Types of Kentucky Bluegrass Cultivars

High Maintenance

• Although requiring more care, high maintenance cultivars of bluegrass have the best performance if their needs are met. Mow frequently, water on schedule, pay close attention to pest and disease control, and apply annual applications of fertilizer, and your reward will be a lush, vigorous lawn. These cultivars are an excellent choice for a smaller lawn, where it is easier to provide the essentials for growth. High maintenance cultivars include Liberator, Wildwood and Chicago.

Low Maintenance

• Best for regions with cool nights and low humidity, low maintenance cultivars are good for areas where summer dormancy is not a problem, or where irrigation systems are not in place. These cultivars are useful in larger fields, areas not used for summer activities or as a mixture with other grass or flower seeds. Keep the grass mowed to 2 inches, and provide fertilizer during the growing season. Low maintenance cultivars include Harmony, Caliber and Monopoly.

Compact

• Compact varieties have a very low, compact growing habit. You can mow as low as 3/4 inch, as long as you provide adequate water, fertilize on schedule and protected from insects or disease. Compact varieties provide beautiful dark green, thin blades and have good heat resistance. They will provide a beautiful backyard lawn, and provide a wonderful area to enjoy your gardening efforts. Compact cultivars include Absolute, Impact and Indigo.

Aggressive

• The aggressive varieties of Kentucky bluegrass produce dense growth, and are ideal for overseeding bare areas, or for use in areas that receive high traffic, such as playgrounds or ball fields. Plant where children or dogs are active, as these strains can rebound from damage, and fill in worn or injured spots. These varieties will need to be de-thatched on a regular basis. Aggressive cultivars include Touchdown, Limousine and North Star.