Fescue Seed Sowing Temperature

Sowing Temperatures

• Not all fescue types germinate at the same soil temperatures. For example, tall fescue needs soil temperatures between 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, sheep fescue is sown when temperatures are between 59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, chewings fescue germinates between 69 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit and red fescue germinates when soil temperatures are between 59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Purdue University. Check your soil temperature with a soil thermometer to obtain an accurate reading.

Checking Soil Temperatures

• To use a soil thermometer, press a screwdriver into the first six inches of top soil, as recommended by Julie Day from DannyLipford.com. Place the soil thermometer inside of the pilot hole. Measure the soil temperature in the morning and afternoon. When measuring in sunlight, cover the soil thermometer with your hand to prevent skewing the results. Take an average of both temperature readings to get an accurate measurement. Make sure that the soil temperatures remain consistent for a week before sowing your fescue.

When to Sow

• The best time to seed any fescue type is between August 15th till September 15th, according to Purdue University. One of the benefits of sowing late in the growing season is lack of weeds. Annual weeds start dying out at the end of the year. Also, late sowing allows gardeners to sow their fescue seeds when the ground temperatures are still warm. Furthermore, fescue grass blades prefer cool temperatures, which are offered in the fall months.

Sowing

• Fescue is distributed at a rate of six to eight pounds per 1,000 square feet, according to Oklahoma State University. Avoid sowing over the recommended seeding rate. Overseeded lawns die out, because seedlings compete with each other or succumb to diseases, according to Oklahoma State University. Keep your soil moist to encourage seed germination. Gardeners must water their lawns twice a day for two to three weeks. When seedlings emerge, reduce your watering schedule to prevent causing your grass to rot.