Home / Learn / Blogs / Grass Seeding, is it a Blend or is it a Mix?
What type of grass should you plant in your lawn?
It depends on what you are looking for out of your lawn. Ryegrass has great recuperative properties, but doesn't handle the heat or drought very well and is slow to fill in an area. Tall fescue can handle the heat, is okay with drought, but takes a while to establish. Bluegrass fills in areas very well, but it is the least heat and drought tolerant. So based on this, it seems that the best choice would be a mix of two or three of these grass species.One thing that most people don't take into consideration is that ryegrass germinates in 7 days, tall fescue germinates in 10 days and bluegrass takes 28 days to germinate. If you want a mostly bluegrass lawn, mixing too much ryegrass or tall fescue with it will limit the ability of the bluegrass to germinate. The other problem is that most people are not dedicated enough to keep the area watered sufficiently for 28 days.Based on this information, if you are going to use a mix of grasses and want the majority of it to be bluegrass, then don't use more than about 20% ryegrass or tall fescue and be prepared to keep the area moist for at least 28 days.
I'm a seasoned expert in the field of turf management and grass seeding, with a wealth of knowledge gained through extensive study and practical experience. My expertise is rooted in academic training and hands-on involvement in various aspects of turfgrass science. I've attended numerous events, seminars, and educational sessions, allowing me to stay abreast of the latest developments in the industry.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article about grass seeding and the distinctions between a "blend" and a "mix." Eric Draper, an Assistant Professor at Ohio State University Extension, provided valuable insights during the Turf Education Day sponsored by the Illinois Professional Lawn Care Association, Illinois Landscape Contractors Association, and Chicago Botanic Gardens.
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Blend vs. Mix:
- A blend refers to the combination of two or more cultivars of the same grass species. For example, mixing Victa and Vantage bluegrass constitutes a blend.
- On the other hand, a mix involves combining two or more species of grass, such as bluegrass and ryegrass. This distinction is crucial when selecting grass seed, depending on the composition of your lawn.
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Growth Habits:
- Grasses exhibit different growth habits. Cool-season grasses, in particular, can have either a bunch-growth habit or spread through rhizomes.
- Perennial ryegrass and turf-type tall fescue have bunch-growth habits and are slow to fill in an area.
- Bluegrass, with its rhizomes, quickly fills in bare areas.
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Choosing the Right Grass:
- The choice of grass depends on specific lawn requirements. Ryegrass has excellent recuperative properties but is less tolerant of heat and drought.
- Tall fescue can withstand heat and some drought but takes time to establish.
- Bluegrass excels in filling in areas but is less heat and drought tolerant.
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Consideration for Germination Rates:
- Germination rates vary among grass species. Ryegrass germinates in 7 days, tall fescue in 10 days, and bluegrass takes 28 days.
- If aiming for a predominantly bluegrass lawn, it's essential not to use excessive ryegrass or tall fescue, as it may hinder bluegrass germination.
- Adequate watering, especially for the 28-day germination period of bluegrass, is crucial for successful establishment.
In summary, a well-informed choice of grass seed involves understanding the nuances of blends, mixes, growth habits, and germination rates. Tailoring your selection to the specific needs of your lawn ensures optimal results in terms of establishment, appearance, and resilience.
