Turf-Type Fescue Grass Seed
McKays Turf Type Tall Fescue is a reliable, high quality & economical choice for Australian backyards, known for quick germination and easy establishment. This non-running, cool-season grass has a bunch-type growth habit and a finer blade than traditional Fescues.
Ideal for temperate areas with mild summers and cold winters, Turf Type Tall Fescue is frost, shade, and traffic tolerant. It pairs well with Kentucky Bluegrass for a dense, dark green lawn, perfect for regions like Victoria and Tasmania.
More drought resistant than other cool-season grasses, it thrives when sown in Autumn for optimal root development.
Seeding Rates
- New Lawns: 30 grams per square meter (3kg/100m2).
- Overseeding: 15 grams per square meter (3kg/200m2).
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: Quarantine fees apply for seed inspection. Please contact McKays Seeds through the Contact Us link or via phone to discuss your options.
For more information see below for Description and Features to see if this grass suits you!
Blade
Broad
Colour
Dark Green
Growth
Dense
Growth Rate
Moderate
Detailed Description
McKays Turf Type Tall Fescue is a versatile grass, suitable for both lawns and grazing by livestock. Known for its coarse texture and adaptability, it thrives in a variety of conditions and can be cut low or left to grow freely.
Optimal pH
Tall Fescue grows best in soils with a pH of 5.5-7.5.
Sowing Tips
Broadcast the seed at, or very near, the soil surface and incorporate lightly with raking. To ensure best coverage and avoid seed wastage, we recommend using an appropriate seed spreader for the size of your area. 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. Turf Type Tall Fescue benefits from periodic overseeding to maintain density and avoid a clumpy appearance.
Optimal Planting Time
Seeding in December and early spring is generally not recommended because the plant does not have time to develop the deep root system needed to survive the hot summer. An Autumn sow is optimal for root development.
Germination
14 – 21 days, climate and condition dependent.
Water
Keep moist until the roots are well established. Once mature, its roots can reach as deep as 2m/6 feet, tapping into water not normally available to other varieties. In cooler climates, it usually does not require irrigation. Significant watering during Summer and on unseasonably hot days is needed to prevent burning and die-off.
Fertilising
This seed contains 10% McKays Slow Release Fertiliser to assist with germination. Fescues are resilient in poor soil but benefit from light fertilization 1-2 times per year during active growth to improve lawn health.
First Mowing
When grass is approximately 7cm tall, indicating that the roots are established enough to withstand mowing.
Mowing Frequency
Tall Fescues must remain dense to keep blades thin. Proper mowing and fertilising practices assist in this process. Cut relatively high (between 7cm and 10cm) to avoid exposing the sod and drying it out.
Disadvantages of Turf Type Tall Fescue
- Overseeding every other year may be necessary to maintain density.
- Does not repair itself like RTF Tall Fescue.
- Slightly more susceptible to disease than RTF Tall Fescue.
- Can be prickly if mown too low.
- Increased water requirements in Summer compared to warm-season grasses.
Seed & Package Details
90% Tall Fescue, 10% Slow Release Fertiliser (by weight).
Independently Tested
85% Min Germination, 98% purity. A seed testing certificate is available upon request.
Ideal Usage
Residential Lawns, Commercial Landscapes, Parks, Playgrounds & Pastures.
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.