How to Grow Blue Grass

Kentucky Bluegrass

Blue grass, also known as Kentucky Bluegrass, is used primarily as pasture grass. It is native to most of Europe and northern Asia. Early colonists to North America brought blue grass mixed with other grasses by mistake. The blue grass took root and spread throughout the temperate regions of North America. Blue grass grows up to 24-inches-high and is commonly identified by broad, boat-shaped leaves. It is a very picky plant that takes care and dedication to grow.

Things You'll Need

• Herbicide
• Tiller
• Blue grass seed
• Nitrogen fertilizer
• Lawn mower

Instructions

1. Use herbicide to kill any pre-existing weeds or other plant growth on the patch of land where the blue grass will be grown. Blue grass is very delicate during its beginning stages and can't survive with competition.

2. Till the soil using a tiller and water the land thoroughly. Wait two to three weeks for any other weeds to grow that may have been dormant under the soil. If new weeds sprout, use herbicide to kill them, then till the soil again.

3. Spread blue grass seed over the soil. Blue grass can be planted during any season, but spring and fall are ideal. Water the blue grass thoroughly two to three times daily for the first two weeks. Once it begins to sprout, watering can be reduced to once daily.

4. Fertilize the blue grass during its initial years using nitrogen rich fertilizer. Five to six pounds of fertilizer per 1,000 square feet of land is required for the first year. Afterward, two to three pounds bi-weekly can be used. During summer months, use no more than one pound per 1,000 square feet, otherwise the blue grass will burn. Water the grass immediately after fertilizing during summer.

5. Ensure the blades on your lawn mower are well sharpened. Purchase new blades, if necessary. Dull blades are likely to pull the blue grass sprout out of the soil. Begin mowing after the blue grass is about 2-inches-high. The lawn mower blade should be adjusted to a height that removes no more than one-third of the leaf.

6. Water the blue grass with 2 inches of water over the entire lawn weekly, once it has begun to mature. If blue grass goes dormant during droughts or an extended duration without irrigation, only 1 inch of water is required every two to three weeks. To rejuvenate the blue grass, water thoroughly once a week.

Tips & Warnings

• There are over 100 different varieties of blue grass. Choose the cultivar that best matches your region and climate.

• Never over-mow or over-fertilize blue grass. This can greatly stunt root growth, allowing room for weeds to take over.