Fescue grass is a popular choice for lawns, known for its durability, shade tolerance, and ability to withstand drought once established. This cool-season grass is adaptable across many regions. Finding the correct variety of fescue seed and understanding where to purchase quality product ensures a thriving lawn.
Selecting the Right Fescue Variety
The fescue seed market is divided into two categories: Tall Fescue and Fine Fescue, suited for different conditions. Turf-Type Tall Fescue (TTTF) has a deep root system that provides exceptional tolerance for heat and drought, allowing it to remain green when other grasses turn dormant.
Tall Fescue blades are broader and coarser, creating a durable lawn that stands up well to foot traffic. Fine Fescues, such as creeping red and chewing’s, have slender, hair-like blades. These varieties thrive in shadier conditions where Tall Fescue might struggle.
Fine Fescues create a denser, softer turf with less need for fertilizer and water, but they are less tolerant of heavy wear. Many products are sold as blends or mixes to maximize performance across various microclimates. Selection depends on balancing your lawn’s sun exposure, intended use, and desired aesthetic.
Retail Locations for Seed Purchase
Fescue seed is available in several retail locations, each offering a unique balance of price, convenience, and quality. Big box stores and garden centers offer convenience and low prices. However, their mass-market mixes often contain older cultivars or a higher percentage of inert matter.
Specialty seed suppliers and local nurseries represent a higher-quality option. They often stock newer, university-tested cultivars bred for improved color, disease resistance, and finer texture. Staff at these locations can provide tailored advice for specific soil and climate conditions. Although the cost may be higher, superior seed genetics result in a better-performing and more resilient lawn.
Online retailers offer the broadest selection, sourcing specific, elite cultivars that may not be available locally. Purchasing online provides access to high-end products used by turf professionals, but requires accounting for shipping costs and delivery time. Regardless of the source, verify the seed’s packaging date to ensure maximum viability, as quality degrades over time.
Evaluating Seed Quality and Purity
Before purchasing, consumers must examine the required seed label, often called the “blue tag,” which provides the technical metrics of the bag’s contents. The label details several metrics essential for determining quality:
- Purity: The percentage by weight of the desired fescue seed compared to the total weight. High-quality products should display 95% or greater.
- Germination Rate: The percentage of pure seed expected to sprout. A rate of 80% or higher is excellent for fresh fescue seed.
- Weed Seed Content: This should ideally be 0.00%, or at least below 0.10%, to avoid introducing unwanted species.
- Inert Matter: The percentage of non-seed material, such as chaff or dirt, that will not grow. This should be low, typically 5% or less.
- Noxious Weeds: Highly problematic species; the best seed bags will state “None Found” for this category.