Propagation of Kentucky Bluegrass

By Josh Prust

Kentucky Bluegrass (KBG) is a cool season grass not native to the North America. It is used in residential lawns, athletic fields, and on golf courses. It grows 18-24 inches tall and is identified by its boat shaped leaf.This plant spreads by rhizomes and tillers and grows according to the photoperiod. In the long days of summer it grows in an erect upright position, and in the shorter days of spring and fall it grows more decumbent. I mentioned earlier about rhizomes, they are modified underground stems that will produce new shoots. New shoots are produced in the spring and late summer.The shoots that grow in the spring remain vegetative, while the late summer shoots will terminate and flower in the spring.

The propagation of this plant is important because it is such a valuable resource. It is such a widely used plant with many applications and extensive research into the propagation of this plant to find desirable traits, such as:

vHeat and drought tolerance

vWear resistance

vDisease resistance

vPest resistance

vEndophyte enhanced grasses

This grass is able to adapt too many differently changing environments. KGB is a much needed resource for golf courses, which is why many companies have tried to create a variety that can withstand repeated heavy traffic. Many golf course superintendents are looking into using different varieties suited for multiple applications on the golf course.

Kentucky Blue grass can be propagated by seed, sod, or plugs (extremely uncommon). The majority of KGB plants are apomictic. This means they produce seeds which are genetically identical to the mother plant.Basically it is vegetative propagation through seed. Plants have either facultative or obligate apomixes. Facultative is the most common and means a plant has both apomixes and sexual reproduction. Obligate apomixes means a plant only reproduces by apomictic seed. Apomixis is an ideal propagation method if you have identified a superior trait. 

Seed should be planted 2-3 pounds per 1000 square feet and should be done in the spring or the fall. Seedlings require light, frequent watering. Sod is another way to propagate Kentucky Blue grass. Sod has to be grown from seed first, but for some is the easiest way to propagate Kentucky Blue grass. Sure, sod will show results from day one, but there are disadvantages from it as well. Such as; there is a chance that the roots might not take. Sod needs to be watered all the time; if it gets dried out there is a greater chance of it dying. The amount of labor that goes into laying it out is also a factor against it.