The best grasses for central Minnesota are tall fescue, fine fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass because they all are at least moderately cold-resistant. Here’s an overview of the best grass seed for central Minnesota.
Tall fescue: The adaptable, low-maintenance grass
Tall fescue is an easy-care grass that’s adaptable to various soils, even sandy soil. It tolerates freezing cold as low as -40 degrees, as well as heat. And if you have a little shade on your lawn, it’s not a problem; this grass moderately tolerates shade. In summary, tall fescue is a perfect addition to almost any central Minnesota lawn.
The best time to seed this grass is from early August to early September. This is when the ground temperature and other conditions are most favorable for the grass. Alternatively, you can also seed in mid-May. The grass will take 7 to 21 days to germinate.
Pro tip: Even though you can generally seed grasses in the spring as well as in the fall, according to the University of Minnesota, fall conditions make seeding more suitable. Read When to Plant Grass Seed in Minnesota for more information.
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
Fine fescue is the most shade-tolerant grass and is also easy to care for. The hard fescue variety needs little mowing. While fine fescue only thrives in parts of nearby northern Minnesota, the central region of this state grows it just fine. That includes cities Brainerd, Wheaton, all the way down to southern cities like Minneapolis.
The grass is hardy to zone 4, so it endures central Minnesota’s winters. Due to the ground temperatures, the best time to plant it here is in late August or late September. Alternatively, you can also do it between late April and early June.
For more, check out our article about the best grass types for Minneapolis. Need a pro for Minneapolis? Find a pro in Minneapolis or in St. Paul, Minneapolis.
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: Cold-tolerant and self-repairing
Kentucky bluegrass is not only beautiful but also cold-hardy. Even though it’s not the most traffic-tolerant grass, it recovers from damage better than other grasses. Kentucky bluegrass withstands temperatures as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit, so it easily grows in central Minnesota which doesn’t generally get as cold as the northern reaches of the state.
Kentucky bluegrass’s beautiful appeal comes at a price; it’s more high-maintenance than other grasses. If you decide to go for it, the best ground temperature to do so is in mid-August. Alternatively, late April also works. The grass will take 14 to 28 days to germinate.
Grass Seed Options:
– Jonathan Green (11970) Blue Panther Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed (3 lbs.)
– SeedRanch Midnight Kentucky Bluegrass Seed (5 lbs.)
FAQ
Which grass is the best for overseeding in central Minnesota?
Tall fescue is generally the best grass for overseeding, but fine fescue and Kentucky bluegrass work, too.
Do warm-season grasses grow in central Minnesota?
No, only cool-season grasses grow here. So grasses like buffalograss, Bermudagrass, and even the more cold-hardy Zoysiagrass are out of their element here.
Does perennial ryegrass grow in Minnesota?
Perennial ryegrass only grows in certain parts of southern Minnesota.
Let a pro do the job
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Main Image Credit: Cyrus and Mary Thurston House | Warren LeMay | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0
