Turfgrass species: Tour: Common and Scientific name:
Kentucky bluegrass - Poa pratensis L.
Plant characteristics
| Growth Habit | rhizomatous |
| Texture | fine to medium, depending on cultivar |
| Density | good to excellent |
| Color | light to dark green |
Useful identifying Characteristics
| rhizomes; boat-shape leaf tip; folded vernation; transparent lines on either side of midvein |
Uses
| Kentucky bluegrass is the most widely used turfgrass in the Midwest US. It is used on athletic fields, home lawns, golf course fairways, parks, cemeteries. |
Other Characteristics
| Varieties | Common type | Improved types |
| Kenblue Park South Dakota Certified |
A-34 Adelphi Baron Birka Bonnieblue Bristol Eclipse Enmundi Glade H-7 I-13 Majestic Merit Midnight Mystic Parade Plush Ram 1 Sydsport Touchdown Vantage Victa |
|
| Seeding Rate | 1 to 3 lb per 1000 sq.ft. | |
Reproduction
| Life cycle | perennial |
| Propagation | seed, sod, or plugs (A-20) (plugs extremely uncommon) |
| Seeds/lb | 800,000 to 2,000,000 depending on cultivar |
Adaptation
| Sun/shade | sun (conditions, need full sun 3 to 4 hours/day) to partial shade (select shade-tolerant cultivars) |
| Soil | loams or sandy loams, silt loams |
| Moisture | moderate moisture, turn brown during hot, dry weather |
| Mowing height | 2" to 2 1/2" (some cultivars will tolerate 3/4") |
| Fertility | 2 to 4 lb N/1000 sq.ft./yr. |
Special Problems
Common types:
Improved types:
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