Turf-Type Fescue Grass Seed
McKays Turf Type Tall Fescue is the standard Fescue variety that has been used in Australian backyards for decades. An economical option, it establishes easily from seed and germinates more quickly than many other cool season grasses.
McKay’s Turf Type Tall Fescue blend is a non-running, cool season grass. It has a bunch type growing habit and a finer blade than traditional Fescues, however it is not as fine as RTF Tall Fescue.
Turf Type Tall Fescue is a cool-season grass that grows most vigorously during the active growth phases in Spring and Autumn. It is suited to Temperate areas with mild to warm summers and colder winters.
Turf Type Tall Fescue is very frost, shade and traffic tolerant, and can be used for both residential and pasture applications. It can be used as a companion seed to Kentucky Bluegrass to provide a dense dark green lawn for areas such as Victoria and Tasmania (Parks Blend).
Turf Type Tall Fescue is more drought resistant than many other cool season lawn grasses such as Kentucky Bluegrass or Perennial Ryegrass because roots penetrate deeper into the soil. For optimal root development we recommend that this grass is sown in Autumn.
For those in the market for a genuine cool season all-rounder, look no further – you can’t get much more utilitarian than Fescue.
Seeding rates:
New Lawns: 30 grams per square meter (3 kg/100m2).
Overseeding: 15 grams per square meter (3kg/200m2).
Please note: 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!
Description
Fescue is a traditionally coarse and long growing grass. Its flexibility isn’t just contained to the conditions it can survive; it can also be cut low and be kept as a lawn, or it can be allowed to grow free and be grazed on by livestock.
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 of both seeds 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 keep the density and to 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 the grass is mature it’s roots can dig as deep as 2m/6 feet, tapping into water underneath the ground not normally available to other varieties and species. In cooler climates it does not usually require irrigation.
Please Note: This grass will need significant watering during Summer and on unseasonably hot days. It can burn and die off during very hot temperatures when not watered adequately.
Fertilizing: This seed contains 10% McKays Slow Release Fertiliser to assist with germination. Fescues are not really bothered by poor soil. Like any grass, if you give it ideal conditions and a fertilized, nitrogen rich soil with a neutral pH it will obviously look its best, but it isn’t a required aspect of your lawn maintenance routine. Light fertilizing 1-2 times per year during active growth phase can assist in improving the health of your lawn.
First Mowing: When grass is approximately 7cm tall. This should indicate that the roots are established enough to withstand the mowing process.
Mowing Frequency: Tall Fescues must remain dense to keep blades thin. Proper mowing and fertilizing practices are key to assisting in this process. Cut it relatively high (between 7cm and 10cm), as mowing any lower can expose the sod, drying it out and making the lawn prickly. This may also result in bare patches forming in your lawn. If using Turf Type Tall Fescue in shaded areas a longer green leaf blade is necessary for the lawn to power more photosynthesis under diminished light levels.
Disadvantages of Turf Type Tall Fescue:
Overseeding every other year may be necessary to maintain the density.
Does not have the ability to repair itself in the same way as RTF Tall Fescue
Slightly more susceptible to disease than RTF Tall Fescue
Not as soft as other cool climate grass types, can be prickly if mown too low
Increased water requirements in Summer than 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.
Where can I sow this grass in Australia? Areas 4, 6, 7, 8, 9
Shade Tolerance: Excellent
Daily Sunlight Required: 4+ hours
Drought Tolerance: Good
Frost Resistance: Excellent
Traffic Tolerance: Excellent
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
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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
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