Attention all Denver homeowners! Are you tired of staring at your lackluster lawn and wishing for a patch of lush greenery? Look no further, as we dive in to find the best grass seed for Denver! With over 11,500 accepted¹ species to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which seed will provide the best bang for your buck. Fortunately, we've done the research and testing for you, and have compiled a list of the top contenders.
From the drought-resistant Kentucky bluegrass to the shade-loving perennial ryegrass, we've got you covered. Our recommendations are backed by stats, such as drought tolerance and disease resistance, ensuring your lawn will thrive in all conditions. Don't let a dull lawn bring you down - read on for the inside scoop on the best grass seed for Denver.
TL;DR
Discover the best grass seed for Denver with our comprehensive guide! We've analyzed top contenders including Tall Fescue, Fine Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Buffalograss, and Blue Grama. With diverse characteristics like drought-resistance, shade tolerance, and disease resistance, each variety can provide a lush, green lawn. Our top picks such as Kentucky bluegrass and Tall Fescue are hardy and can endure Denver's unpredictable weather. Other options like Fine Fescue and Blue Grama offer low-maintenance choices for eco-conscious gardeners. Opt for Perennial Ryegrass or Buffalograss for heavy foot traffic areas. Explore our recommendations and transform your Denver lawn today!
Tall fescue
Looking for the perfect grass seed for the Denver area? Look no further than tall fescue seed! As a cool-season grass with a coarse texture, tall fescue is a great option for those looking for an alternative to traditional Kentucky Bluegrass.
One of the standout features of tall fescue is its quick germination time and deep root system, which can reach depths of 2-3 feet. This makes it a heat- and drought-resistant option for areas with unpredictable weather patterns.
But that's not all- tall fescue also boasts good shade tolerance, making it an ideal choice for yards with lots of tree cover. It also does not form a lot of thatch, which can be a nuisance in other grass varieties.
When it comes to maintenance needs, tall fescue is a low-maintenance option that can handle regular foot traffic. Recommended mowing height for tall fescue is 2-3 inches, and it requires 3/4 to 1 inch of water every week during hot, dry spells.
There are a variety of tall fescue seed options available on the market, including Triple-Play Tall Fescue Grass Seed Blend (5000 sq ft), Eretz Kentucky 31 K31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed (choose your size), and Pennington The Rebels Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix (7 lb.). When seeding a lawn with tall fescue, it is recommended to use six to eight pounds per 1,000 square feet of lawn, or as instructed by the seed supplier.
While there are many benefits to choosing tall fescue, it does have some disadvantages to keep in mind. Its coarse texture may not be ideal for those looking for a soft, lush lawn, and it is susceptible to disease and pests in wet conditions. Additionally, it is not the best choice for high-traffic areas.
Overall, tall fescue is a great option for those looking for a low-maintenance grass with good drought and shade tolerance. Give it a try in your Denver-area yard and see the results for yourself!
Fine fescue
Fine fescue is a popular type of grass seed mixture in Denver, and for good reason. These grasses are known for their quick germination times, shade tolerance, and low need for fertilizer and moisture. They are also available in a variety of blends, with common options including Red or Chewings fescue.
Among the available options, some of the most popular are Outsidepride Legacy Fine Fescue Grass Seed (5 lbs.), Eretz Creeping Red Fine Fescue Seed (choose your size), Outsidepride Creeping Red Fine Fescue Grass Seed (25 lbs.), and Outsidepride Hard Fine Fescue Grass Seed (10 lbs.). These blends are cool-season grasses that spread through either bunch forming or tillers, with high shade and drought tolerance, but low foot traffic tolerance.
Fine fescue requires little maintenance, with recommended mowing heights of 2 ½ to 3 inches. While it can be slow to germinate, taking up to 14 to 21 days, this grass is known for its excellent shade tolerance and low fertility requirements. It is also eco-friendly and drought-resistant, making it a great option for Denver's often dry climate.
However, fine fescue is not heat tolerant and is susceptible to disease and pests in wet conditions. It also doesn't do well in areas with heavy foot traffic.
In conclusion, fine fescue can be an excellent choice for those looking for low-maintenance and shade-tolerant grass seed options in Denver. Its many advantages make it a great choice for eco-conscious gardeners and those who want a beautiful lawn without the high maintenance needs of other grass varieties.
Kentucky bluegrass
Kentucky bluegrass is one of the most sought-after grasses in Colorado due to its high tolerance for the cool season climate. With its rhizome structure, this grass forms a sturdy turf that can withstand a lot of traffic and is resistant to damage. Although it is susceptible to disease and insects, maintenance needs are low, making it a fantastic choice for homeowners.
To achieve the perfect lawn, it is recommended to aerate the grass once a year to combat any issues with thatch. The grass has a moderate level of shade tolerance and can withstand even high foot traffic. Although its root system is shallow, the Kentucky bluegrass will need to be watered regularly, so it is essential to keep up with maintenance.
There are several grass seed options that are available to consumers, including Jonathan Green (11970) Blue Panther Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed (3 lbs.), SeedRanch Midnight Kentucky Bluegrass Seed (5 lbs.), and Jacklin Seed – Biltmore Blue Blend – 100% Kentucky Bluegrass (5 lbs.). Kentucky bluegrass is classified as a cool-season grass that spreads by rhizomes. It has a moderate drought tolerance level and is ideal for those with moderately high maintenance needs.
The Kentucky bluegrass has a fine texture, and the color can vary from medium to dark green. It grows up to 2-3 feet and should be mowed to a height of approximately 2 ½ - 3 inches. The grass requires 1 1/4 -1 1/2 inches of water weekly during hot, dry spells. It grows best in areas with full sun to light shade, with some varieties better suited to shade than others.
If you’re looking for a grass that can withstand heavy traffic, you should consider planting a blend of named varieties or using a named variety when seeding. It is recommended to use three to four pounds per 1,000 square feet of lawn or to follow instructions from the supplier. Kentucky bluegrass is also readily available in sod form.
Overall, Kentucky bluegrass is a great option for those looking for a grass that is cold-tolerant, has a high foot traffic tolerance level, and maintains a beautiful, dark green color. However, it requires moderate maintenance and more irrigation than other cool-season grasses due to its shallow root system. With proper care and maintenance, Kentucky bluegrass can make for a beautiful lawn that will last for years.
Perennial ryegrass
If you're looking for tough grass that can withstand heavy foot traffic, perennial ryegrass could be the solution for your Denver lawn. This cool-season bunchgrass has a narrow blade and appears similar to bluegrass, with medium to dark green glossy blades that can reach up to 24 inches in height. Its quick germination and establishment from seed make it an attractive option for those looking to create a lush and healthy lawn in no time.
Perennial ryegrass doesn't spread and has a low shade tolerance, making it perfect for full sun areas. It also has a high foot traffic tolerance, making it ideal for sports fields or high-use areas. Plus, it doesn't form much thatch compared to Kentucky bluegrass and can even grow well in poorly drained soil.
However, it's essential to note that perennial ryegrass is disease-prone and demands higher watering and fertilizer needs than most other grasses. It is also known for spreading slowly and developing shredding blades when mowed with a dull blade.
Perennial ryegrass can be used alone or mixed with Kentucky bluegrass. If you plan to plant this grass, named varieties require six to eight pounds of seeds per 1,000 square feet. The best time to plant is during mid-March to early June and mid-August through September, avoiding the heat of summer.
Two popular options for planting perennial ryegrass in Denver are Outsidepride Perennial Ryegrass Seed and Eretz ProTurf Perennial Ryegrass Fine Lawn Seed, both available in various sizes.
In summary, perennial ryegrass could be an excellent option for those looking to create a healthy lawn in Denver. Its high foot traffic tolerance, quick establishment, and glossy, attractive blades make it a suitable cool-season grass to withstand the climate. If you dedicate the time and resources to take care of it, you'll enjoy a beautiful lawn that stands out from the rest.
Buffalograss
As we scoured the options for the best grass seed for Denver, we couldn't help but take a closer look at Buffalograss. Known for its fine, soft texture and blue-green color during active growth, it's a popular choice among homeowners in Denver.
Buffalograss is a warm-season grass that spreads through stolons and seeds. It boasts high shade and drought tolerance, making it ideal for dry conditions in Denver's climate. However, it has a low tolerance for foot traffic, so it may not be the best option for high-traffic areas.
Maintenance needs are low with Buffalograss, but over-fertilization can lead to excessive weed growth. Recommended mowing height ranges from 1 ½ to 3 inches, depending on the height you want to maintain in your lawn.
When it comes to seed options, there are a few available. Everwilde Farms Buffalograss Seeds come in a 1 lb. bag, while Buffalograss seed in a 5-lb. bag has been primed for optimal germination.
To establish your Buffalograss lawn, seed 2 to 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet of lawn from early May to late July. Watering should happen every 2 weeks with 1/2 to 3/4 inch of water during hot, dry spells.
All in all, Buffalograss has numerous advantages, including its excellent drought tolerance and fine texture. However, it does have a slow growth rate, poor shade tolerance, and can take up to 14-21 days to germinate.
If you're looking for a low-maintenance grass option for Denver's dry climate, Buffalograss could be an excellent choice. Its high shade and drought tolerance make it a hardy option, but be mindful of its low foot traffic tolerance and time needed for germination.
Blue grama
If you are looking for the best grass seed for Denver, then Blue Grama may be an excellent option for you. This warm-season grass is a bunch grass that spreads through rhizomes, making it resilient and drought-tolerant. Blue Grama has a low shade tolerance but is tolerant of foot traffic during periods of active growth.
The maintenance needs of Blue Grama are low, and it only needs to be mowed to a height of 1 ½ – 2 inches. Its fine, soft texture during periods of active growth, along with its blue-green color, make for a visually appealing lawn. When left unmowed, Blue Grama can develop attractive seed heads that add to its overall aesthetic appeal.
Everwilde Farms and Nature's Seed both offer Blue Grama grass seeds in one-pound bags. During the seeding period from early May to late July, it is recommended to use two to three pounds per 1,000 square feet of lawn as instructed by the supplier.
Blue Grama is a low-growing grass that only reaches a height of 6 to 18 inches, making it perfect for Denver's climate. This grass is native to the Great Plains and is widely used in rangeland restoration and erosion control projects in western states.
While Blue Grama may not be as common as buffalo grass or crested wheatgrass, it is an excellent option for those looking for a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant grass that is visually appealing. Its resilience and ability to spread through rhizomes make it an optimal choice for Denver's ever-changing climate.
In conclusion, if you are searching for the best grass seed for Denver, Blue Grama is an option worth considering. Its low maintenance needs paired with drought tolerance and attractive appearance make it an excellent choice for those looking for a grass that can withstand Denver's climate.
Questions we might be asking
What is the best grass seed for Denver?
The best grass seed for Denver is a mixture of Kentucky bluegrass and turf-type tall fescue. These grass types are drought-resistant and suitable for the high altitude and varying weather conditions of the area.
When is the best time to plant grass seed in Denver?
The best time to plant grass seed in Denver is early fall (late August to mid-September) or early spring (late April to mid-May) when the temperature and moisture are ideal for optimal germination and growth.
How much grass seed should I purchase for my lawn in Denver?
The general rule of thumb is to spread 5-7 pounds of grass seed per 1,000 square feet of lawn. However, if you are overseeding or planting a new lawn, you may need to adjust the amount accordingly.
Do I need to prepare my soil before planting grass seed in Denver?
Yes, it is essential to prepare the soil before planting grass seed. Remove any debris, rocks, or weeds, and loosen the topsoil to a depth of 2-3 inches. Incorporate organic matter such as compost or peat moss to improve soil fertility and drainage.
How often should I water my grass seed in Denver?
Water your grass seed lightly but frequently to keep the soil moist until germination. After the seedlings emerge, gradually reduce frequency but increase the duration and amount of watering as the grass matures. Aim for deep and infrequent watering to promote deeper root growth and drought tolerance.
Can I use a fertilizer with my grass seed in Denver?
Yes, it is recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer with your grass seed to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Look for a fertilizer with a 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
How long does it take for grass seed to germinate in Denver?
Grass seed typically takes 7-14 days to germinate in Denver, depending on the grass type and environmental conditions. Be patient and continue to water and care for your lawn as needed.
What type of grass seed is best for Colorado?
The best type of grass seed for Colorado is a mixture of cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescue.
When should I plant grass seed in Denver.
The best time to plant grass seed in Denver is early fall (August-September) when the temperatures are cooler and the soil is still warm enough for germination.
What is the best type of grass to grow in Colorado?
The best type of grass to grow in Colorado is a mixture of cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescue. These grasses are drought-tolerant and can withstand the harsh winter temperatures.
What grass grows best in high altitudes?
Grasses that grow best in high altitudes are cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescue. These grasses are drought-tolerant and can withstand the harsh winter temperatures.
Sources we used in this research