How to Grow Kentucky 31 Improved Tall Fescue

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Kentucky 31 Improved Tall Fescue

Festuca arundinacea

grass

Kentucky 31 Improved is a perennial cool-season grass widely used for pasture, hay, erosion control, and turf applications. Known for its deep root system, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in a wide range of soil conditions, it remains one of the most popular forage grasses in North America. This improved variety offers better forage quality, finer texture, and reduced ergot and fescue toxicity compared to the original Kentucky 31.

When should you plant Kentucky 31 Improved Tall Fescue in your zone?

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Example Kentucky 31 Improved Tall Fescue timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Kentucky 31 Improved Tall Fescue
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Kentucky 31 Improved Tall Fescue
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Kentucky 31 Improved Tall Fescue dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, minimum 4-6 hours daily; tolerates partial shade better than many grass species

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Water: Moderate water needs once established; drought-tolerant due to deep root system. Requires consistent moisture during establishment (first 3-4 months). In pasture use, approximately 20-30 inches annually supports good growth.

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Spacing: Seeding rate typically 25-40 lbs/acre for pasture or hay; for small areas, broadcast or drill seed with 6-8 inch spacing between plants when thinned inches

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Days to maturity: 45-60 days to usable ground cover; full establishment 6-12 months

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Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches; shallow seeding critical for germination

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy or clay loam soil; highly adaptable to various soil types

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Lime if pH is below 6.0 Phosphorus and potassium based on soil test Organic matter for improved structure in poor soils

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Ideal in zones 3-8; performs well in cooler to moderate climates across much of the United States

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

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Growth Stages

Germination & Establishment

2-3 weeks

Seeds germinate within 7-14 days. Fine seedlings emerge with narrow blades. Root system begins developing.

Keep seed zone moist without waterlogging. Avoid heavy foot traffic. Provide protection from extreme heat in first weeks.

Vegetative Growth

4-8 weeks

Rapid expansion of tillers and shoots. Grass develops characteristic fine-textured foliage with deep green color. Root system deepens significantly.

Once established, allow growth to 6-8 inches before first grazing or mowing. Avoid grazing below 2-3 inches residual height.

Tillering & Densification

8-12 weeks

Multiple shoots emerge from base of plant, creating denser sward. Extensive root system (12-36 inches deep) becomes established.

In fall seeding, tillers harden off for winter dormancy. Maintain proper nitrogen levels for robust tiller development.

Boot & Heading (Spring/Early Summer)

3-4 weeks

Reproductive stems elongate and flower heads emerge in boot stage, then progress to flowering. Plant height reaches 24-36 inches at heading.

For forage quality, harvest or graze at boot to early heading stage. Delay harvesting beyond heading reduces digestibility and nutritional value.

Seed Maturity & Dormancy

4-6 weeks into dormancy phase

Seed heads mature and harden. After seed dispersal, summer stress and dormancy begin. Cool-season grass slows growth in heat.

Allow seed heads to mature if saving seed; otherwise manage height to encourage regrowth. Provide water during summer drought stress.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

White clover Birdsfoot trefoil Alfalfa Orchardgrass Perennial ryegrass (in cooler regions)

Avoid planting near:

Legumes should be balanced ratio to prevent bloat in livestock Avoid dense shade from trees that reduce light significantly Do not overplant with other tall fescue to prevent competitive stress

Common Pests

Monitor for dark droppings and wilting. Use threshold of 4-6 larvae per square foot. Apply insecticides if needed or graze heavily to disrupt lifecycle.
Scout for feeding damage and frass. Insecticidal treatments available; also managed through timely grazing or mowing.
Damage is typically minor. Maintain good sward density and vigor through proper management.
Maintain healthy stands through proper fertilization. Parasitic nematodes can provide biological control; severe infestations rarely warrant treatment.
Monitor for tunneling and webbing. Maintain moisture and fertility; insecticides available for severe infestations.

Uses

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Livestock Forage

Culinary

Kentucky 31 Improved is a premier forage grass used for grazing and hay production for cattle, horses, sheep, and goats. It provides nutritious, digestible feed and is a staple in pasture systems across North America. [source]

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Erosion Control & Landscaping

Household

The deep, extensive root system (up to 12 feet) makes Kentucky 31 Improved excellent for stabilizing slopes, preventing soil erosion, and improving soil structure. Widely used on roadsides, embankments, and disturbed areas. [source]

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Turf & Athletic Field Establishment

Craft

Used in turf mixtures for sports fields, pasture improvement, and general-purpose lawns in cooler regions. Its durability and traffic tolerance make it suitable for high-use areas. [source]

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Wildlife Habitat & Cover

Wildlife

Dense stands provide nesting cover and food for upland game birds and other wildlife. Used in conservation practices and wildlife management programs. [source]

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Improved Forage Nutritional Profile

Medicinal

Kentucky 31 Improved was developed to reduce fescue toxicity and ergot contamination present in older varieties, improving the health and performance of livestock consuming it. [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 pasture: Graze when grass reaches 6-8 inches height; remove animals when it drops to 2-3 inches residual (4-inch stubble). For hay: Harvest at boot to early heading stage for best quality and nutritional value (typically late spring/early summer). Do not graze or harvest below 2-3 inches to preserve plant vigor and deep roots. In established stands, allow 4-6 weeks between successive grazings for adequate recovery.

Fun Facts

🌱 Kentucky 31 was originally collected from a fescue plant growing on a roadside near Menifee, Kentucky in the 1930s and became the most widely used tall fescue variety in the U.S. until superior improved varieties were developed.
🌱 The deep root system of tall fescue can extend 12-36 inches (up to 12 feet in ideal conditions), allowing it to access water and nutrients far below surface soil, making it exceptionally drought-tolerant compared to shallow-rooted grasses.
🌱 Older Kentucky 31 (pre-improvement) contained endophytic fungi that produced ergot alkaloids causing 'fescue foot' and reduced performance in livestock; modern improved varieties have lower toxicity and better palatability.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Annual Full Sun Partial Shade Perennial

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