- Warm-Season vs. Cool-Season Grasses<\/a><\/li>
- Best Warm-Season Grasses for Kansas<\/a><\/li>
- Best Cool-Season Grasses for Kansas<\/a><\/li>
- When to Plant Grass Seed in Kansas<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ About the Best Grass Seed for Lawns in Kansas<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Warm-Season vs. Cool-Season Grasses<\/h2>
Kansas has scorching summers, frosty winters, and considerable temperature fluctuations year-round. While the Southern part of the state provides an ideal environment for warm-season grasses<\/a>, the Northern regions are better suited for cool-season grass varieties<\/a>.<\/p>
Central Kansas is in the transition zone, where both types of grass can grow and thrive. This allows more wiggle room when picking your grass seed, so you can find something that suits your preferences and landscape.<\/p>
Best Warm-Season Grasses for Kansas<\/h2>
When selecting warm-season grasses suitable for Kansas, you’ll find numerous options to meet your needs. Let\u2019s examine the top varieties:<\/p>
Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Bermudagrass.jpg\")
Bermudagrass
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Bermudagrass is a warm-season grass that is native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. This grass type grows best from late spring through summer and handles drought well. Since bermudagrass lawns<\/a> are less tolerant of cold temperatures than Zoysia or cool-season grasses, their use is limited to the south of the transition zone in Kansas. <\/p>
This coarse grass has the fastest growth rate of all warm-season grasses, making it difficult to control sometimes. On the flip side, it can handle heavy foot traffic, which is a plus for big families or those with pets.<\/p>
- Classification<\/strong>: Warm-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by<\/strong>: Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>Low \u2013 some varieties need more sun than others<\/li>
- Drought tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>High \u2013 may go dormant during long periods of drought<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>High<\/li>
- Maintenance needs<\/strong>: <\/strong>Moderate to high \u2013 requires frequent watering, fertilization, and mowing to maintain its appearance and health<\/li>
- Recommended mowing height<\/strong>: <\/strong>1-2 inches \u2013 raise the mower height during periods of drought or extreme heat<\/li>
- Potential for disease and pests<\/strong>: Moderate (common diseases include dollar spot, large patch, leaf spot, and spring dead spot; can be prone to armyworms, bermudagrass mites, and nematodes)<\/li>
- Soil pH<\/strong>: 6-6.5<\/li>
- Soil type<\/strong>: Grows in most soil types<\/li>
- Preferred Kansas region<\/strong>: Southern and Central<\/li> <\/ul>
Other notes<\/strong>: <\/strong>It has the impressive ability to propagate itself rapidly, but this may result in the grass taking over and invading nearby flower beds or other cultivated areas.<\/p>
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>Buffalograss (Buchlo\u00eb dactyloides<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Buffalograss.jpg\")
Buffalograss
Photo Credit: Titus Tscharntke<\/a> \/ Pixnio \/ CC0 1.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Highly drought-tolerant and impressively low-maintenance, buffalograss lawns<\/a> are suited for regions with water restrictions thanks to a deep root system, which can access water stored in the soil.<\/p>
Buffalograss thrives in hot temperatures, greening up in the spring and turning brown in winter. It grows slowly and requires minimal mowing, fertilization, or watering to survive.<\/p>
This grass variety is an excellent choice if you\u2019re looking to establish a fine-textured, soft lawn. Once mature, buffalograss forms a dense turf that not only looks stunning but is also frequently used to prevent soil erosion on hills and slopes.<\/p>
- Classification<\/strong>: Warm-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by<\/strong>: Stolons<\/li>
- Shade tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>High<\/li>
- Drought tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>High<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: <\/strong>High<\/li>
- Maintenance needs<\/strong>: Low<\/li>
- Recommended mowing height<\/strong>: <\/strong>1-2 inches<\/li>
- Potential for disease and pests<\/strong>: High<\/li>
- Soil pH<\/strong>: 6-7.5<\/li>
- Soil type<\/strong>: Well-drained loam or clay<\/li>
- Preferred Kansas region<\/strong>: Western and Central<\/li> <\/ul>
Other notes<\/strong>: <\/strong>Best planted from late spring to early summer, though plugs or sod work as late as August or September. It grows exceptionally well throughout most of the U.S., which is rare.<\/p>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 <\/strong>Everwilde Farms Buffalograss Seeds<\/a> (1 lb. of seeds)
\u2013 Scotts Pursue Buffalograss with Natural Seed<\/a> (1 lb. of seeds)
\u2013 Outsidepride Perennial Buffalo Grass Seed<\/a> (2 lb. of seeds)<\/p>Zoysiagrass (Zoysia<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/rsz_1280px-starr-070906-8519-zoysia_sp-turf-kula_ace_hardware_and_nursery-maui_24264641643.jpg\")
Zoysiagrass
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 3.0 US<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Zoysiagrass grows well in full sun and partial shade, producing a thick, attractive lawn when established and maintained. Compared to other grasses, Zoysia grows slower and is typically established through sodding or plugging. Its resilience to drought, heat, and winter conditions makes it an appealing choice for Kansas homeowners.<\/p>
Maintaining a Zoysiagrass lawn<\/a> is fairly easy. However, depending on your soil, you may need to fertilize it three times throughout the summer growing season. Additionally, it should be mowed as low as possible, being sure to avoid scalping.<\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Warm-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade tolerance: <\/strong>Low to moderate<\/li>
- Drought tolerance: <\/strong>High \u2013 although it needs supplemental watering during dry periods<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance: <\/strong>High<\/li>
- Maintenance needs: <\/strong>Low to moderate<\/li>
- Recommended mowing height: <\/strong>1-2.5 inches<\/li>
- Potential for disease and pests:<\/strong> Moderate (common diseases include fairy rings, dollar spot, brown patch, powdery mildew, pythium blight, rust, large patch, spring dead spot, leaf spot, root decline, chinch bugs, Zoysiagrass mites, and mole crickets)<\/li>
- Soil pH<\/strong>: 6-6.5<\/li>
- Soil type:<\/strong> Grows in most soil types but prefers well-drained soils<\/li>
- Preferred Kansas region<\/strong>: Southern and Central<\/li> <\/ul>
Other notes: <\/strong>Homeowners who love hosting BBQ parties in their yards prefer this grass variety because of its foot traffic tolerance.<\/p>
Grass Plug and Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Zoysia Plugs <\/a>(50 Large Grass Plugs)
\u2013 Zoysia Plugs <\/a>(50 Full & Lush Grass Plugs)
\u2013 Zoysia Plugs <\/a>(100 Plugs)
\u2013 Zoysia Emerald Grass Seeds<\/a> (1\/8 lb. of seeds)
\u2013 Zenith Zenith Grass Seeds<\/a> (1\/8 lb. of seeds)<\/p>Best Cool-Season Grasses for Kansas<\/h2>
With Northern Kansas\u2019 finicky weather, selecting a grass variety that can withstand temperature extremes is important. In this section, we’ll explore the best cool-season grasses for Kansas.<\/p>
Fine Fescue (Festuca arundinacea<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Fine-fescue-grass.jpg\")
Fine Fescue
Photo Credit: Aaron J. Patton, Ph.D. \/ Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Fine fescue is a medium green to blue-green grass. It has the thinnest blades, the most shade tolerance, and the lowest moisture and fertilizer needs of common cool-season grasses. It\u2019s also drought-resistant and remains green all year. <\/p>
If you\u2019re a lawn care beginner, this is the ideal turfgrass. However, fine fescue<\/a> doesn\u2019t do well in high-traffic areas. If your kids or pets regularly run around your property, you might want to choose another variety.<\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Bunch-type grasses with one exception: creeping red fescues possess rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade tolerance: <\/strong>Moderate to high<\/li>
- Drought resistance: <\/strong>Moderate to high<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> Low to moderate<\/li>
- Maintenance needs: <\/strong>Low mowing frequency<\/li>
- Mowing height:<\/strong> 1.5-3 inches<\/li>
- Potential for disease and pests: <\/strong>Moderate to high<\/li>
- Soil pH: <\/strong>5.5-6.5<\/li>
- Soil type:<\/strong> Good drainage is a must; tolerates infertile soils; sandy soils generally work well<\/li>
- Preferred Kansas region: <\/strong>Northern and Central<\/li> <\/ul>
Other notes: <\/strong>Often used in a mix with other cool-season grasses, especially in sun\/shade mixes.<\/p>
Grass Seed Options:
<\/strong>\u2013 Outsidepride Legacy Fine Fescue Grass Seed<\/a> (5 lbs.)
\u2013 Eretz Creeping Red Fine Fescue Seed<\/a> (choose your size)
\u2013 Outsidepride Creeping Red Fine Fescue Grass Seed<\/a> (25 lbs.)
\u2013 Outsidepride Hard Fine Fescue Grass Seed<\/a> (10 lbs.)<\/p>Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa Pratensis<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Kentucky-Bluegrass.jpg\")
Kentucky Bluegrass
Photo Credit: Joshua Boman<\/a> \/ Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>KBG or Kentucky bluegrass<\/a> is a high-maintenance, high-quality grass with deep roots that requires regular watering and fertilizing. It forms a dense, soft, fine-textured lawn that feels fantastic underfoot, making it a popular choice for residential and recreational areas. <\/p>
KBG can recover quickly, making it ideal for foot traffic and frequent games of catch with your furry friend. Another point in its favor is that it\u2019s cold-hardy, allowing it to remain green and vibrant despite the harsh Kansas winters.<\/p>
However, this grass type takes about six months to thicken during the spring green-up and may struggle during periods of drought. Maintenance may also prove challenging if you live in an area with water restrictions.<\/p>
- Classification: <\/strong>Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade tolerance: <\/strong>Low to moderate \u2014 prefers full sun<\/li>
- Drought resistance:<\/strong> Moderate, but will survive by going dormant<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance: <\/strong>Low to moderate, but recuperates well<\/li>
- Maintenance needs:<\/strong> Moderate mowing frequency; a high-maintenance grass<\/li>
- Mowing height:<\/strong> 2-3 inches<\/li>
- Potential for disease:<\/strong> Moderate to high<\/li>
- Soil pH: <\/strong>6-7<\/li>
- Soil type: <\/strong>Good drainage, fertile<\/li>
- Preferred Kansas region: <\/strong>Northern and Central<\/li> <\/ul>
Other notes: <\/strong>Under ideal conditions, it produces a dense lawn. Many of its traits vary widely by cultivar, with newer cultivars generally being hardier and more disease-resistant. It\u2019s most often mixed with other species, such as tall fescue, in home lawns.<\/p>
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>)<\/h3>
![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Perennial-Ryegrass-1.jpg\")
Perennial Ryegrass
Photo Credit: Dr Mary Gillham Archive Project<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Perennial ryegrass is popular across the U.S., but its application varies from region to region. This grass type produces a deep green color and glossy texture and has the highest traffic tolerance of any cool-season grass. <\/p>
Often used around homes, schools, athletic fields, and parks throughout Kansas, this fine-textured grass is versatile, winning major points for its fast germination rate, quick establishment, and disease resistance. <\/p>
While not as cold-hardy as Kentucky bluegrass or tall fescue, perennial ryegrass<\/a> remains green in moderate summers and cool winters. <\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Bunch-type grass<\/li>
- Shade tolerance:<\/strong> Low \u2014 prefers full sun<\/li>
- Drought resistance:<\/strong> Low (summer dormancy in some areas)<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance:<\/strong> High, but has poor recuperative ability<\/li>
- Maintenance needs: <\/strong>Moderate mowing requirement, depending on cutting height (lower cutting heights require more frequent mowing)<\/li>
- Mowing height:<\/strong> 2-3 inches<\/li>
- Potential for disease and pests:<\/strong> Moderate to high<\/li>
- Soil pH: <\/strong>5.5-7.5<\/li>
- Soil type:<\/strong> Well-draining, highly fertile<\/li>
- Preferred Kansas region<\/strong>: Eastern and Central<\/li> <\/ul>
Other notes:<\/strong> Most often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue in a cool-season mix.<\/p>
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>)<\/h3>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/tall-fescue-1.jpg\")
Tall Fescue
Photo Credit: Aaron J. Patton, Ph.D. \/ Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>Tall fescue is a resilient, dark green grass with a coarse texture. It\u2019s perfect for areas that don\u2019t get much sun and is often found on athletic fields and playgrounds. It bounces back from damage caused by pets or athletic activities, which makes it perfect for recreational areas<\/a>.<\/p>
This grass seed grows in full sun and partial shade and can handle both wet and dry soil. Tall fescue is a popular choice, establishing quickly and creating shorter, denser, and darker green lawns than other varieties.<\/p>
- Classification:<\/strong> Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by: <\/strong>Bunch-type grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Bunch-type grass<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Rhizomes<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Bunch-type grasses with one exception: creeping red fescues possess rhizomes<\/li>
- Spreads by:<\/strong> Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Spreads by<\/strong>: Stolons<\/li>
- Spreads by<\/strong>: Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Best Warm-Season Grasses for Kansas<\/a><\/li>