How to Grow Kentucky 31 Fescue
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Kentucky 31 Fescue
Festuca arundinacea
grassKentucky 31 is a tall fescue grass cultivar widely used for pasture, hay production, and erosion control. It is a cool-season perennial grass known for its deep root system, drought tolerance, and ability to withstand heavy grazing and traffic. Originally developed in the 1930s, it remains one of the most popular forage grasses in North America.
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Example Kentucky 31 Fescue timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Kentucky 31 Fescue
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Kentucky 31 Fescue
Around Jun 1≈ 45 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Kentucky 31 Fescue dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in zones 5-7
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Germination & Seedling
2-3 weeksSeeds germinate within 7-14 days; seedlings emerge with first leaves visible. Young plants establish shallow root systems.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during germination. Avoid traffic or grazing. Maintain adequate nitrogen for vigorous growth.
Vegetative Establishment
4-6 weeksYoung plants develop tillers (shoots) and deepen root systems. Grass reaches 4-6 inches in height with multiple leaf blades visible.
Allow light grazing only after 6-8 weeks of growth. Apply nitrogen fertilizer to promote tiller development. Continue regular watering.
Active Growing/Tillering
Ongoing during growing seasonMature root system established; dense tiller development creates full canopy. Grass reaches 12+ inches in height during spring and fall growth periods.
Moderate grazing is beneficial to promote branching. Apply nitrogen in spring and fall. Monitor for weeds and pest issues.
Heading/Boot Stage
2-3 weeks per seasonSeed heads emerge on flowering culms; plants transition toward reproductive growth. Occurs in late spring/early summer and again in fall.
Harvest for hay at boot to early heading stage for highest forage quality. Delay grazing if maintaining for seed production.
Dormancy
4-6 months (depending on region)During hot summers (in southern zones) or winter cold, growth slows or stops. Leaves may brown, but crowns remain alive underground.
Reduce nitrogen fertilizer input. Avoid heavy grazing during dormancy. Prepare stands for spring regrowth with light management.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Mow seed heads below the point of infection; rotate pastures; use resistant varieties if available; avoid letting grass go to seed in contaminated areas
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Monitor for damage; rotate grazing animals; mow infected areas if not for forage; heavy rainfall and cool weather help control populations
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Avoid planting during peak fly emergence periods; use delayed seeding; heavy grazing or mowing to remove damaged seedlings
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Some Kentucky 31 carries fungal endophytes; use endophyte-free varieties if livestock show symptoms of fescue toxicosis; rotate to other forages during hot weather
Uses
Livestock Forage & Hay Production
CulinaryKentucky 31 is a premium forage grass for cattle, sheep, and horses. High digestibility at proper harvest stage provides excellent nutrition; widely used for pasture grazing and hay production on farms across North America. [source]
Pasture & Lawn Establishment
HouseholdCommonly used for permanent pastures, pasture renovation, and durable lawn seeding. Its wear tolerance and deep root system make it ideal for high-traffic areas and drought-prone regions. [source]
Erosion Control & Soil Conservation
WildlifeThe deep, extensive root system (reaching 10+ feet) stabilizes soil and prevents erosion on slopes, streambanks, and disturbed ground. Often used in reclamation and conservation projects. [source]
Seed Production
CraftKentucky 31 is widely grown for seed production. Large-scale seed crops are harvested and cleaned for resale to farmers and land managers worldwide. [source]
Endophyte-Enhanced Disease Resistance
MedicinalMany Kentucky 31 cultivars naturally harbor fungal endophytes that enhance pest resistance and drought tolerance; newer endophyte-free varieties are also available for livestock sensitive to endophyte effects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
For hay: Cut at boot to early heading stage when forage quality peaks (highest digestibility and protein). Typically first cut in late May to June; second cut possible in mid-summer after regrowth. For pasture: Begin rotational grazing once plants reach 6-8 inches; move animals when grass is 3-4 inches tall. For seed: Allow plants to fully head and mature seed; harvest when seed heads are brown (late summer); seed retention varies with weather.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Kentucky 31 was developed in the 1930s at the University of Kentucky and named after its origin; it was a revolutionary advancement in forage grass improvement and remains widely planted over 80 years later.
- 🌱 The grass has an incredibly deep root system that can extend 10-12 feet into the soil, making it highly drought-tolerant and effective at breaking up compacted soil layers.
- 🌱 Some strains of Kentucky 31 contain endophytic fungi that can produce alkaloid compounds; while these enhance pest resistance, they can cause 'fescue toxicosis' in sensitive livestock during hot weather, leading to reduced intake and performance.
Gardening Terms
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