Meadow bluegrass is a perennial plant from the Cereal family. It is found everywhere in the temperate and colder climates of our planet. Plants are used as fodder crops, as well as for landscaping the site. It is meadow bluegrass and its varieties that are considered the best lawn. It is used not only in Russia, but also in Europe, Australia and America.
Description of the plant
Meadow bluegrass is a winter-type grass. The most active growth period is observed in early spring, so flowering can be observed in late May or early summer.
Within four years from the moment of sowing, bluegrass turns into a fully mature plant. Until this time, shoots can be weak and sparse.
Also, the plant tends to self-pollinate, which greatly simplifies care.
Like lawn grass, meadow bluegrass looks very organic, and the rich green color makes the site fresh and "alive".
In the photo, the grass is meadow bluegrass
Significance and application of bluegrass
Lawn grass bluegrass is one of the most widespread in the world. Among this culture, bluegrass Lugovoy or Lesnoy bluegrass are most suitable for the lawn. The culture acquired particular importance in agriculture as a pasture or hay crop for livestock feed. The most important from this point of view is Meadow bluegrass - the most cultivated variety of grass.
Bluegrass
Meadow bluegrass - what is it
Swamp and Common bluegrass, as well as Creeping bluegrass, are also widespread everywhere. In the southern regions, priority in this regard was given to the bulbous bluegrass and some species closely related to it. In the pasture steppe regions of southern Siberia and Kazakhstan, bluegrass and bluegrass multicolored are widely cultivated. For pastures located in the highlands, of particular importance are:
- bluegrass long-leaved;
- Alpine bluegrass;
- bluegrass bluegrass, etc.
The annual bluegrass has become ubiquitous. The lawn is often sown with it. However, at the same time, the crop is considered an intractable weed of grain crops and vegetable gardens, as well as parks and gardens.
Interesting! Bluegrass is regularly used to decorate kindergartens and schools. Its attractive appearance pleases the child.
Plant features
Bluegrass is one of the earliest plants in the cereal family. As a result, the lawn turns green almost immediately after the snow melts.
The plant grows very quickly and is easily adaptable to different soil compositions and climates.
It is worth noting the resistance of the grass to trampling and vitality in general. It is necessary to mow the plant at a height of about 4 cm from the soil.
After each mowing, the grass begins to develop even faster, forming new shoots and tightening up empty areas.
Bluegrass leaves grow vertically. They mow easily and evenly. Also, the grass does not form lumps and other formations on the surface of the earth.
The grass perfectly adapts to the environment, almost not susceptible to all sorts of diseases.
In particular, the plant is rarely infested with parasites and putrefactive bacteria.
Short description
Bluegrass is considered one of the main genera of the cereal family. It is a collection of herbaceous plants, mainly perennials.The culture is widespread throughout the planet, especially in the mountainous tropics. Its importance is especially important in the steppe regions, where bluegrass plays a major role in the formation of the phytocenosis.
Plants vary in height from 10 cm to one and a half meters. In some cases, they form underground creeping shoots, and in their absence, they form dense wood. Stems are most often straight, smoothed and bare, in some cases roughness is present.
Bluegrass
The leaf blades are in most cases linear, folded or flattened. Their width usually does not exceed 1.2 cm. As a rule, the foliage is either bare, or there are dissected short hairs on it.
According to the botanical description, the bluegrass inflorescence is a panicle, in most cases broadly spreading, in some cases compressed and thickened. The length of the panicle varies from 1.5 to 30 cm. The length of the seed is usually 1.3-3 mm and has an oblong or ellipsoidal shape. Its ventral side is most often flat, as a result of which the caryopsis becomes similar to a trihedron.
Varieties and varieties
There are more than ten varieties of culture. The average life span of each of them is about 8-10 years. They are great for arranging lawns, and in some cases are used as feed.
Consider the most popular varieties of meadow bluegrass:
- Midnight... The variety is resistant to trampling, disease and climatic factors. Most commonly used to create soccer fields, golf courses, parks and sports fields.
- Boutique... It retains the color and density of the grass well. Perfect for creating lawns, can be combined with other varieties.
- Blackberry... Ideal lawn for soccer fields and sports fields. The grass is short, uniform and dense.
- Balin... This variety of bluegrass is used for the arrangement of playgrounds and sports grounds. A color of medium saturation is formed, easily tolerates winter.
- Platini... It has a high level of sustainability and is growing rapidly. Popular for golf and soccer courses.
- Sobra... Sobra bluegrass is drought tolerant, allowing you to create a uniform lawn. Suitable for both sports and decorative areas.
- Panduro... Resistant to diseases, wear, has an attractive appearance.
- Compact... A versatile variety that can be used for any purpose. All indicators are above average.
- Connie... The variety is distinguished by slow growth, but at the same time it is quite in demand. Creates a delightful decorative lawn.
- Dolphin... Refers to undersized varieties. It has a dark green saturated color, withstands stress well. Suitable for any type of lawn.
- Geronimo... A very bright bluegrass variety. Differs in high wear resistance and density.
Each of the varieties is good in its own way and has its own fans.
The choice depends on what color intensity you want to create, what kind of soil in the place of the future lawn and what plant performance is welcome in your region. Read more about the intricacies of choosing seeds below.
Where is the plant applied
Today bluegrass is used in lawns. It is more suitable for areas with moderate light and damp soil. Common bluegrass, in contrast to meadow grass, is difficult to endure a haircut, especially when the minimum height is left.
This plant is ideal for lawns
In addition, with insufficient watering or during a dry period, its color changes from green to brown. The most profitable is the meadow variety. Its root system forms a dense sod when the lawn is formed.
The annual type of plant is ubiquitous, it perfectly complements ordinary lawns and front gardens, but it should be disposed of on the parterre lawn.But in a ring under a tree it is better to plant an oak grass bluegrass.
Seed selection and germination testing
Recently, grass mixtures have been actively offered on the seed market.
They differ in percentage and types of plants in the composition. As a rule, the amount of meadow bluegrass seeds in grass mixtures does not exceed 40-50%.
However, if you want to create a high quality lawn, then it is recommended that you pay attention to 100% crops. In other words, monocultures.
To determine the quality of seeds, it is enough to take into account the following parameters:
- Seeds required must be confirmed by international certificates or certificates of your country.
- The seeds must be adapted to the climate of your region... This will ensure a high germination rate.
- pay attention to seed characteristics... In particular, shade, slope, groundwater, soil quality and natural requirements that are necessary for their normal growth. All items must match your lawn.
- Seeds must be suitable for the type of lawn... Either your site will be heavily exploited, or it will have a decorative purpose.
After you have decided on the seeds of meadow bluegrass, it is worth buying a small amount to test them for germination.
This is what bluegrass seeds look like.
This can be done in several ways:
- Place a small amount of seeds between the layers of sawdust. Beforehand, they must be soaked with boiling water. Put the composition in a warm place, and after a while it will be possible to see which seeds have sprouted and which have not.
- Similarly, seeds can be placed between two wet wipes. Leave in a place with a temperature of at least 23 degrees. Then calculate the germination and the percentage of germination of the entire batch.
- Cover the seeds with water for 5-10 minutes. Bad or empty ones will emerge, good ones will stay at the bottom. If desired, the water can be salted (no more than 10 g of salt per 250 ml of water).
Meadow bluegrass: photo
Preparation of the area for sowing
Sowing a lawn is one of the most difficult stages on which its future appearance depends.
With proper preparation of the site, meadow bluegrass will visually level the area and fill in all the irregularities. The preparation of the territory takes place in several stages:
- Soil preparation... Dig up the ground. Remove weeds with roots. If the fruit part of the soil is less than 15 cm, it is necessary to add sand. Also prepare fertilization.
- Terrain leveling... The site needs to be processed with a hoe, a rake. Then compact the soil with a wooden board or a special roller.
- Loosening... The soil in the area under the lawn is loosened again with a rake at a depth of 2 cm. Check the soil for any depressions and lumps.
After the territory is cleared and prepared, you can proceed directly to sowing.
Growing as lawn grass
Seed check
Before planting seeds, it is recommended to test them for germination. To do this, dissolve 20 g of salt in a half-liter container with water and, after mixing, add seeds there, leaving there for 5-10 minutes.
Good bluegrass seeds will fall to the bottom, and low-quality ones will float to the surface.
It is also allowed to hold the seeds in boiling water, and then place them in sawdust and place them in an insulated room. Good quality seeds will start sprouting soon.
Soil preparation
Competently built soil preparation will contribute to the fact that the bluegrass will subsequently visually level the ground. The plant reacts negatively to excessive soil salinity. Slightly acidic loams are best suited for it. The site should also be well lit by the rays of the sun.
The earth is pre-dug up, removing all weeds and rhizomes. If the fertile layer is less than 15 cm, then a little sand should be added.The plot is carefully leveled with a glanders or a rake, and then the soil is tamped with a special roller or wooden board. After that, the soil mixture is again loosened with a rake, this time to a depth of 2 cm. There should not be any depressions or lumps left on the surface of the soil.
Overgrown bluegrass can shade other plants. Therefore, it must be surrounded by powerful cultures that will not be able to suffer.
Sowing is most often carried out in the second half of summer, that is, growing bluegrass as a winter crop. Manual seeding is still widely practiced, but a more efficient and simpler method involves the use of a dedicated lawn planter. The seeds are deepened into the soil by about 2 mm. When sowing, the seeding rate should be observed and the seed should be applied in moderation - 40 g of seeds should be evenly distributed on each square meter, and some of them should be planted across the lawn.
Important! Upon completion of sowing, the first top dressing is immediately carried out using nitrogen and potassium preparations.
With a well-carried out sowing, seedlings are formed above the soil surface after one to one and a half weeks. It should be noted that bluegrass grows extremely slowly (especially in a year after planting) and full-fledged plantings are formed only in the 2-3rd year.
Watering and feeding
Bluegrass is a plant, most of the roots of which are located in the upper soil layer, but individual rhizomes penetrate the soil quite deeply. This circumstance allows the plant to independently provide itself with moisture. However, without irrigation during dry periods, the plant risks dying. To prevent this from happening, during a drought, plantings should be irrigated.
Top dressing in the form of organic fertilizers is applied after the first and last lawn mowing. Substances are evenly distributed over the surface of the lawn. Subsequently, they will penetrate deep into the soil with the help of melt water and rain.
Attention! From the day of planting to the emergence of seedlings, bluegrass needs daily ten-minute irrigation.
Haircut and winter preparation
Mowing helps to compact the lawn. The procedure does not cause problems for the plants. However, too strong a haircut is not encouraged, the optimal height level is 4 cm.
Bluegrass is a plant that is characterized by increased winter hardiness. At the onset of winter, its grass cover remains the same, that is, the lawn leaves in winter in a green state. In this regard, the plantings do not need additional shelter.
Sowing - how and when?
The standard ratio of seeds to area is 40 grams per square meter.
In order to prevent the appearance of empty areas on the lawn, it is necessary to scatter some around, and some across the lawn cover.
It is best to use a dedicated lawn seeder. In the absence of equipment, the manual method is also suitable.
Add fertilizers with potassium and nitrogen at the same time as the seeds. Spread the sowing with a rake and roller. The average planting depth is 2 mm.
Diseases and pests
Most often, bluegrass is affected by powdery mildew and rust. In the first case, it is required to limit watering and nitrogen fertilization, and also to use an appropriate fungicide.
Fundazol is one of many types of fungicides
The fight against powdery mildew involves:
- low mowing of the lawn every three days with the obligatory removal of the mowed raw materials;
- low concentration nitrogen fertilization;
- use of fungicides.
Bluegrass is usually attacked by moles or mice. These animals damage the root system of plants and spoil the appearance of the lawn. To destroy them, poison is used, and for prevention, special repellers are used.
Lawn care features
The first time after sowing, the meadow bluegrass lawn needs watering. This must be done daily for 10 minutes.
Perform the procedure before the first shoots. In the future, watering is carried out depending on the weather. At the same time, the first few weeks after sowing, walking on the lawn is prohibited.
In dry summer climates, water the lawn abundantly. In the spring, when it will already be noticeable how many seeds have sprouted, you can over-sow. It is also recommended to feed and fertilize periodically.
Watering your lawn every day is a must
Where does it grow?
Bluegrass plant can be found almost anywhere in the world... The only places where it does not grow are Central Asia and the Far North. The following areas are most suitable for a plant:
- wet and damp meadows;
- ruderal places;
- areas where livestock graze;
- pebbles or sand near rivers;
- soil with a high nitrogen content.
Did you know? The flattened bluegrass begins to grow back in the fall and grows with green foliage throughout the winter. This quality makes it ideal for creating winter green lawns.
Most often, a pest plant appears where row crops and grain crops grow.
The opinion of practicing summer residents and gardeners
We suggest studying the reviews of summer residents about meadow bluegrass lawns below.
The bluegrass lawn has been around for a long time. I cut my hair once a week. It takes a lot of time, since the site is large. I like it very much, you can walk barefoot.
Alexander, Moscow region
We planted a meadow bluegrass lawn several years ago. Very pleased. The grass grows quickly and does not require much maintenance. It is enough to regularly mow and water. It does not take long and is beautiful.
Anna, Syzran
It took a long time to select seeds, settled on bluegrass. Despite the fact that they are more expensive, they saved most of the money. The seeds are smaller than other types of grass, so there are 3 times more of them. We will wait for the first shoots.
Leonid, Dimitrovgrad
Meadow bluegrass is a great alternative for beginners in lawn creation. This culture will help improve the site and save you a lot of time.
Lawn care will reward you with pleasant sensations
The grass does not require careful maintenance, easily tolerates any climate change and grows quickly. Use all the above recommendations and your lawn will delight you for years.
The bluegrass lawn is a fairly common way of decorating a personal plot. A thick and even carpet of grass looks very beautiful in the country, in the courtyard of a private house and near an office building. If you decide to transform the territory, then you should pay special attention to the choice of grass. What a meadow bluegrass looks like can be seen in the photo below.
Description of culture
The plant belongs to the genus Bluegrass, Cereals family. Loves moisture and shaded areas. Sometimes you can find forms that successfully endure winter frosts. Favorable conditions contribute to the formation of dense grass, which interferes with the normal development of many crops. The plant has a fibrous root system, straight stems. Their height can be 10-40 cm. The foliage looks narrow, linear. Flowers are collected in spikelets of 3-7 pieces.
Important! When growing bluegrass for a lawn, it is imperative to add potash and nitrogen fertilizers to the soil - they will accelerate growth and make the coating thick and beautiful.
The fruit is represented by a filmy, elongated-lanceolate weevil of a trihedral type, pointed in the upper part.
One such weed is capable of producing up to 1,000 kernels. Seed material has good germination capacity. It germinates from a depth of 3-4 cm. For germination, a minimum temperature is required, which is + 3-5 ° С, however, the best growth occurs when it rises to + 16-20 ° С. A linear leaf appears first on seedlings. A young leaf can reach 15-30 mm in length and up to 1 mm in width.
Bluegrass - the grass that changes everything around
Previously, the plant was used as livestock feed and was planted exclusively for this purpose.However, bluegrass is now mainly used to create lawns. The plant belongs to the group of early crops, therefore, with the onset of the first heat, you can observe how the lawn gradually turns green and takes on an attractive appearance.
To make the lawn look brighter in color, it is worth sowing the bluegrass more densely.
By covering the soil with a dense carpet, the grass protects it from adverse environmental factors. The plant feels great in different climatic conditions and on any soil composition. After the grass reaches four centimeters in height, it needs to be cut. Due to the fact that the leaves grow vertically, the grass is easy to cut. If done correctly, the lawn will be even thicker and spread throughout the territory.
Bluegrass is easy to care for and resistant to most diseases. The period of active growth falls in the spring. The plant reaches adulthood in 4 years. Before winter, the lawn is not cut, but is left 10 centimeters high to protect the root system during an unfavorable period.
In order for the grass to be always beautiful, do not forget about combing the lawn. The procedure is carried out with a metal brush. This is necessary in order to remove debris and dry leaves. In places where the lawn has become bald, it is worth adding soil, thus providing a place for the grass to grow. In winter, if a crust has formed on the lawn, it will need to be removed in order for the plant to breathe.
Knowing how many years meadow bluegrass lasts for a lawn, you can grow a beautiful lawn. With proper care, the grass cover will delight with its neatness for 15 years.
Botanical characteristics
Bluegrass is a perennial grass with a tap root that sprouts lateral shoots. This contributes to the horizontal spread of the plant and the formation of dense turf. The height of the stems is 30-90 cm. They grow upright or lie slightly. The shoots are quite soft, which is important for a comfortable rest on the lawn. The culture is started up immediately after the snow melts, which is ahead of some other members of the family.
The leaves form a rosette and also partially cover the stems. They grow vertically. The linear leaf blade is covered with parallel veins, its width does not exceed 4 mm.
Flowering occurs in May-July. At the end of the stem, a panicle 15-20 cm long is formed. A loose inflorescence of a pyramidal or oblong shape consists of several spikelets on long perpendicular branches. They are assembled in 3-5 pieces. The length of the ovoid spikelet is 3-6 mm. They are colored greenish-yellow or green-violet and are hidden under hard scales. Flowering begins in 2-3 years and occurs only once a season.
Plant species
Bluegrass is a perennial herb that has several varieties. All species differ not only in appearance, method of cultivation, but also in endurance.
The main varieties of meadow bluegrass:
- "Midnight". The grass is used for the lawns of football fields, as it is resistant to various parasites and diseases. The peculiarity of this plant is that it does not wrinkle and copes well with various loads.
- "Sobra". This variety has proven itself both for flower bed decoration and for decorating sports grounds. Plants form a medium cover density. The grass is also distinguished by a small width of deciduous plates and a rich shade.
- "Horses". The plant is suitable for creating flower beds. This species of meadow bluegrass is characterized by slow growth and good disease resistance.
- Dolphin. It is a lawn bluegrass suitable for tennis courts.
- "Panduro". Disease resistant variety. When properly fitted, it has a beautiful appearance and is durable.
- Platini. The grass is easy to care for and grows quickly.Due to its endurance to stress, Platini is often used to create football pains.
- "Compact". It is an artificially bred variety that is drought tolerant.
- Geronimo. The grass forms a dense web. The leaves are bright, small in size.
- "Boutique". Beautiful and dense grass that blends well with other lawn plants.
Balin is no less popular variety of meadow bluegrass for creating a lawn.
It tolerates frost well, retaining a bright green color. Grass is used to decorate sports grounds. Balin is a plant that blooms early and has an average rooting power.
What types of plants exist
More than half a thousand varieties of bluegrass are known, but not all are valuable, as not all varieties are used for lawns and landscaping. Therefore, only a few varieties should be considered.
Meadow bluegrass
Plant height reaches one meter. The rhizomes are thin, the bush itself is loose. The leaf of the plant is thin, colored green with a gray tint. They are assembled in 3-4 pieces forming a knee. The plant blooms in summer, the inflorescence is spreading, equipped with several rows of spines.
The difficulty in growing this variety is that it is very difficult to root, but after that it forms a very dense turf.
Common bluegrass
The root system is short, dense, but not very widespread sod forms. In terms of reproduction, it is easier compared to meadow, as it takes root much faster. But at the same time, he practically cannot stand drought and can die immediately. In addition, this variety does not like low air temperatures.
The plant has a simple structure
The leaves of the common bluegrass are smooth, purple-green, somewhat rough.
Oak bluegrass
The height of the bush does not exceed 80 centimeters. No rhizomes are formed. The leaves of the forest bluegrass are narrow, rich green, smooth. Each stem has up to 5 nodes.
The inflorescence of the herb is spreading, the twigs are very rough. The plant breaks out of the soil in early spring, and by summer it is already blooming. By autumn, the grass stops growing, but even by the first snow, bluegrass retains its rich green color.
This strain is especially useful for keeping shadows on front gardens, but it can die from shearing.
Annual bluegrass
The bush of the plant is loose, the shoots are short. The leaves of a young plant are somewhat wrinkled, but later straighten out. In length, they reach 30 centimeters. The color of the leaves is light green.
Annual bluegrass grows in small bushes
The inflorescence of the plant is slightly spreading, the branches are smooth. It can bloom until frost. Throughout this period, seeds are formed. The variety tolerates a haircut well, but does not like drought.
Marsh bluegrass
It is a perennial with a low aerial part and creeping roots. It reaches a height of up to a meter. The leaves are narrow, flat, somewhat rough. The inflorescence is up to 20 cm long and up to 7 cm wide. During flowering, the branches are spreading, but then they gather tightly to the base. The fruit has three edges and is light brown.
Prefers moist soils, meadows and swamps. It grows slowly, reaches a mature age in the third year of life. Marsh bluegrass is very popular in Western countries, where it is grown for the purpose of landscaping.
Angustifolia bluegrass
The plant is no more than 60 centimeters high. The rhizome is creeping, adventitious roots are often formed. Leaves are flat with bristles. The inflorescence is up to 12 centimeters long. It is formed in April, and spikelets are formed in August.
Narrow-leaved bluegrass is a good forage plant.
Often found on slopes, glades, forest edges. Excellent as a feed raw material. Very resistant to trampling.
Shumshui bluegrass
You can find this species in the mountains of Kamchatka, next to streams and old channels. It is a perennial, reaching a height of 35 centimeters. The stem is thin, smooth.Leaves up to three millimeters wide, thin, flat. The inflorescence is not more than 7 centimeters, straightened.
Blooms in July, somewhat earlier than other varieties. The fruits ripen in August.
Choosing the right seeds
The market is now replete with a variety of grass mixtures for lawn planting. But, if you want to create a beautiful site, then it is recommended to choose quality seeds.
Before you buy planting material, you should check its germination. The first thing to do is look at the packaging. The product must be certified in your country and in the international market. Also, choose seeds that are suitable for planting in your area and for the type of lawn you want.
For those who want to make a classic flower bed, one bluegrass variety is suitable, if the sports field is a special one. Once you've decided on your lawn type, buy some seeds and try planting them. It is not necessary to do this in the soil, you can put the grains pre-soaked with boiling water between the layers of sawdust and send them to a warm place. After a few days, you will see if the seeds will sprout. Instead of shavings, it is allowed to use two wipes moistened with water. To determine the quality of the seeds, you can fill them with water for 10 minutes. Good planting material will remain at the bottom, and bad planting material will float.
How to sow bluegrass correctly
Before planting, be sure to prepare the substrate. If you want a beautiful lawn, the first step is to dig up the soil and remove all unnecessary weeds. Then level the soil and only then can you plant the seeds. It is better to do this with a lawn seeder. When planting seeds, it is recommended to immediately fertilize the soil with nitrogen and potassium. Once you have finished planting, it is best to compact the soil with a roller and rake. Your lawn needs a lot of sun to grow well and quickly.
How to plant a bluegrass lawn
Experts note that planting this grass is quite simple, and measures for caring for it are also not difficult. Before planting meadow bluegrass, you should know the basic rules. If you follow all the recommendations, then the lawn will delight you with its appearance for a long time.
The bluegrass has a strong root system that is able to regenerate even after severe damage.
Sequencing:
- Before planting meadow bluegrass, you need to prepare the substrate. It is best to choose slightly acidic loamy soils. To create a beautiful, dense lawn, you first need to dig up the ground and remove the weeds. Then calcify, tamp and level the soil, and only after that start sowing the seeds.
- It is best to carry out the procedure with a lawn seeder, but if it is not there, then you need to do it manually. First, the grains are spread along and then across the site. This is done so that there are no bald areas. Together with the seeds, it is recommended to sprinkle the soil with fertilizer, which contains nitrogen and potassium. The seeding rate of meadow bluegrass is from 10 to 15 grams per 1 m 2.
- The next step will be to compact the soil already with seeds for their better fixation. Grains and fertilizer are conveniently distributed with a roller and rake. The planting depth should be approximately 2 mm.
It is important to provide the future lawn with plenty of light for its rapid growth. Therefore, choose an open area for your lawn. In the first year, bluegrass grows very slowly, only after a month the first blades of grass appear and gradually the surface of the earth is covered with bushes. You can propagate bluegrass by dividing the bush. They sit down at a short distance from each other. It will take only two months for there to be no gaps between them.
How to grow bluegrass
This is the easiest plant to grow. The grass has no ground requirements. It grows equally well on sandy soils and rich soils.In the garden, it is especially beneficial to plant it in the periosteal circle. Also, some varieties are suitable for the formation of lawns, alpine slides and curbs.
The undersized type of bluegrass is as resistant to trampling as possible, therefore it is used as part of mixtures for lawns. If you create optimal conditions for it, nourish the soil and water it regularly, the plant can live up to 10 years, delighting with a thick head of greenery.
Bluegrass reproduces by dividing the bush. You can also grow grass from quality harvested seeds.
Bluegrass lawn: care rules
Irrigation. The first weeks after sowing, bluegrass should be watered daily for 10 minutes. We repeat this procedure until the grass sprouts. At the same time, it is forbidden to walk in the place of the future lawn. Further watering is carried out as needed.
Air temperature. This is an important point in grass care. Bluegrass generally tolerates temperature fluctuations well. However, if you notice that the grass has begun to turn yellow and dry, it means that it lacks moisture. It is necessary to provide full watering if there is no rain and the weather is dry and hot.
Lawn formation. Regular mowing of bluegrass is the key to its growth and splendor. In the event of bald patches, new seeds will need to be planted. If everything is done correctly, then in a month new shoots will appear.
Pests. Only moles are terrible for bluegrass, since they undermine the sod from below and can violate the integrity of the plants. If this happened, then the situation can be corrected by leveling the soil with a rake and sowing it with new seeds.
Reproduction and compatibility of cereals
Meadow bluegrass propagates by seed. In the open field, seedlings appear two weeks after sowing. For quick germination in small areas, a film coating is used. Thanks to this method, seedlings appear within a week.
In the first year, meadow bluegrass grows very slowly. Good quality lawn is obtained in the second or third year after sowing. Therefore, cultivating a lawn, a mixture of herbs from forbs is used, where the share of meadow bluegrass is about 60%.
Meadow bluegrass is well compatible with other grasses, such as perennial ryegrass; white bent grass; meadow fescue and red fescue. The latter combination is successfully used to strengthen slopes.
A mixture of meadow bluegrass, meadow fescue and red fescue is the perfect combination of herbs to create a high quality turf cover, as it can grow on almost any type of soil. The exception is wetlands. Meadow bluegrass blooms only once a year, but under favorable conditions and sufficient soil fertility, a second cut is possible.
In conclusion, we can say that thanks to its fantastic ability to restore, meadow bluegrass is widely used as the main type of cereals for decorating not only magnificent lawns and luxurious parterres of personal plots. He participates in the formation of unassuming lawns of the park area, playgrounds and sports grounds, as well as park lawns. It is used in different climatic zones and with different types of soil.
The production of rolled lawns is entirely based on the use of meadow bluegrass as the main planting material. The positive qualities of this cereal include not only its drought and frost resistance, but also its long life. With optimal care, the cereal can survive for up to 30, and in exceptional cases, up to 50 years.
Compatibility with other herbs
Bluegrass gets along well with other cereals. Good neighbors for such a grass will be pasture ryegrass, meadow fescue, white field grass, red fescue, thin field grass and others.
For example, red fescue, along with bluegrass, is perfect for strengthening slopes by braiding and spreading roots.This mix is considered the most successful because it can grow in different conditions and in almost any type of soil. In addition, this lawn will be equally functional both in the park and on the football field.
Knowing what meadow bluegrass is and what types of it are, you can create a real dream lawn. At the same time, it is important to observe all the subtleties of choosing seeds, the technology of planting them in the ground, as well as proper care for adult grass. And then you will enjoy the result.
To control disease, bluegrass should be cut low before winter sets in, especially in areas where snow is not expected.
New elite varieties of meadow bluegrass KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS have been developed, which are characterized by a higher density of standing than the old ones; short stature, disease resistance.
Meadow bluegrass varieties:
MIDNIGHT variety
The elite variety of bluegrass MIDNIGHT (Midnight) is the leader among the varieties of meadow bluegrass (KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS) in terms of wear resistance, it withstands high recreational loads, which makes it indispensable for creating a lawn on football fields, golf courses, sports grounds, parks. It tolerates mowing well and has high stability when cutting low (12 mm - 50 mm). It also features an unusually deep green-blue color and short stature, which means less mowing and lower maintenance costs. With its high germ density and narrow leaf texture, MIDNIGHT provides a dense carpet that lasts under heavy traffic. It has high heat and drought resistance. Ideal for creating a lawn with other varieties of meadow bluegrass. This variety has shown very good disease resistance.
BOUTIQUE variety
The elite variety of bluegrass BOUTIQUE (Boutique) forms a low-growing dark green lawn and differs from other meadow bluegrass varieties by its rapid germination and the creation of dense grass. The Boutik variety is distinguished by its high tolerance for mowing with a low cut (12 mm - 50 mm). It has high heat and drought resistance while maintaining its color and density of the grass stand. Recovers quickly after intense exertion. Differs in disease resistance. Ideal for creating a lawn with other varieties of meadow bluegrass.
BLACKBERRY variety
Forms a short, uniform and dense lawn with a fine leaf texture. Highly resistant to low haircuts (12 mm). It is used to create lawns on soccer fields, sports fields, parks, including fairway golf courses. Grows well both in sunny places and in the shade. This variety is highly resistant to powdery mildew.
Balin variety (Balin)
Grain with medium rooting strength, tolerates winter well, remaining green under the snow. The color is medium green. It takes root quickly. In a mixture with other herbs, it is suitable for the construction of sports and playgrounds with an extensive load. With regular mowing, forms a dense lawn with a good appearance.
Platini variety (Platini)
It develops rapidly, has high wear resistance, above the average for shade tolerance in many climatic zones, good leaf structure, indicators for mowing height. Due to its performance, the Platini variety occupies a high position in the use in grass mixtures in the construction of football fields, golf courses.
Variety Sobra
Variety Panduro (Panduro)
Resistant to bluegrass diseases, especially against leaf spot, rust, rot. Forms a good attractive appearance. Recommended for sports lawns due to its excellent wear resistance.
The variety was bred for the requirements of good rooting and resistance to diseases, especially rust. Resistant to hot and dry climates. Recommended for use in general and sports mixtures.
Conni variety (Connie)
A thin-leaved, slow-growing variety of bluegrass, has good wear resistance. Forms a very dense turf due to the vertical type of shoot growth. Suitable for both decorative lawns and sports fields. Connie is more resistant to major bluegrass diseases.
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Bluegrass or fescue
Most often, either bluegrass or red fescue is used as lawn grass. The last option is simpler, since fescue, even in the absence of proper care, is able to grow normally and show its decorative properties. Bluegrass, on the other hand, requires increased attention, especially in the first years of life. However, at the same time, it is outwardly more attractive and beautiful in comparison with fescue. It begins to turn green before all lawn grasses and retains this state until winter.
Fescue
Bluegrass grows well in sunny areas, while in the shade it is strongly affected by powdery mildew. Fescue, on the other hand, feels great in shady conditions. At the same time, the best option is to cultivate both herbs together. This allows you to get beautiful lawns and more fully use the hidden potential of various weather and climatic conditions of the growing season.
Growing bluegrass does not require significant economic and time costs. If the minimum requirements for agricultural technology are met, you can get good plantings on the lawn that will look good.
Directions of use
In what areas is meadow bluegrass used as lawn grass? Reviews testify to the multifaceted use of this practical plant.
First of all, mixtures of herbs in combination with bluegrass are used for lawns and design landscapes. But some find other uses as well.
Lawn grass can hide flaws on problem land plots - all kinds of depressions and crooked places. The recesses of such a plan are filled with plant roots, and visually the territory looks aesthetically pleasing.
Gardeners plant herbs throughout the garden. In order to take care of the trees, the areas around the trunks are fenced with decorative stones or other beautiful material.
Where else can meadow bluegrass come in handy as lawn grass? Reviews of some parents show that it is a suitable option for decorating playgrounds. In the first year, special attention should be paid to caring for the grass and freeing it from other weeds. In subsequent years, you can not make much effort and boldly stomp on the green carpet.
Bluegrass is used for the production of rolling lawns. It is the main planting material in the mixtures used. With the help of ready-made rolls, they arrange places for sports events.
From the lawn grass, stripes are created to separate traffic and road traffic.
There are several types of this plant for decorating lawns.
Meadow bluegrass varieties include: Broadway, Connie, Platini. These are commonly used types of ornamental grasses, characterized by the density of stem growth. Due to this feature, the lawns on which these varieties are used have almost no voids.
There are also other varieties of cereals. On sale you can find the following types: Compact, Midnight, Sobra, Balin, Dolphin and Geromino. When buying a certain variety of ornamental grass, you need to familiarize yourself with the information on the package, since each plant has its own purpose.
Subtleties when leaving
Meadow bluegrass as lawn grass is a very convenient plant. In particular, it can only bloom once a year. This greatly facilitates the work of gardeners and frees them from frequent mowing. However, under conditions that are too suitable for him, it blooms again.In this case, you will have to make an extra cut.
When mowing, as a rule, 3-5 cm are left from the surface of the soil layer. After this procedure, the grass releases thick bristles from new shoots. If there are islands of land on the lawn, the bluegrass will cover them very quickly.
Lawn care starts from the moment the seeds are sown. In order for them to germinate well, daily watering should be carried out.
When the meadow plant shows the first shoots, then they need to be watered as needed. In hot weather, the lawn needs increased moisture.
In the first month, while the grass is small, it is better not to walk on it.
The meadow bluegrass plant responds well to feeding. The green mass after such procedures looks much livelier and thicker. After the autumn mowing, organic fertilizers are scattered over the lawn in a thin layer.
If extensive bare areas have formed on the site, then additional sowing of meadow bluegrass should be carried out. Gardeners' reviews contain valuable information on this matter. Some people manage to fill the voids with new pieces from the sod layers. If possible, then this is the best way to get rid of unwanted islets.
It is important to know that bluegrass is sometimes affected by rust and powdery mildew. Fungicides are used to fight rust. Frequent and low cuttings eliminate this problem. The cut grass must be removed from the site immediately. To defeat powdery mildew, reduce watering and the rate of nitrogen fertilizers.
Summer residents complain that the integrity of the covering turf can be violated due to the activity of moles. Since a method has not yet been found to combat such pests, the damage has to be repaired mechanically or by sowing seeds.
Benefit and harm
Since bluegrass is considered a very unpretentious plant, many summer residents and owners of private houses use it as lawn grass. If an emerald lawn is planned in the yard, then meadow bluegrass is quite suitable for its creation. Forming a strong and durable sod, it will not allow any other grass to germinate.
At the same time, bluegrass is considered a drought-resistant and winter-hardy plant, moreover, it is able to withstand flooding with water for a month. It is very difficult to trample such a lawn, therefore it is often used for the construction of sports and playgrounds.
True, they will require constant care, which consists in periodic cutting and the use of special tapes to limit the growth of root shoots.
Do not forget that bluegrass is a weed, therefore, getting into fertile soil, it grows rather quickly. Its root shoots are capable of piercing root vegetables like sharp tentacles, which further leads to rotting of vegetables. Bluegrass tolerates wetting and freezing, which often leads to its unexpected appearance on the site. It grows well in kitchen gardens and orchards, and also infests row crops. In addition, bluegrass harms:
- vegetables;
- industrial crops;
- potatoes;
- leguminous plants;
- essential oil and forage crops.
Bluegrass compatibility with other crops
Since the grass grows very slowly, it is useful to combine its sowing with other lawn plants.... The best neighbors for meadow bluegrass are:
- Meadow fescue.
- White bent field.
- Pasture ryegrass.
- Red fescue.
It is noteworthy that in mixtures from various lawn grasses, the seeds of this plant occupy about half of their composition. This ratio allows for good potential for the next years of turf development.
The best type of mixture is considered to be a combination of fescue with two types of bluegrass. Any type of soil, except swampy, is suitable for growing them. Experienced experts recommend using bluegrass seeds without admixture of other herbs. Despite the fact that such material is much more expensive, it fully justifies itself.You should also pay attention to the availability of a quality certificate from sellers. This factor can serve as a guarantee of good seed germination.
Description
Meadow bluegrass is a herb used for lawn decoration and meets a variety of requirements. In addition, it will remarkably transform the landscape design of any site.
How to distinguish meadow bluegrass from other grasses?
Meadow bluegrass is a perennial winter cereal plant. In early spring, as soon as the snow has melted, the plant begins to actively grow. The flowering period is in late May or early June, the seeds ripen in July.
A cereal crop needs to grow four years from sowing to become a mature plant. At first, the shoots are thin and weak, later numerous vegetative shoots begin to branch from them. Straight, smooth stems grow in height from 30 to 100 cm. The leaves are dark green, smooth on the stems, soft on the shoots. The root system of the grass grows rapidly, forming a dense turf that protects the soil from compaction and spraying.
The inflorescence of the cereal is a panicle with small spikelets 5-6 millimeters long. Flowers are green and purple. This is a morning cereal, as the flowers bloom at dawn, at 4-5 o'clock. The seeds ripen "not together", but gradually. When they ripen, the color of the panicle changes from green to gray, the spikelets twist into balls.
The plant reproduces vegetatively - by roots, as well as by seeds, which spill out, as they mature, near an adult plant.
In what areas is meadow bluegrass used?
In agriculture, it is a valuable plant for pastures. All farm animals love fresh grass and hay. It is the best herb for cows, young animals, pigs and even poultry. Meadow bluegrass is used to prepare nutritious herbal mixtures with clover. The culture is indispensable for sowing on pastures for its properties: good herbage and rapid growth of grass, fodder nutritional value.
In medicine. It is considered a drug, it is included in the composition of individual drugs necessary for the treatment of seasonal hay fever. It is used to diagnose allergies.
In landscape design. It is one of the main components of grass mixtures used for setting up lawns. It is sown for landscaping parks, gardens, playgrounds for children, stadiums and football fields. Grain is not afraid of drought and frost, it recovers well after trampling, flooding, practically does not undergo various diseases. Another positive property is the filling of irregularities. Bluegrass grows quickly, easily adapting to any soil and climatic conditions. If you take care of it properly, the grassy area will look green and "alive" for more than a dozen years.
Plant area
Bluegrass is native to Australia. He migrated to all continents. The seeds have taken root even in the coldest corner - Antarctica. On the territory of Russia, annual bluegrass and meadow grass have spread throughout all regions. It grows in the Caucasus, Siberia, you can find the plant in the Far East. Habitats are different: fields, meadows, banks of reservoirs, river floodplains, road shoulders, forest edges.
Bluegrass compatibility with various crops
During the first year, the grass does not grow as fast as we would like. Therefore, it is better to sow it with other lawn crops. Grasses will be good neighbors: red and meadow fescue, pasture ryegrass, white bent grass. The best mixture of bluegrass (40-50%) with both types of fescue. Such proportions will further provide the lawn with a quality grass carpet. Any soil is suitable for their growth, except for marshy ones.
Benefits
Lawn grass has a number of advantages that every designer dreams of. Of these, the following can be distinguished:
- of all cereals, the plant is the earliest;
- the intensity of the growth of the root system;
- unpretentiousness to the composition of the soil;
- resistance to climatic conditions;
- excellent decorative appearance;
- the possibility of vegetative reproduction;
- the ability to create quality coverage;
- lack of lumps on the surface layer of the soil;
- not susceptible to pest damage;
- resistance to fungal diseases;
- the duration of existence, which can last more than 30 years;
- hardiness in severe frosts and drought.
Description of meadow bluegrass with its botanical characteristics:
- The root system is strong and well developed. Most of the shoots are localized in the upper soil layer. The roots are tenaciously intertwined and fastened together, thereby forming a strong sod.
- The intensive growth of the plant is due to the presence of many vegetative roots, which penetrate into the soil deeper than the main root system. Due to this, a considerable number of new stems grow, forming a separate root structure. This structure of the roots allows the bluegrass to receive moisture from the deeper layers of the soil in dry weather.
- But for such a development to occur, the grass (meadow bluegrass) must be given time. In the first year, it grows slowly, and its aboveground part is not yet distinguished by the density of the green mass.
- The plant has linear narrow leaves, which are about 30 cm high and 4 mm wide. Peduncle length - 80 cm, spike-shaped inflorescence.
A photo of meadow bluegrass, a grass used in landscape design, can be seen in the article.
Annual bluegrass
Most often, the varieties are annual, although perennials are sometimes found. Forms a sod from 5 to 35 cm in height. Forms small panicles up to 1 cm. In its natural habitat, it grows along roads, in ditches.
Annual bluegrass is not used in the parterre lawn, in which it is considered a weed.
It develops well on any land, grows quickly over trampled areas, tolerates a low haircut well.
Not intended for decoration of lawns in the southern regions, because in the heat, the grass begins to turn yellow, fall out.
External signs
Those who are already familiar with the cereal crop call it durable. She is able to create an unbreakable sod layer and delight the gardener from year to year with its lively greenery.
In the wild, bluegrass looks like many field grasses. The plant, which migrated to us from Australia, covers the hills and grows everywhere. But after the breeders worked on it, it became suitable for decorative use. Meadow bluegrass is characterized by dense greenery, which practically does not lend itself to mechanical stress. The herb forms an abundance of luscious, bright green leaves that grow upright. Peduncles have long, spike-shaped inflorescences of a rich green color. Sometimes there are spikelets of purple color. Below in the article you can find a photo of meadow bluegrass and a description of its positive features.
Details
Interesting!
Bluegrass is grown in pastures and used for hay. Due to its high protein content, it is excellent as a fodder crop for livestock.
Currently, many different varieties bluegrass, mainly from the species Meadow bluegrass. Let's talk about the most popular ones.
- Midnight - Excellent trampling and parasite resistance, therefore used for football turf.
- Dolphin is an unpretentious variety, grown as tennis lawns.
- Connie - Suitable for landscaping, it is planted between and around flowers in flower beds. It grows slowly.
- Sobra - the leaves are narrow, rich green. Used for lawns and sports fields.
- Compact - resistant to diseases and dry soil.
- Platini is an unpretentious, hardy, fast-growing grass for football fields.
- Balin is a frost-hardy bluegrass that remains green even in winter. Grown on sports grounds.
- Geronimo is a variety with small bright leaves that forms a lush lawn.
The benefits of the plant
Meadow bluegrass is a fairly valuable cereal for dry, clean pastures and meadows, which are sown with a collection of various forage grasses (the proportion of its content in them is 10%). Germination of bluegrass occurs 7-8 days after sowing. Plant germination is on average 27%, weed crops - 24%, economic suitability - 20%.
Seeds are harvested in July and August, before their final ripening begins. All seeds are perfectly combined into small lumps due to the long cover that covers the back and sides of the seed.
They are cleaned through a small sieve before dispersing. Meadow bluegrass is mowed for hay, which has protein, but is not rich in water.
The plant still seems to be nutritious food, which is happily eaten by various livestock, fresh and dry. The average yield of hay per hectare is 1.6 tons. The crop is also suitable for pastures.
Soil preparation and sowing seeds
Preparing the soil for sowing is a crucial stage, the type of lawn will depend on it in the future. Meadow bluegrass grass, if sown correctly, will smooth out the unevenness of the site.
All debris must be removed from the area allocated for the lawn. When digging the soil, select weeds and roots. Break up the lumps and loosen them so that the soil structure is homogeneous. With a thin fertile layer, additional sand and fertilization are required. If the soil is acidic, which the cereal does not like, it must be calcified, loosened with peat.
Loosen the dug area, check the density with a wooden board for any remaining lumps and depressions in the ground. Level again.
How to choose viable seeds?
Many different mixtures are sold on the market today, including meadow bluegrass. The plants that make up the mixtures are different, as well as the percentage of their ratio. Bluegrass seeds usually make up 40-50%.
For a beautiful lawn, it is better to choose 100% cereal sowing.
The quality of the seeds can be determined by certain parameters:
- seeds must have a quality certificate;
- adapted to regional climatic conditions, which guarantees good germination;
- characteristics of the seed to the lawn: groundwater, illumination, soil quality, slope;
- selection of seeds corresponding to the type of future lawn - for decorative purposes or for use.
Once you've made your choice, you need to buy some seeds to make sure they germinate.
There are several ways to check:
- Soak sawdust with hot water, then place meadow bluegrass seeds in them. Put in a warm place, it will soon be seen which seeds have the best germination;
- Moisten several layers of a napkin, spread the seeds between them. The room temperature should be +23 degrees and above. Then calculate the percentage of germination;
- Fill the seed with water, wait 5-10 minutes. Viable seeds will sink to the bottom, empty seeds will float up.
Sowing rules
Initially, you need to determine the ratio between quantity and area. Seeds per 1 sq. meter requires 40 grams. To avoid empty lawn areas, it is necessary to scatter seeds up and down. It is good if the farm has a special lawn seeder. If there is no equipment, you will have to sow with your hands.
Simultaneously with sowing meadow bluegrass seeds, fertilizers containing potassium and nitrogen are added. Level the sowing with a rake. The seeds are planted at a depth of 2 mm.
Chemical methods of weed control
Today herbicides are used in weed control. To combat bluegrass annual on lawns, selective herbicides are used, for example, "Lontrel-300" or "Magnum" and others. They help to kill weeds, but do not damage the lawn. Moreover, they destroy not only the ground part, but also the rhizomes of the plant.
Rules for the use of chemicals effectively:
- use only on warm and calm days;
- spraying only dry weeds;
- before using herbicides, you do not need to change the lawn coverage;
- after weed control with chemicals, it is necessary to mow the lawn only after 2-3 days.
Some drugs have their own specific properties, so before using them, you need to carefully study the instructions.
It is impossible to cope with weeds at once. Usually some products are designed to be re-sprayed.
Scope of application
The scope of this wonderful plant is quite wide. As you know, first of all, this grass serves as a decoration for lawns and landscapes. However, there is another option for using bluegrass. If you plant it on plots of land that have certain flaws and irregularities, this grass can visually level the territory and give it an aesthetic appearance.
Lawn grass care
Some people prefer to plant this grass throughout the site. To make it easier to care for trees, it is necessary to protect the circumference of the trunks with any beautiful material, for example, a decorative scattering of stones.
Also bluegrass is an excellent option for decorating children's playgrounds. However, in the first year, you will have to strenuously care for the grass and free it from weeds. However, this will bear fruit: in the future it will be possible not to resort to caring for the plant, but boldly walk on it and enjoy the juicy greens.
Also, this plant is great for rolling lawns. Such rolls are used to decorate venues for various sporting events and other purposes.
For lawn decoration, it is best to choose bluegrass varieties such as Platini, Broadway and Connie. These species of bluegrass have dense stems. Thanks to this, you can get rid of voids in the soil. There are also other types of meadow bluegrass: Sobra, Compact, Balin, Midnight, Geromino, Dolphin. It is imperative to read the instructions for use, because the plant can have a different purpose.
Role of lawn plants
More recently, the owners of private estates tried to use their area in a businesslike manner: every insignificant piece of land was cultivated and planted with vegetables.
However, in recent years, organizing a cultural corner in your own backyard has been gaining popularity. Such a recreation area gives you the opportunity to emotionally relax after a hard day's work and admire the beautiful view, created by your own hands. In addition, on such a territory, you can arrange a gazebo, barbecue and an inflatable pool for children.
Undoubtedly, the arrangement of an aesthetic landscape in the yard is a worthwhile undertaking. Some of these designers have already appreciated meadow bluegrass as lawn grass. Feedback from many people helps to see the practical value of this plant.
A quality lawn covering can solve some garden problems. For closely planted plants, it serves to some extent as protection. The green blanket does not allow much moisture to evaporate. Thanks to this, the soil maintains optimal temperature and humidity, and it is less depleted. When the lawn grass grows, then the weeds can no longer be remembered.
Where there are lawns, in hot weather, you feel cool and fresh. In such places, the air is clean and humid.
Preparing a site for lawn grass
The area set aside for the lawn should be cleaned of debris and unnecessary items. It is necessary to select large pebbles and chips.
When digging, you need to try to clear the soil from the roots of weeds as much as possible. You should also carefully break up the clods to create an optimal soil structure.
If the fertile soil layer is thin, then you need to add sand and fertilizer.Cereal culture prefers slightly acidic soil, therefore liming must be carried out. It would be good to add peat for additional loosening of the soil. It is important to know that the plant should never be planted on salty soils.
Then the area is leveled with a rake and the earth is compacted using a special roller or wooden board. It is necessary to check the surface for the presence of grooves and immediately level them.
Before sowing bluegrass, the meadow area under the lawn needs to be slightly loosened.
If you plan to treat the site with herbicides, then it must be carried out a month before sowing the lawn. Roundup is considered an effective drug.
In total, it takes a year to design a decorative corner using meadow bluegrass as lawn grass. Preparatory work begins in early spring, and sowing is carried out at the end of August. Before the cold weather, the site is fertilized and, as soon as the snow melts, young shoots are expected.
How to deal with bluegrass?
If bluegrass is found in the garden, it can be difficult to control. There are several methods that are used to kill this weed. Manual weeding is considered a laborious, but quite effective method.
True, it can bring the desired result only if the roots have not yet taken root in the soil. The shovel needs to be buried deep in the ground to damage the root of the weed. After removing the plant, the soil should be well tamped and watered.
Also, an effective way to combat is the use of herbicides. Popular treatments include Magnum and Lontrel 300. By killing weeds, these herbicides do not harm crops. Under the influence of these drugs, both the stems of the plant and its root system are affected.
When using chemicals, it is important to follow some rules:
- processing must be carried out in warm, calm weather;
- it is important that the weed is dry;
- processing should be started only after careful study of the instructions, since each drug has its own characteristics for use.
Bulbous bluegrass
In the wild, it grows in the steppes and semi-deserts of Eurasia and North Africa. Recognized as one of the best grazing plants.
Description of bulbous bluegrass
Perennial forms dense sod, reaching a height of 10-30 cm. The root system is shallow, the stems at the base are thickened, naked and straight.
Numerous foliage of a solid green color. The leaf plates are narrowed, folded vertically.
Inflorescences are collected in short, compressed panicles. Flowering occurs in late spring and early summer.
Bulbous bluegrass can be called viviparous. After falling off, its spikelets take root, transform into bulbs and give life to new specimens. Sometimes they even sprout while still on the mother bush.
The use of bulbous bluegrass
Resistant to trampling, quickly recovers, therefore it is used to create lawns of any kind.
Features of care for bulbous bluegrass
Can be planted in regions where temperatures do not drop below -25 ° C. Drought tolerant. Even in the absence of rainfall, it needs only occasional watering.
Grows well in any soil, but prefer light, airy, draining. Doesn't need any fertilizers.
Reproduction
While bluegrass can grow vegetatively as described above, it would be impractical to use it to its fullest. For a quick and high-quality design of landscape design, the seed propagation method is very convenient. Shoots can be observed already 14 days after sowing. Some gardeners use a film under which lawn grass seeds germinate much faster. In this case, meadow bluegrass emerges within 7 days.
In order for the seedlings to be uniform, it is better to check the seed material. The most famous way is to pour water over the seeds.Unsuitable, as a rule, turn out to be light and float to the top.
Through normal germination, you can determine the percentage of seed suitability for the entire batch purchased. When sowing, it will be necessary to compensate for the approximate amount of unusable planting material. For germination, the seeds are placed in a thin damp cloth or gauze, wrapped in polyethylene and left in a warm place.
For sowing, special seeders are used, but you can also sow manually. The seeds are mixed with sand and the seeder is charged in portions with them. Sowing is carried out first in the transverse and then in the longitudinal direction. After this procedure, they rake through the area in order to embed the seeds remaining on the surface into the soil. They need to be deepened by 1 cm.
Interesting
In America, bluegrass is called "bluegrass" (blue grass), it is especially widely grown in Kentucky ("Bluegrass State"). A native of this state, musician Bill Monroe, founded a new direction in country music and later named it in honor of his native state - "bluegrass".
The bluegrass has numerous thin creeping rhizomes, located mainly at a depth of 10 cm. Many offspring with their own root system quickly form around the mother plant. Therefore, some types are used to compact the soil and protect the embankments from shedding.
The plant has dark green leaves, from 10 to 150 cm high, thin stems with spreading panicle inflorescences, the fruit is a caryopsis. Flowering occurs once a year.
Varieties of bluegrass
In total, there are about 530 species of bluegrass, let's look at the main ones.
Meadow bluegrass
The most common type of plant, it grows mainly in fields and meadows in areas with a temperate climate. Resistant to bad conditions, widely used as a hay and pasture crop.
Bluegrass swampy
Grows in humid swampy areas of forest and forest-steppe zones. It tolerates long-term flooding well. It is grown on pastures for livestock feeding and silage preparation.
Common bluegrass
Similar in properties to meadow bluegrass, but inferior to it as a forage crop. Poorly tolerates cold and trampling.
Bluegrass bulbous
At the base of the shoots of this species, there are thickenings that look like a bulb. He lives in rocky places, steppes, sands. It is used as a fodder plant and is listed in the Red Book of some regions of Russia.
Bluegrass multicolored
Spikelets of this bluegrass have yellow-green or purple tips. It grows mainly in the steppes and is used as a fodder crop. Also included in the Red Book of some regions of our country.
Bluegrass Alpine
Lives mainly in the mountains, on rocky soil, where it is an important grazing plant.
Annual bluegrass
Resistant to trampling. A widely used fodder plant, it is distinguished by its resistance to eradication. Poorly tolerates heat.
What are the advantages of the cereal?
Meadow bluegrass has many benefits.
- Very resistant to trampling.
- It grows almost everywhere.
- Winter-resistant.
- Vertical leaf formation and ease of even mowing.
- It tolerates hot weather very well.
- Long growth time.
- Little need for nitrogen.
- Ideal drought tolerance in old lawns.
- Wonderful color.
- An incomparable companion in solutions.
