How to Grow Tall Fescue Kentucky 31
Wikimedia Commons
Tall Fescue Kentucky 31
Festuca arundinacea 'Kentucky 31'
grassKentucky 31 is a cool-season perennial grass cultivar widely used for pasture, hay, and erosion control. Known for its deep root system, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in poor soils, it is one of the most durable forage grasses in North America. This tall fescue establishes quickly and maintains productivity across diverse climates.
When should you plant Tall Fescue Kentucky 31 in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Tall Fescue Kentucky 31 timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Tall Fescue Kentucky 31
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest Tall Fescue Kentucky 31
Around May 17≈ 30 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Tall Fescue Kentucky 31 dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with excellent performance in the transitional zones between cool-season and warm-season grass regions
Sign up free to see if Tall Fescue Kentucky 31 grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Tall Fescue Kentucky 31 timeline →Growth Stages
Germination & Seedling
3-4 weeksFine, hair-like shoots emerge from soil; roots develop rapidly and begin penetrating deep into soil profile
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged for first 4-6 weeks. Avoid grazing or mowing during this critical period. Provide light shade if possible in hot climates to reduce stress.
Establishment & Tillering
4-8 weeksMultiple shoots (tillers) develop from the crown; plant thickens and deepens root system. Height reaches 4-6 inches.
Once grass reaches 3-4 inches, light grazing or mowing can begin to stimulate tillering. Maintain adequate moisture. Begin light fertilization if needed. Suppress weeds through competition or light cultivation.
Vegetative Growth
Continuous throughout growing seasonRapid leaf production and tiller development; dense stand establishes. Plant reaches 12-24 inches tall under grazing. Deep root system (12+ feet) now well-developed.
Maintain proper grazing height (2-3 inches for pasture) or mowing schedule (3-4 inches). Apply nitrogen fertilizer in spring and fall (50-75 lbs N per acre annually). Manage moisture during drought periods.
Reproductive & Seed Head Formation
4-6 weeks (May-June in northern regions)Seed heads emerge on flowering stems, typically 24-36 inches tall. Plant enters reproductive phase in late spring/early summer.
For pasture use, graze or mow before seed head emergence to maintain forage quality. For seed production, allow full maturation. Watch for ergot fungus on developing seed heads (dark, elongated bodies on seeds).
Dormancy & Winter Survival
3-5 months (October-March)Growth slows in fall as temperatures drop. Plant enters dormancy; foliage browns or remains greenish depending on winter severity. Root system remains active in cool soil.
Avoid overgrazing in fall; leave 2-3 inches of stem growth for winter protection. Winter grazing is possible but should be light. Spring green-up typically begins in March-April in northern zones.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Avoid seeding during peak adult flight periods (late August to September in some regions). Use resistant varieties if available. Manage seedling vigor through proper nutrition.
-
Monitor pastures in late summer/fall. Light grazing or mowing can reduce populations. Biological control with parasitic wasps. Rarely requires chemical treatment in established stands.
-
Avoid grazing or harvesting seed from affected plants (can cause ergotism in livestock). Mow before seed head maturity if ergot is present. Resistant varieties offer some protection.
-
Maintain vigor through proper fertilization and moisture management. Mow regularly to reduce suitable habitat. Rarely significant in pasture settings.
-
Monitor during hot, dry periods. Increase irrigation to reduce stress. Mowing can help. Rarely warrant chemical control in forage settings.
Uses
Livestock Forage
CulinaryKentucky 31 is a primary pasture and hay grass for cattle, horses, sheep, and other grazing animals. It provides excellent nutritive value, especially when harvested at proper growth stages, and supports high animal productivity. [source]
Erosion Control & Land Stabilization
HouseholdThe deep root system (up to 12+ feet) makes Kentucky 31 excellent for stabilizing slopes, protecting streambanks, and controlling erosion. It is widely used in reclamation projects and conservation programs. [source]
Lawn & Turf Applications
HouseholdThough primarily a pasture grass, Kentucky 31 is used in low-maintenance lawn mixes, particularly in the transitional zone. It offers durability and drought tolerance but produces coarser texture than fine fescues. [source]
Wildlife Habitat
WildlifeEstablished Kentucky 31 stands provide cover and food for game birds, songbirds, and small mammals. The dense growth structure is valuable for nesting and protection. [source]
Drought-Tolerant Pasture in Variable Climates
HouseholdKentucky 31's exceptional drought tolerance and ability to persist in poor soils make it ideal for marginal lands and areas with unpredictable precipitation. It maintains productivity where other cool-season grasses fail. [source]
Harvest Tips
For grazing: Begin light grazing once grass reaches 4-6 inches; maintain 2-3 inch residual height to prevent overgrazing and maintain stand vigor. Rotational grazing is preferred over continuous grazing. For hay: Cut at boot stage to heading stage (late May-early June) for highest nutritive value; yields typically 2-4 tons per acre annually depending on management and moisture. For seed production: Allow full maturation and harvest when seed heads are fully ripe and brown (typically July-August).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Kentucky 31 was developed at the University of Kentucky in 1931 and remains one of the most widely planted cool-season forage grasses in North America—over 90 years after its release, it is still the standard pasture grass across much of the transitional zone.
- 🌱 The grass contains an endophytic fungus (Neotyphodium coenophialum) that produces ergot alkaloids; while this increases the plant's pest resistance and drought tolerance, high levels can cause 'fescue toxicosis' in livestock, leading to reduced weight gain and reproductive problems—newer cultivars with non-toxic endophytes have been developed to address this issue.
- 🌱 A single mature Kentucky 31 plant can develop a root system deeper than 12 feet, allowing it to access water and nutrients far below the soil surface—this exceptional root depth is why it thrives in droughts and poor soils where other grasses fail.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Tall Fescue Kentucky 31 planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Tall Fescue Kentucky 31 seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Tall Fescue Kentucky 31 timeline →