In Kentucky, where you are affects the kind of grass seed you choose because of the different weather and soil types around the state. If you’re in the northern, central, or eastern parts, cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, fine fescue, and tall fescue do well. But in western Kentucky, warm-season grasses like bermudagrass and Zoysiagrass are a better fit.
Choosing the best grass seed for your Kentucky lawn involves considering factors such as location, soil type, maintenance requirements, foot traffic, and sun exposure.
To learn about the best grass types in your specific region, check out the relevant guide below:
- Best grass seed for eastern Kentucky
- Best grass seed for western Kentucky
- Best grass seed for central Kentucky
Cool-season grasses for Kentucky
Cool-season grasses are an excellent choice for many Kentucky lawns, particularly in the state’s northern, central, and eastern parts. These grasses thrive in cooler climates and are known for their ability to withstand cold winters. Cool-season grasses include Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass, each offering unique benefits and characteristics suitable for different lawn needs.
See our cool-season grass guide for more information about these turfgrasses.
Kentucky bluegrass: Best for cold weather
Kentucky bluegrass, known for its deep green color and fine texture, is a popular choice for lawns, fields, and golf courses in Kentucky due to its resistance to cold winters. It produces a dense, weed-resistant turf and thrives particularly well in the northern and eastern parts of the state. However, with proper maintenance and irrigation, it can grow anywhere in Kentucky.
Kentucky bluegrass grows fast and can handle some drought and foot traffic, but it doesn’t do well in the shade. It needs regular maintenance like applying fertilizer, watering, and regular mowing to keep it healthy and good-looking. It’s prone to common Kentucky bluegrass diseases like dollar spot, leaf spot, and a few others. It likes well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6-7.5.
Check out our guide on How to Grow and Care for Kentucky Bluegrass for more information.
Grass Seed Options:
– Jonathan Green (11970) Blue Panther Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed (3 lbs.)
– SeedRanch Midnight Kentucky Bluegrass Seed (5 lbs.)
Fine fescue: Best for low-maintenance
For Kentucky lawns, fine fescue is a great option, especially in the northern regions. Because of its extensive root system, it is more drought-resistant; it also grows well in shady areas. Due to a lack of heat tolerance, fine fescue will struggle to survive in full sun areas and is susceptible to damage by heavy use and over-fertilization.
This cool-season grass is also a suitable option for central Kentucky. However, while it is low-maintenance, it tolerates only low to moderate foot traffic and is susceptible to lawn diseases common in fine fescue. It adapts to various soil types, preferring a pH of 6-6.5 and drier conditions. Due to its high shade tolerance, it’s often mixed with other grasses.
Learn more in our guide 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.)
Perennial ryegrass: Best for quick establishment
Perennial ryegrass is a cool-season grass known for its fine texture and rich green color. Its fast germination time (five to seven days) makes it a popular choice for quick lawn establishment. Perennial ryegrass is often mixed with other cool-season species like Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue. If sown alone, it may struggle in the summer heat without extra irrigation.
Perennial ryegrass adapts well to most parts of Kentucky but prefers soils with pH of 6-7 and good drainage. Although it has low shade and drought tolerance, it tolerates high foot traffic well, making this an ideal grass to include in a cool-season mix for lawns with lots of activity. It requires moderate maintenance and is prone to fungal lawn diseases like gray leaf spot and red thread.
For more information, read our guide on How to Grow and Care for Perennial Ryegrass.
Grass Seed Options:
– Outsidepride Perennial Ryegrass Seed (5 lbs.)
– Eretz ProTurf Perennial Ryegrass Fine Lawn Seed (choose your size)
Tall fescue: Best for shade
Tall fescue is commonly used for lawns in Kentucky because it can withstand drought, moderate foot traffic, and some shade. This makes it a preferred seed choice throughout the state. Choose a turf-type tall fescue for a lush, hardy lawn.
Turf-type tall fescue flourishes in lawns across Kentucky. It requires regular mowing and prefers soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. While tall fescue can adapt to a variety of soil types, it thrives in fertile clay or sandy soils with good drainage. You can control crabgrass and other common Kentucky weeds by using pre-emergent herbicides.
Check our guide for How to Grow and Care for Tall Fescue to learn more.
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.)
Warm-season grasses for Kentucky
Warm-season grasses thrive during hot summer months, exhibiting superior resistance to heat and drought compared to cool-season varieties. They are particularly suitable for the drier areas of Kentucky, specifically the western part of the state, where they usually require less upkeep. While cool-season grasses are easier to establish, the time and effort invested in warm-season grasses can be very rewarding.
Read our warm-season grass guide for more information about these grass types.
Bermudagrass: Best for full sun
Hardy and resilient to heat and drought, common bermudagrass is a warm-season grass that thrives in sunny yards and is a good option for Kentucky lawns. That said, it is best suited for western Kentucky, as it can experience winterkill at temperatures below 15 degrees Fahrenheit without any snow.
Bermudagrass does need regular mowing in spring and summer due to its fast growth. This grass can also withstand heavy traffic. It has relatively few pest problems and needs no mowing from October to April. It can tolerate low fertility but responds well to nitrogen. Since bermudagrass is prone to weed infestation, it’s necessary to stay on top of weed control throughout the year.
To learn more, read our guide on How to Grow and Care for Bermudagrass.
Grass Seed Options:
– Scotts Turf Builder Bermudagrass (10-lb. bag)
– Hancock Seed Co. Bermudagrass (50-lb. bag)
Zoysiagrass: Best for high foot traffic
Zoysia is a slow-growing but highly resilient grass that withstands heavy foot traffic. This makes it ideal for active families with kids or pets. Zoysiagrass thrives in Kentucky, particularly in the western and central areas around Owensboro, Lexington, and Bardstown. However, it will struggle in soils with poor drainage.
Zoysia spreads by stolons and rhizomes. It’s moderately shade-tolerant, drought-resistant, and can handle heavy foot traffic but recovers slowly from damage. It requires low levels of nitrogen fertilizer and can accumulate a thatch layer easily if you apply too much. It’s disease-resistant but can develop large patch. It thrives in well-drained soil with a pH of 6-6.5 and is vulnerable to common Zoysia pests like white grubs and mole crickets.
Read our article on How to Grow and Care for Zoysiagrass to find out more.
Grass Plug and Seed Options:
– Zoysia Plugs (50 Large Grass Plugs)
– Zoysia Plugs (50 Full & Lush Grass Plugs)
– Zoysia Plugs (100 Plugs)
– Zenith Zenith Grass Seeds (1/8 lb. of seeds)
How to choose the right grass seed
Choosing the right grass seed for your Kentucky lawn depends on several factors: your location and soil type, the maintenance level required, foot traffic, and sun exposure. By taking these factors into account, you can choose the best seed for a vibrant and healthy lawn.
Soil type
Your lawn’s soil type will help determine the right grass seed for your Kentucky lawn, as different grass types can tolerate varying soil acidity and nutrient levels. Some grasses thrive in acidic soil, while others prefer alkaline or neutral soil.
Before selecting a grass seed, it’s recommended to conduct a soil test. It will give you information about the soil’s pH and nutrient levels, which will help you determine which grass seed you should plant. For example, fine fescue or perennial ryegrass can withstand acidic soil, while Kentucky bluegrass prefers neutral, well-draining soil.
Maintenance
When selecting grass seed for your lawn, consider the level of maintenance it will need.
- Low-maintenance grasses: Fine fescue
- Moderate-maintenance grasses: Turf-type tall fescue, Zoysiagrass
- High-maintenance grasses: Bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass
Traffic tolerance
In choosing lawn seed, it is important to consider the amount of activity it will receive.
- Low foot traffic tolerance: Fine fescue
- Moderate foot traffic tolerance: Turf-type tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass
- High foot traffic tolerance: Perennial ryegrass, Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass
Shade tolerance
Different grasses have varying levels of tolerance to shade, and selecting a grass seed that aligns with the amount of sunlight your lawn gets can make or break the health and appearance of your lawn.
- Low shade tolerance: Bermudagrass, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass
- Moderate shade tolerance: Zoysiagrass, tall fescue
- High shade tolerance: Fine fescue
FAQ: Kentucky lawns
What are the planting zones in Kentucky?
The planting zones in Kentucky fall into USDA Hardiness Zones 6b, 7a, and 7b. These zones are based on the coldest average temperatures of an area.
When is the best time to plant grass seed in Kentucky?
Late summer or early fall, from mid-August to late September, is the ideal time to plant cool-season grass seeds in north, central and eastern Kentucky. Late spring or early summer, May or June, is the best time for sowing warm-season grass seeds in western Kentucky.
How long does it take for grass seed to sprout in Kentucky?
The germination period for grass seeds varies from five to 30 days, depending on the type and soil temperature. Cool-season grasses need soil temperatures between 50 to 65 degrees F, while for warm-season grasses, 68 to 75 degrees F is ideal.
For example, Kentucky bluegrass, which is found throughout eastern, central, and northern Kentucky, typically germinates within 10 to 21 days. Tall fescue, found statewide, usually takes about seven to 10 days to germinate. Perennial ryegrass germinates in as little as five to seven days, but bermudagrass takes 10 to 30 days to sprout.
When to call a pro
If you’re planning to seed your lawn in Kentucky, consider your location, conduct a soil test, assess maintenance requirements, and consider traffic and shade tolerance.
If this feels overwhelming, Lawn Love can connect you with local lawn care professionals for help. They can assist with all your lawn care needs, from seeding to mowing and maintenance, ensuring your lawn remains lush, healthy, and hassle-free.
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Main Image Credit: The Roscoe Goose House | TEDD LiGGETT | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 4.0
