- What is the Transition Zone?<\/a><\/li>
- Cool-Season Grass vs. Warm-Season Grass<\/a><\/li>
- 6 Best Grass Seeds for Iowa Lawns<\/a><\/li>
- How To Choose the Best Grass Seed for Your Iowa Lawn<\/a><\/li>
- Opting for a Grass Seed Mix<\/a><\/li>
- When Should I Plant Grass Seed In Iowa?<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ About the Best Grass Seed for Iowa Lawns<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
What is the Transition Zone?<\/h2>
Experts split the U.S. into regions based on the average annual temperatures and humidity. In the areas designated as \u201ccool,\u201d cool-season turfgrasses are recommended. In the \u201cwarm\u201d areas, warm-season grasses are the best choice. But the area in the Central United States is tricky.<\/p>
In the Transition Zone, temperate Northern and subtropical Southern climates meet, creating unique weather patterns\u2013and making growing grass difficult. <\/p>
Unlike the North and South, there isn\u2019t an ideal group of turfgrasses adapted to the climate. The summers are often too warm to grow cool-season grasses, and winter weather is too cold for warm-season grass types. <\/p>
Cool-Season Grass vs. Warm-Season Grass<\/h2>
Turfgrass is classified as either cool-season or warm-season, depending on the climate it prefers. Cool-season grasses<\/a> grow across the northern part of the United States. They have adapted to cold winters and can survive being buried under snow. <\/p>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/LS-cool-season-growth.jpg\")
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure> Cool-season varieties green up in the spring once temperatures hit 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and they grow actively in temperatures ranging between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They are not heat-tolerant and grow slowly during the summer, sometimes going dormant. <\/p>
These grasses need extra water to keep them green during hot months. Once the temperature starts to dip again in the fall, growth picks up until October or November, and they go dormant for the winter. <\/p>
Common cool-season grasses:<\/strong><\/p>
- Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum<\/em>)<\/li>
- Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris<\/em>)<\/li>
- Creeping red fescue (Festuca rubra var. rubra<\/em>)<\/li>
- Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis<\/em>)<\/li>
- Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne<\/em>)<\/li>
- Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea<\/em>)<\/li> <\/ul>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/LS-warm-season-growth-1.jpg\")
Infographic by Juan Rodriguez<\/figcaption><\/figure> On the other hand, warm-season grasses<\/a> have adapted to the summer heat of southern climates. They thrive in blazing temperatures, even without supplemental irrigation, but quit growing earlier in the fall for a longer winter dormancy. <\/p>
Common warm-season grasses:<\/strong> <\/p>
- Bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum<\/em>)<\/li>
- Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon<\/em>)<\/li>
- Buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides<\/em>), carpetgrass (Axonopus affinis<\/em>)<\/li>
- Centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides<\/em>)<\/li>
- St. Augustinegrass (Stenotaphrum secundatum<\/em>)<\/li>
- Zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica<\/em>)<\/li> <\/ul>
6 Best Grass Seeds for Iowa Lawns<\/h2>
Different grass seed recommendations are depending on where you live in the Hawkeye State.<\/p>
- Homeowners in Northern Iowa should plant cool-season grass. <\/li>
- Homeowners in Southern Iowa can plant warm- or cool-season grass, depending on their needs and landscape.<\/li> <\/ul>
Cool-Season Grasses for Iowa Lawns<\/h3>
Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis<\/em>)<\/h4>
![\"Kentucky](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Kentucky-bluegrass-2-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: JeanUrsula<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Our number one grass seed pick for Iowa is the beloved Kentucky bluegrass (KBG). This cool-season grass creates a dense, dark green lawn with phenomenal winter hardiness. <\/p>
Kentucky bluegrass<\/a> is less heat-tolerant than warm-season grasses, which means you will need to water it often to keep it green in the summer. It grows well in full sun to partial shade and has excellent wear tolerance, making it a solid choice for homes with pets or kids.<\/p>
Unfortunately, Kentucky bluegrass is high-maintenance and requires frequent mowing and fertilization. <\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> <\/strong>Rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> Low to moderate; prefers full sun<\/li>
- Drought tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>Moderate; will survive by going dormant<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>Low to moderate; recovers well<\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> 6-7<\/li>
- Soil type: <\/strong>Fertile; good drainage<\/li>
- Maintenance needs<\/strong>:<\/strong> Moderate mowing frequency; high fertilization needs <\/li>
- Mowing height<\/strong>:<\/strong> 2-3 inches<\/li>
- Potential for disease:<\/strong> Moderate to high; prone to necrotic ring spot, summer patch, dollar spot, leaf spot, snow molds, fairy rings, red thread, rust, and powdery mildew. <\/li>
- Other notes:<\/strong> Produces a dense lawn under ideal conditions; shade tolerance, drought resistance, etc., vary widely by cultivar; newer cultivars are generally hardier, more resistant to disease, etc.; mow taller in summer; typically mixed with other grasses in home lawns<\/li> <\/ul>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Jonathan Green (11970) Blue Panther Kentucky Bluegrass Grass Seed<\/a> (3 lbs.)
\u2013 SeedRanch Midnight Kentucky Bluegrass Seed<\/a> (5 lbs.)
\u2013 Jacklin Seed – Biltmore Blue Blend – 100% Kentucky Bluegrass<\/a> (5 lbs.)<\/p>Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne<\/em>)<\/h4>
![\"perennial](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/perennial-ryegrass-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: arousa<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Another great cool-season option is the medium to dark green perennial ryegrass. This bunchgrass is known for its quick germination (it sprouts in under a week) and rapid establishment. If you need a lawn quickly, perennial ryegrass<\/a> is a top contender. <\/p>
It feels lovely on bare feet with its soft-to-the-touch blades and demonstrates excellent foot traffic tolerance. However, it doesn\u2019t self-repair if it becomes thin or patchy and you will need to reseed. Perennial ryegrass is also less cold-hardy. If temperatures drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit for long periods, it may thin.<\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> <\/strong>Bunch-type grass<\/li>
- Shade tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> Low; prefers full sun<\/li>
- Drought tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>Low; summer dormancy in some areas<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>High; recovers poorly<\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> 6-7<\/li>
- Soil type: <\/strong>Fertile; good drainage<\/li>
- Maintenance needs<\/strong>:<\/strong> Moderate mowing and fertilization requirements; thatch is not significant <\/li>
- Mowing height<\/strong>:<\/strong> 2-3 inches<\/li>
- Potential for disease: <\/strong>High; susceptible to gray leaf spot, dollar spot, brown patch, red thread, rust, and pythium blight<\/li>
- Other notes:<\/strong> Often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue; excellent striping ability; germinates rapidly for a temporary lawn<\/li> <\/ul>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Outsidepride Perennial Ryegrass Seed<\/a> (5 lbs.)
\u2013 Eretz ProTurf Perennial Ryegrass Fine Lawn Seed<\/a> (choose your size)<\/p>Tall Fescue (Festuca arundinacea<\/em>)<\/h4>
![\"tall](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/tall-fescue-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Aaron Patton \/ Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Tall fescue<\/a> grass is a medium to dark green bunchgrass that grows well in full sun but handles partial shade, preferring light to moderate afternoon shade. <\/p>
As a bunchgrass, tall fescue grows in upright clumps that send off vertical shoots to propagate itself. These tillers create identical clumps of grass, naturally spreading to fill bare spots across your lawn. Tall fescue also puts roots two to three feet into the ground, making the grass drought-tolerant. <\/p>
If you\u2019re looking for a low-maintenance lawn that doesn\u2019t require supplemental irrigation, tall fescue should be high on your list. <\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> <\/strong>Bunch-type grass<\/li>
- Shade tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>
- Drought tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>Moderate<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>Moderate; recovers poorly<\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> 5.5-6.5<\/li>
- Soil type: <\/strong>Fertile; good drainage; adaptable<\/li>
- Maintenance needs<\/strong>:<\/strong> Frequent mowing; does not produce significant thatch <\/li>
- Mowing height<\/strong>:<\/strong> 2-4 inches <\/li>
- Potential for disease: <\/strong>Low to moderate; prone to brown patch, seedling disease, and leaf spot<\/li>
- Other notes:<\/strong> Reseed periodically to repair thinning patches or bare spots; look for newer \u201cturf-type\u201d tall fescue (TTTF) cultivars; seed blends with more than one TTTF type offer the best chance for a strong lawn<\/li> <\/ul>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Triple-Play Tall Fescue Grass Seed Blend<\/a> (5000 sq ft)
\u2013 Eretz Kentucky 31 K31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed<\/a> (choose your size)
\u2013 Pennington The Rebels Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix<\/a> (7 lb.)<\/p>Warm-Season Grasses for Iowa Lawns<\/h3>
Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon<\/em>)<\/h4>
![\"close-up](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/image-from-rawpixel-id-5911985-original-2.jpg\")
Photo Credit: rawpixel<\/a> \/ CC0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Bermudagrass<\/a> is a non-native plant that has gained popularity in warmer climates to create beautiful lawns, golf course fairways, and sports fields. It needs full sun but has excellent drought tolerance and holds up well under heavy foot traffic. Bermudagrass also recovers quickly if damaged. <\/p>
Improved common varieties and hybrid Bermudagrass make excellent residential lawns. The common variety produces a lower quality lawn than fine-textured hybrids, but they require less maintenance. Hybrid Bermudagrass needs mowing once or twice a week, regular irrigation, and fertilization several times a year.<\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> Low; thrives in full sun<\/li>
- Drought tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> High <\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>:<\/strong> High <\/li>
- Soil pH:<\/strong> 6-6.5<\/li>
- Soil type: <\/strong>Tolerates most soil types<\/li>
- Maintenance needs<\/strong>:<\/strong> Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization <\/li>
- Mowing height<\/strong>:<\/strong> 1-2 inches<\/li>
- Potential for disease: <\/strong>Good disease resistance; can develop spring dead spot, root decline, dollar spot, leaf spot, large patch, and sheath spot<\/li>
- Other notes:<\/strong> Good tolerance to salt; often grown in coastal areas<\/li> <\/ul>
Grass Seed Options:
\u2013 <\/strong>Pennington Bermudagrass Bare Spot<\/a> (5 lb. bag)
\u2013 Pennington Smart Seed Bermudagrass Mix<\/a> (8.75-lb. bag)
\u2013 Scotts Turf Builder Bermudagrass<\/a> (10-lb. bag)
\u2013 Hancock Seed Co. Bermudagrass<\/a> (50-lb. bag)<\/p>Zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica<\/em>)<\/h4>
![\"close-up](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Starr_070906-8518_Zoysia_sp.-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> - Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> <\/strong>Bunch-type grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> <\/strong>Bunch-type grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> <\/strong>Rhizomes<\/li>
- Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon<\/em>)<\/li>
- Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris<\/em>)<\/li>
- Cool-Season Grass vs. Warm-Season Grass<\/a><\/li>