see our guide on How to Grow and Care for Tall Fescue.
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: Best grass for shade
Fine fescue is an excellent choice for shaded lawns in central Kentucky. It thrives where other grasses struggle with shade and is drought-resistant, even in areas with poor drainage. Fine fescue is a low-maintenance option as it doesn’t require as much mowing as other grass types. Although it is a soft grass for bare feet, its wear resistance is only low to moderate.
Fine fescue is a bunch-type grass that does have a moderate risk of diseases common to fine fescue. It thrives in well-drained or sandy soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5 and also tolerates infertile soils. It’s often mixed with other cool-season grasses.
For more information, check out our guide on How to Grow and Care for Fine Fescue.
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.)
What to read next
The planting zones for central Kentucky are 6b and 7a. The optimal time to plant grass seed is during late summer to early fall, specifically from mid-August to late-September or mid-February to mid-March for spring planting. For more information on caring for your Kentucky landscape, please refer to the following articles.
FAQ: Grass seed in central Kentucky
How can I stop birds from eating my grass seed?
Covering the sown areas with straw, moss, or seed blankets can deter birds from eating the seeds.
How long does it take for new grass to sprout in central Kentucky?
Depending on the grass type, soil, and weather conditions, new grass can germinate in 5 to 30 days. Below is the average germination time for each type:
- Fine fescue: 5 to 12 days
- Tall fescue: 7 to 10 days
- Perennial ryegrass: 5 to 7 days
- Kentucky bluegrass: 10 to 21 days
How can I speed up the growth of my new grass?
You can speed up the growth of your new grass by pre-germinating the grass seeds. This involves soaking them in water until the root breaks out from the seed coat.
When to call a pro
Choosing the right grass seed can be difficult because of the different soil types and growing conditions in central Kentucky. If you’re not sure what’s best for your yard, it’s a good idea to ask for professional help. With Lawn Love, you can find local lawn care experts who can help with all your landscaping needs, including picking the right seed for your new lawn.
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Main Image Credit: Joel Bradshaw | Wikimedia Commons | CC0 1.0
