Tall Fescue Grass Seed

Tall fescue is the one to reach for when a lawn has to put up with a bit of punishment. It's a cool-season grass that also handles warm weather, and its very deep root system is what lets it hold colour through a dry Kiwi summer and bounce back from wear better than a fine lawn will. It's naturally dark green, and it asks for less water and fertiliser than a ryegrass lawn.

At a glance

• Type: Cool-season grass that also enjoys warm weather
• Colour: Naturally dark green
• Roots: Very deep — strong heat and drought tolerance
• Mowing height: 50–75mm
• Inputs: Less fertiliser and water than ryegrass

Best suited to

• Full-sun lawns that dry out over summer
• Family lawns and back yards that cop foot traffic
• Banks and open ground where deep roots help hold the soil

Sowing

1. Work the area over and rake to a fine, level seedbed.
2. Spread the seed evenly — half in one direction, half at right angles, so you don't leave stripes.
3. Rake in lightly and firm the surface.
4. Keep it damp until the seed is up and away.

Sow in early autumn or spring, ideally once soil temperature is above 15°C.

Sizes

1kg for patching and small lawns; 5kg for a full lawn or a larger area.

Pair it with: Daltons Lawn Soil as a seedbed, and a starter lawn fertiliser.