Kentucky Bluegrass is a cool-season grass prized for its lush, dark green turf that thrives in northern climates. It grows most actively in spring and fall at 60°F to 75°F, forming a dense sod through underground runners. Its ability to recover from wear makes it a staple for lawns and sports fields.
The grass features fine to medium blades with a soft texture, creating a uniform, velvety look. It prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil, though some strains tolerate light shade. Cold-hardy to below -20°F, it often slows or browns in summer heat above 85°F.
Maintenance involves regular mowing to keep it tidy, typically every week at 2 to 3 inches, plus seasonal fertilizing to fuel its vigor. It demands consistent water—its shallow roots falter in drought—and benefits from aeration to combat thatch. Seeding or sodding establishes it, though it’s slow to fill in.
Its durability and rich color suit high-traffic areas, from backyards to fairways, but it needs care to fend off diseases like rust or leaf spot in humid conditions. Blending with other grasses can boost its resilience, especially in mixed climates. Kentucky Bluegrass shines where cool seasons dominate.
Cultivars vary widely, offering options for shade, wear, or low upkeep, each tailored to specific uses. From deep blue hues to tough, spreading growth, this grass adapts to diverse needs, cementing its status as a cool-season classic with timeless appeal.
Kentucky Bluegrass
Midnight
Midnight Kentucky Bluegrass features deep, almost black-green blades with a fine texture, forming a compact, uniform turf. It excels in full sun on fertile, well-drained soils (pH 6.0 to 7.0), tolerating cold to -25°F but struggling in shade or heat above 85°F. Its dense growth resists weeds and withstands moderate traffic.
Maintenance includes mowing every 5 to 7 days at 2 to 3 inches, fertilizing three times yearly, and regular watering—its shallow roots need moisture. Slow to establish from seed, it’s ideal for premium lawns or golf fairways, though it’s prone to summer patch in humid conditions.
America
America boasts fine, medium-green blades and a dense, low-growing turf with excellent shade tolerance (four hours of sun). It thrives at 60°F to 75°F on loamy soils (pH 6.0 to 7.0), surviving to -20°F.
Its slower growth reduces mowing frequency—every 7 to 10 days at 2 to 2.5 inches—while requiring two to three fertilizer applications annually and consistent water. Known for drought tolerance among bluegrasses, it suits shaded lawns or mixes. It establishes slowly but resists diseases like leaf spot, making it a reliable, low-profile choice.
Blue Velvet
Blue Velvet offers velvety, fine, dark blue-green blades that form a thick, cushiony turf. It thrives in full sun on fertile soils (pH 6.0 to 7.5), growing best at 60°F to 75°F and tolerating cold to -25°F.
It handles heavy traffic and recovers quickly, ideal for sports fields or busy lawns. Mow every 5 to 7 days at 1.5 to 2.5 inches, fertilize three to four times yearly, and water regularly—it’s less drought-tolerant. Slow to germinate, it’s disease-resistant but may thin in shade or extreme heat.
Award
Award Kentucky Bluegrass has medium-textured, rich green blades and a dense, upright turf with strong rhizome spread. It thrives in full sun on well-drained soils (pH 6.0 to 7.0), growing at 60°F to 75°F and surviving to -20°F.
Its wear tolerance and rapid recovery suit athletic fields or high-use lawns. Maintenance includes mowing every 5 to 7 days at 2 to 3 inches, fertilizing three times yearly, and moderate watering. Slow to establish, it resists rust and powdery mildew but needs sun and struggles in prolonged drought.
Rugby II
Rugby II features fine to medium, dark green blades with a dense, low turf that tolerates close mowing (down to 0.5 inches). It thrives in full sun on fertile soils (pH 6.0 to 7.0), growing best at 60°F to 75°F and enduring to -25°F.
Its traffic tolerance and quick recovery make it a golf course or sports turf staple. Mow every 3 to 5 days, fertilize three times yearly, and water consistently—it’s not drought-hardy. Slow to seed in, it resists disease but fades in shade or heat stress.
Beyond
Beyond offers fine, vibrant blue-green blades and a dense, aggressive turf with excellent wear recovery. It thrives in full sun on loamy soils (pH 6.0 to 7.0), growing at 60°F to 75°F and tolerating cold to -20°F.
Ideal for sports fields or active lawns, it handles heavy use. Mow every 5 to 7 days at 2 to 3 inches, fertilize three times yearly, and water regularly—its roots are shallow. Slow to establish, it resists stripe smut and thrives in cooler summers but weakens in shade.
Liberator
Liberator has fine, dark green blades and a compact, dense turf with strong rhizome vigor. It thrives in full sun on well-drained soils (pH 6.0 to 7.0), growing best at 60°F to 75°F and surviving to -25°F.
Its disease resistance (e.g., leaf spot) and traffic tolerance suit lawns or parks. Mow every 5 to 7 days at 2 to 3 inches, fertilize two to three times yearly, and water moderately—it’s less drought-tolerant. Slow to germinate, it’s a durable, low-maintenance pick for sunny, cool climates.
Unique
Unique features fine, medium-green blades with a soft, dense turf and good shade tolerance (four hours of sun). It thrives at 60°F to 75°F on fertile soils (pH 6.0 to 7.0), tolerating cold to -20°F. Its slower growth reduces mowing—every 7 to 10 days at 2 to 2.5 inches—while needing two fertilizer applications and regular water. Ideal for shaded lawns or mixes, it establishes slowly but resists powdery mildew, though it may thin in heat or heavy wear.
Shamrock
Shamrock offers medium-textured, bright green blades and a vigorous, spreading turf with excellent wear recovery. It thrives in full sun on loamy soils (pH 6.0 to 7.5), growing at 60°F to 75°F and enduring to -25°F. It suits lawns or athletic fields with moderate traffic. Mow every 5 to 7 days at 2 to 3 inches, fertilize three times yearly, and water consistently—it’s not drought-hardy. Slow to establish, it resists rust but may struggle in shade or humid summers with fungal issues.
Baron
Baron has medium, dark green blades and a dense, upright turf with strong rhizome growth. It thrives in full sun on fertile soils (pH 6.0 to 7.0), growing best at 60°F to 75°F and tolerating cold to -20°F. Its durability suits lawns or fairways. Mow every 5 to 7 days at 2 to 3 inches, fertilize three times yearly, and water regularly—it’s moisture-dependent. Slow to seed in, it resists disease but needs sun and may brown in summer heat.
Nuglade
Nuglade features fine, glossy, dark green blades and a dense, low turf with good traffic tolerance. It thrives in full sun on well-drained soils (pH 6.0 to 7.0), growing at 60°F to 75°F and surviving to -25°F. Ideal for sports turf or active lawns, it recovers well. Mow every 5 to 7 days at 1.5 to 2.5 inches, fertilize three times yearly, and water moderately. Slow to establish, it resists leaf spot but fades in shade or drought.
Julia
Julia offers fine to medium, dark blue-green blades and a dense, uniform turf with strong rhizome spread. It thrives in full sun on fertile soils (pH 6.0 to 7.0), growing at 60°F to 75°F and tolerating cold to -20°F. Its wear tolerance suits lawns or fields. Mow every 5 to 7 days at 2 to 3 inches, fertilize three times yearly, and water regularly—it’s not drought-tolerant. Slow to germinate, it resists disease but needs sun and struggles in heat.
Odyssey
Odyssey has fine, rich green blades and a compact, dense turf with excellent wear recovery. It thrives in full sun on loamy soils (pH 6.0 to 7.0), growing at 60°F to 75°F and enduring to -25°F. It’s perfect for high-use lawns or sports fields. Mow every 5 to 7 days at 2 to 3 inches, fertilize three times yearly, and water consistently. Slow to establish, it resists rust and stripe smut but weakens in shade or prolonged heat.
Touchdown
Touchdown features medium, dark green blades and a vigorous, spreading turf with strong traffic tolerance. It thrives in full sun on fertile soils (pH 6.0 to 7.0), growing at 60°F to 75°F and tolerating cold to -20°F. Ideal for athletic fields or busy lawns, it recovers fast. Mow every 5 to 7 days at 2 to 3 inches, fertilize three times yearly, and water regularly. Slow to seed in, it resists disease but needs sun and may thin in drought.
Moonlight
Moonlight offers fine, dark blue-green blades and a dense, low turf with good shade tolerance (four hours of sun). It thrives at 60°F to 75°F on well-drained soils (pH 6.0 to 7.0), surviving to -25°F. It suits shaded lawns or mixes. Mow every 7 to 10 days at 2 to 2.5 inches, fertilize two to three times yearly, and water moderately. Slow to establish, it resists powdery mildew but may fade in heat or heavy wear.
Kenblue
Kenblue has medium-textured, medium-green blades and a vigorous, upright turf with solid rhizome spread. It thrives in full sun on various soils (pH 6.0 to 7.5), growing at 60°F to 75°F and tolerating cold to -20°F. Its durability fits lawns or pastures. Mow every 5 to 7 days at 2 to 3 inches, fertilize two to three times yearly, and water regularly—it’s less drought-tolerant. Quick to establish for a bluegrass, it resists disease but needs sun and may brown in summer.