What Grass Seed to Use for Lawns in Indiana

Bluegrass

• Bluegrass is one of the best species of grass for lawns in northern Indiana, as it grows well in cool seasons and has a high tolerance to cold, according to OutsidePride.com. Although Kentucky bluegrass in particular is slow to become established by seed, it recovers easily, is hardy and has a great appearance. Kentucky bluegrass also has a medium to high resistance to wear. You need to fertilize and water Kentucky bluegrass. It thrives best in full sun, but the grass also can perform well in light shade. Kentucky bluegrass has a medium tolerance to heat and acidic soil and actually is the first type of grass to brown out in the summer.

Zoysia

• Zoysia is another option for laws in Indiana. It actually is the only grass in the state grown for lawns in warm seasons, according to OutsidePride.com. Zoysia is brown in color from the first frost in fall to the middle part of spring and can be very invasive. The leaves of the Zoysia grass feature firm hairs. Zoysia grass in Indiana is very tolerant not only to drought and heat but also to cold and has a slow to moderate rate of establishment. It has a good tolerance for shade and salt as well. Zoysia grass additionally has a medium to high resistance to wear -- such as foot traffic.

Fescue

• Fescue grass seed is perfect for cool temperatures. Fine fescue grasses in particular are adaptable to shade and have a fair resistance to wear. These types of grasses actually will fare poorly in full sun if mowed often and require little fertilizer.

  Tall fescue grass works well in southern Indiana, where temperatures are warmer. It tolerates salt, heat and wear well. Tall fescue grass is the last type of grass to brown in the summer and is easy to maintain, bearing little risk of disease. However, fescue grasses have a slow to moderate establishment rate.