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Table 4. Dates and Rates to Plant Cool-and Warm-Season Grasses


Planting Rate/ 1,000 sq ft
Lawn grassPlanting Datea SeedsbSpace PlantingcBroadcastingc
Western Region
Kentucky bluegrassAug.15 to Sept.11.5 to 2--
Kentucky bluegrass/ fine fescueAug.15 to Sept.11.5+1.5--
Kentucky bluegrass/ tall fescueAug.15 to Sept.11+5--
Kentucky bluegrass/ tall fescue/fine fescueAug.15 to Sept.11+5+1--
Kentucky bluegrass/ perennial ryegrassAug.15 to Se pt.11.5+1--
Tall fescueAug.15 to Sept.16 --
Piedmont Region
Bermudagras (common)Apr. to July 1 to 20.753 to 10
Bermudagrass (hybrid)Apr. to July -0.753 to 10
BahiagrassMarch to June5--
CentipedegrassMarch to June0 .25 to 0.501.0 to 2.0d-
St. AugustinegrassApr. to July-1.01
Kentucky bluegrass/ tall fescueSept.1 to Sept.151+5--
Kentucky bluegrass/ tall fescue/ fine fescueAug.15 to Sept.11+5+1--
Tall fescueSept.1 to Sept.15 6--
ZoysiagrassApril to July1 to 21.0 to 2.0d3 to 10
Coastal Plain
Bermudagrass (common)Apr. to July1 to 20.753 to 10
Bermudagrass (hybrid)March to July -0.753 to 10
BahiagrassMar. to June5 --
CentipedegrassMar. to July0. 25 to 0.501.0 to 2.0d-
St. AugustinegrassApr. to July-1.0-
Tall fescueSept.15 to Oct.15 6--
ZoysiagrassMarch to July1 to 21.0 to 2.0d3 to 10

1Optimum date of planting. Seeding beyond these dates increases the chance of failure. Sod consisting of cool-season grasses can be installed anytime the ground is not frozen. Warm-season grasses can be installed as long as soil temperature exceeds 55°F.
bPounds of seed per 1,000 sq ft.
cBushels of sprigs per 1,000 sq ft. (1 sq yd of turf pulled apart is equal to 1 bushel of sprigs)
dOften plugged using 3 sq yd of turf cut into 2-inch squares on 12-in ches center to plant 1,000 sq ft.