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How to Seed Blue Grama Grass

Blue grama grass tolerates droughts as well as soil that contains some salinity and alkalinity. However, it does not fare well with shade, acidic soil or flooding. It is a perennial, warm-season grass that is common in the Southwest and Great Plains regions of the United States. You will find it growing on rocky slopes and open plains. Blue grama grass doesn't need much care. It is durable and mixes well with buffalo grass. When seeding blue grama grass, it's essential to prepare the site properly.

Things You'll Need

  • Rototiller
  • Grass seed
  • Spreader
  • Metal rake
  • Water
  • Fertilizer (nitrogen)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Seed blue grama early in the year to give it time to mature. April through July is a good time, according to Colorado State University.

    • 2

      Loosen the soil to a depth of four to six inches. Till compacted ground to create air pockets underneath the surface of the soil. This will help the blue grama roots grow farther.

    • 3

      Remove debris, such as weeds, stones and branches several weeks before planting. For more persistent weed problems, apply a herbicide. Without completing this step long enough in advance, it can affect the grass.

    • 4

      Fill a mechanical or hand spreader with blue grama grass seed. Use whichever method is conducive to the size of your yard. Seed blue grama grass at a rate of 8 to 12 pounds per acre or 3 to 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

    • 5

      Rake the yard gently to spread the blue grama grass seed evenly over the ground. It needs no more than 1/4-inch of soil to hold it in place and promote germination.

    • 6

      Water the grass seed to keep the soil moist. If you keep the soil warm enough and the seeds adequately watered, blue grama will germinate in four to six days.

    • 7

      Give your lawn water to ward off summer dormancy. While blue grama doesn't need it, 2 to 4 inches of total watering (between precipitation and manual watering) per month is ideal.

    • 8

      Give your lawn up to 2 pounds of nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 square feet. Apply it once a year in the late spring or summer. Do not fertilize it after August 1.