The best grass options for northern Minnesota are tall fescue, fine fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass. These grasses grow well even during the coldest months. However, fine fescue only performs well in slightly warmer spots in northern Minnesota.
In general, only the most cold-resistant grasses survive in northern Minnesota. Let’s take a closer look at those grasses and what makes each different.
Tall fescue: Adaptable and easy to maintain
Tall fescue is suitable for hardiness zones 3 to 8, so it grows perfectly well in all of Minnesota. It withstands temperatures as low as -35 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, which some parts of northern Minnesota, like parts of Koochiching and St. Louis counties, encounter in the winter.
The grass grows best when the soil temperature is 59 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and it takes 7 to 21 days to germinate. That means the best time to seed it is anytime from mid-August to mid-September, well in advance of the fall’s first frost.
Moreover, tall fescue is easy to maintain and adapts to a variety of soil types, including the common local sandy soil. It’s also a great overseeding grass.
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: Grows in shade but not as cold-hardy
Fine fescue is a fine, shade-tolerant grass that’s cold hardy to zone 4. That means that it won’t grow well in all of northern Minnesota but will be just fine in western cities like Ada, as well as some eastern cities like Grand Rapids and Duluth. In these areas, annual minimum temperatures typically don’t drop below -30 degrees Fahrenheit, so fine fescue doesn’t have difficulty surviving there. Otherwise, fine fescue grows well in the rest of the state. Check out our article The Best Grass Seed for Minnesota Lawns for more information.
You can seed fine fescue when the soil temperature is 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Because the grass takes 5 to 12 days to germinate, you should seed it in mid-September. Alternatively, early May is fine, too.
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: Tolerates cold, takes a beating
Kentucky bluegrass grows in hardiness zones 3 to 7, which means it handles temperatures as low as -35 to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. But not only does Kentucky bluegrass resist northern Minnesota’s cool climate, it also recovers well when damaged. When carefully maintained, it creates a beautiful carpet. However, remember that it does need more care than other grasses.
Kentucky bluegrass takes 14 to 28 days to germinate. This grass grows best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. In northern Minnesota, it’s best to seed it in mid-August. But if you need to, you can also seed it in late May. You can read up about the best time to seed Minnesota grasses in our article When to Plant Grass Seed in Minnesota.
Grass Seed Options:
– Jonathan Green (11970) Blue Panther Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed (3 lbs.)
– SeedRanch Midnight Kentucky Bluegrass Seed (5 lbs.)
FAQ
What grass is best for overseeding in northern Minnesota?
Tall fescue is the best option for overseeding in northern Minnesota, but Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue also work.
Can you plant Bermudagrass in Duluth?
No, Bermudagrass isn’t suitable for Duluth or any part of Minnesota. The best choices are tall fescue, fine fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass. If you need help with taking care of your Duluth grass, don’t hesitate to call a pro.
Can you plant Zoysiagrass in Minnesota?
No. Although Zoysiagrass is more cold-hardy than other warm-season grasses, it’s not hardy enough for northern Minnesota.
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