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Australian Owned
RTF ® Tall Fescue Grass Seed
RTF® Tall Fescue is a top choice for homeowners in Australia’s cooler regions. Known for its durability and dark green color, this self-repairing cool-season grass stands out for its ability to withstand stressful conditions, including frost and drought.
RTF® Tall Fescue is more drought-tolerant than most other species thanks to its deep rooting ability. Once mature, its roots can reach depths of up to 2 meters (6 feet), tapping into water reserves inaccessible to other varieties.
Best suited to shady conditions, Tall Fescue can struggle in full sun during summer, especially if planted in late spring/summer. Ensure it is well-watered during extremely hot weather. For optimal results, plant in Autumn to allow root development over winter, resulting in a stronger lawn for summer.
Each bag contains only RTF® Tall Fescue seed. Applying a high quality starter fertilizer at sowing is vital for strong plant and root development.
If you’re concerned about maintaining green grass during summer due to water restrictions and drought, RTF is the ideal solution!
Seeding Rates of RTF Tall Fescue
- 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: RTF is unable to be sent to TAS due to Quarantine restrictions. An alternative is Turf Type Tall Fescue. 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: RTF is unable to be sent to WA. Please order from our WA site here: RTF Tall Fescue – WA.
Blade
Medium
Colour
Dark
Growth
Slow spreading
Growth Rate
Medium
Detailed Description
RTF® Tall Fescue is set apart from other fescues due to its ability to repair itself. It is less prone to diseases and pests than other varieties. In cooler climates, it can survive without irrigation due to its deep rooting ability. It is not as drought-tolerant as warm-season grasses such as Buffalo and Couch; however, it is one of the most drought-tolerant cool-season grasses, making it ideal for the cool yet dry areas of Southern SA and WA. In addition to drought tolerance, the general hardiness of RTF® Tall Fescue is almost impossible to beat. Its ability to cope with stiff frosts makes it an ideal candidate for Victoria and Tasmania.
Optimal pH
Tall Fescue grows best in soils with a pH of 5.5-7.5.
Sowing Tips
Broadcast the seed at, or near, the soil surface and incorporate lightly with raking. To ensure the best coverage and avoid seed wastage, we recommend using an appropriate seed spreader for the size of your area. The soil must remain damp throughout the germination period and must be maintained for at least 1-2 weeks after sowing through irrigation or natural rainfall. Adequate water supplies need to be maintained until the grass is fully established. RTF® Tall Fescue benefits from periodic over-seeding to maintain density and avoid a clumpy appearance.
Optimal Planting Time
We recommend planting in Autumn, allowing the roots to develop over winter, resulting in a stronger lawn for the summer.
Germination
Germination occurs in 14-21 days, depending on climate and conditions. It has a bunch-forming growth habit.
Water
Keep moist until the roots are well established. Once mature, its roots can reach as deep as 2m/6 feet, tapping into water unavailable to other varieties. In cooler climates, it usually does not require irrigation.
Please Note: This grass will need significant watering during Summer and on unseasonably hot days. It tends to burn and die off during very hot temperatures when not watered adequately.
Fertilizing
Another aspect of fescue’s hardiness is that it isn’t really bothered by poor soil. Like any grass, if you provide ideal conditions and a fertilized, nitrogen-rich soil with a neutral pH, it will look its best, but this is not required for your lawn maintenance routine.
First Mowing
Mow when grass is approximately 7cm tall. This indicates that the roots are established enough to withstand mowing. Shaded areas may require the grass to be kept slightly longer to aid photosynthesis in diminished light.
Mowing Frequency
Fescue grass isn’t a particularly quick grower, so mowing is less frequent than with other varieties. Cut it relatively high (between 7cm and 10cm), as mowing lower can expose the sod, drying it out and potentially leading to bare patches.
Disadvantages of RTF®
- Good soil drainage is required to avoid disease.
- Can feel bristly and not as soft as other grass varieties.
- Cutting too low can dry out the sod.
- Requires more watering in Summer than warm-season grass varieties.
Seed & Package Details
100% RTF® Tall Fescue.
Independently Tested
80% Min Germination, 98% purity. A seed testing certificate is available upon request.
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.
Spring in Moss Vale.
Germinated in 10 or 11 days in mushroom compost
RTF Tall Fescue lawn update in winter. Kids play netball on grass and grass holding up well. Grass only mowed twice since Autumn planting.
I have topdressed and sown a mix of RTF and Perennial ryegrass and am very happy with the cover and brilliant green colour. Hopefully this will continue when the shade increases from our large tree.
We've purchased another lot of RTF Tall Fescue seed for our small garden in filtered light as the first planting went well. Unfortunately our labrador thinks it's great for urinating on, hence the need for resowing. It's a very lush-looking green and regenerates well - despite the lab! Delivery was prompt and efficient.
I received great advice when making seed selection.
Seeds were delivered in a timely manner.
Sowing instructions provided with the seed order were clear and helpful.
Germination occurred over 2-4 weeks (as advised).
Some areas germinated earlier than others based on amount of shade/sun exposure.
After 8 weeks - new lawn growing strongly - see attached photos: Day 1 vs. Week 8.
I may need to oversow a "few" patchy areas that are in heavily shaded areas. However, I'll wait to see if it "thickens" up over the next 3-4 months
Great result. Really happy with product and ongoing advice.
RTF ® Tall Fescue Grass Seed
RTF Tall Fescue Seed
