Planting Tall Fescue in the Fall – Late summer to early autumn is the optimal time to plant tall fescue seed. The autumn offers several benefits that are unavailable at any other time of year. As autumn air temperatures decrease, the soil retains summer warmth.
- Tall fescue seed requires cool nights, moderate days, and warm soil for rapid, thorough germination and robust establishment.
- Fall planting has additional advantages.
- Typically, autumn rainfall occurs when favorable air and soil conditions coincide.
- During germination, tall fescue seed requires consistent moisture, and fall rains satisfy this need.
Fall soil is more likely to maintain healthy moisture levels than spring soil, which frequently becomes too wet. As temperatures fall, many aggressive lawn weeds become dormant, reducing weed competition for new grass. Insect pests become less active in the fall, resulting in fewer pest issues.
Depending on where you live, the optimal fall seeding time for turf-type tall fescues, such as The Rebels ® Brand Tall Fescue Blend, varies. Plant tall fescue at least 45 days before your region’s average date of the first fall frost. This allows sufficient time for the 7- to 21-day germination period of turf-type tall fescue as well as root establishment before the onset of winter.
For lawns in the Upper Midwest, mid-August could bring ideal conditions. In states in the transition zone, such as North Carolina and Arkansas, September is typically the best time to plant tall fescue seed.1 Expect lower germination rates and less robust root establishment if you plant late.
- However, ungerminated seed may remain viable throughout the winter, and further germination may occur in the spring.
- With early fall planting, seed has a full growing season in the autumn.
- The spring then brings another period of growth during the cool season before the onset of summer stress.
- The use of high-performance seed, such as The Rebels ® Brand Extended Root Seed Varieties, provides enhanced resistance to heat and potential drought.
These exceptional turf-type tall fescues produce 40 percent more roots at deeper depths than standard grass seed, resulting in increased heat and drought tolerance as well as enhanced nutrient absorption. Fall and spring are ideal seasons for sowing tall fescue, due to their cool temperatures.
Which month is ideal for sowing grass?
Planting grass seed in autumn – In many climates, autumn is the best time to plant grass seed. In late August, September, October, and November, the still-warm soil promotes optimal root growth, while the cooling air temperatures inhibit excessive top growth.
- This is ideal for establishing lawn grasses and encouraging deep root development.
- It also increases the turf’s drought resistance and its ability to access soil nutrients.
- In the majority of regions, autumn also brings an increase in precipitation.
- This will reduce the frequency with which you must drag out the hose and sprinkler.
When nighttime temperatures drop to approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit, grass seed should be planted. Observe the weather forecast. Choose to sow grass seed when two or more days of rain are predicted.
How-to Plant a New Tall Fescue Lawn from Grass Seed
When to Start Seeds – In general, seeds should be started four to six weeks before the last frost date. Calculating seed-starting dates involves subtracting the date of the last frost from the number of days until transplant. The number of weeks will be listed on the seed packet.
