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Australian Owned
Chewings Fescue Seed
McKay’s Chewings Fescue is a fine-leaf, medium to dark green grass, known for its exceptional shade and drought tolerance. Ideal for low-maintenance lawns in shady areas, it thrives in sandy soils with low fertility and resists diseases. This grass is suitable for overseeding and blends well with other lawns, especially in Australia’s temperate climates.
Seeding Rates
- New Lawns: 30 grams per square meter (3kg/100m2).
- Overseeding: 20 grams per square meter (2kg/100m2).
Restrictions
There are currently quarantine restrictions for seeds being sent to TAS and WA.
Tasmanian customers: When placing an online order, please document ‘ATT: TAS Biosecurity’ in the ‘Company’ section above the address line to enable faster processing of your seed through quarantine.
WA customers: Please order from our WA site here: Chewings Fescue.
For more information see below tabs ‘Description’ and ‘Features’ to see if this grass suits you!
Blade
Fine
Colour
Dark Green
Growth
Dense
Growth Rate
Slow
Detailed Description
Chewings Fescue is a versatile, fine-leaf grass known for its exceptional shade and drought tolerance. First cultivated in New Zealand, it has become a staple in Australian landscapes, particularly in temperate climates. Its medium to dark green color and dense root system offer both aesthetic appeal and resilience, making it ideal for low-maintenance lawns.
This bunch-type grass thrives in sandy, acidic, and low-fertility soils, outcompeting weeds and undesired grasses. It performs well in both open sun and moderate shade, and is resistant to many diseases. Chewings Fescue is particularly suited for high altitude and alpine regions, adapting well to various environmental challenges.
Known for its non-aggressive nature, Chewings Fescue blends seamlessly with other grasses for overseeding, enhancing the performance of existing lawns. It is widely used alongside Perennial Ryegrass to create lush, enduring turf, providing a practical solution for diverse landscaping needs.
Sowing Tips
Chewings Fescue is well adapted to sandy, acidic, and often infertile soils. It has a very dense root system which ensures its strength.
Optimal Planting Time
We recommend planting Chewings Fescue in Spring and Autumn when soil temperatures are 15ºC and climbing.
Germination
Approximately 14 days (climate dependent). Limited use in approximately 3 weeks.
Water
Grown on non-irrigated sites, Chewings Fescue will eventually go dormant and revive when the rains return.
Fertilising
Chewings Fescue performs well in low fertility areas and requires less than half the fertiliser than other cool season turf grasses. For optimal growth, consider using McKays Slow Release Lawn Fertiliser to enhance turf health and resilience.
First Mowing
2-3 weeks after germination.
Mowing Frequency
This fescue can be mown down to 4cm in height. It is ideal for sites that are hard to mow, such as slopes, along creeks, roadsides, golf course roughs, and non-irrigated fairways, in reclamation areas, or as a cover crop under grapes and orchards. Can be left unmowed to produce a meadow effect and will grow to around 15 inches/38cm.
Disadvantages of Chewings Fescue
- Is not as wear tolerant as other grasses of the fescues.
- Not suitable for livestock grazing or pasture use.
Seed and Package Details
100% Chewings Fescue.
Independently Tested
85% Min Germination, 98% purity. A seed testing certificate is available upon request.
Ideal Usage
Residential Lawns, Commercial Landscapes, Parks, Playgrounds, Alpine areas, Roadsides, Erosion Control.
Have any questions? Feel free to contact us and we’ll help you out.
Locations
Season
Warm season grasses thrive during the warmer months in Spring and Summer and may go dormant in cooler climates through winter.
Cool season grasses thrive during the cooler months in Winter
Seed information
Shade tolerance (Weather)
- Full Sun
- Part Shade
- Heavy Shade
- Full Shade
Drought tolerance (Weather)
- Moderate
- Good
- Excellent
Traffic tolerance (Weather)
- Moderate
- Good
- Excellent
Frost tolerance
- Poor
- Moderate
- Good
- Excellent
Average days to germination
- 2-3 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 3-4 Weeks
Free Metro Shipping On All Orders Over $75
We provide free standard delivery shipping for all orders to "metro" zones, where the total cart value exceeds $75.00.
Otherwise, to metro zones it's a flat rate of $9 (for orders under $75).
Non-Metro Zones
Standard Delivery
Australia Wide (except Western Australia), at cost from Australia Post.
Orders are dispatched within 24 hours via regular Australia Post (3-5 business days).
Express Post
In a hurry? Express shipping is available at checkout for both Metro and Non-Metro Zones. Priced according to shipment weight.
WA Customers
Due to quarantine restrictions, we have a different product range available for Western Australia.
If you are shopping for delivery to WA, please view our WA site here
Pick-up Not Available
Sorry, we are not able to offer local pick-up.
International
Unfortunately we are not able to ship internationally.
