WHEN TO PLANT FESCUE SEED

Tall & Fine Fescues are planted from the upper south and Midwest to Northern areas.  These year round green grasses are best planted in the fall and spring of each year.  Early fall is considered by turf experts to be the best planting date because this allows for more growing time under ideal growth conditions (fall and spring growing season).  Spring is considered second best.  In some cases both fall and spring plantings help to increase successful cover on problem areas.  Some western areas including parts of California also plant Tall Fescues.

PLANT WHEN DAYTIME ARE TEMPERATURES ARE
BETWEEN 60 & 75 DEGREES:

Cool season grasses such as Fescue, grow best when the soil temperatures are between 50 and 65 degrees F.  These temperatures usually occur when the daytime air temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees.  High temperatures of summer can cause these plants to go dormant and thus planting during summer is asking for problems.  Thus start planting your cool season grass seeds when the temperatures reach 75 and are dropping as fall / winter approaches.  Or have reached 60 and are rising in the spring.  Planting in summer can occur, but irrigation becomes a critical factor in establishment.  Planting when night time temperatures are above 70 should be avoided

Dormancy often occurs in Fescues growth at temperatures above 90 and below 50 degrees. Basically they stop growing when dormancy occurs.  Also, be aware that a freezes and/or frost can damage or kill immature seedlings that have not had enough growing time to harden off to survive a return to dormancy.

PLANTING METHODS?  How can I plant my grass seeds?
SEASON TO PLANT? When can I plant other seeds?