Sowing & Growing Creeping Red Fescue

Creeping red fescue (festuca rubra) often known as strong red fescue. This common grass, as its name implies, has creeping rhizomes. It has a more vigorous creeping habit than some similar species which can help to create a dense, hardwearing turf or sward.

Often used in landscaping or amenity mixtures, where toughness and durability over a fine finish is required. It can also be used to create a tougher sward in agricultural mixtures, such as horse pastures.

When to sow: Sowing in warm soil conditions with adequate moisture will help the seed to germinate and establish quickly.

Sowing Rates: 7.5 g/m2 - 30kg per acre - 75kg per ha

Preparation: A fine but firm seedbed should be created, care should be taken to remove any weeds from the area. Once sown the area should be lightly raked over to cover the seed and well consolidated with a roller to encourage maximum seed to soil contact and conserve moisture. Seedbeds should not be left unconsolidated and if you leave a footprint on a newly sown area it should be rolled again.

Sowing: Broadcast the seed then roll or consolidate the ground afterwards. If adding to existing grass. Cut the grass back very short then rake/scarify the ground, broadcast the seed and roll it afterwards.

Management: Creeping red fescue can tolerate close mowing or grazing, regular cutting will help to encourage tillering and create a dense sward.

---

Date Posted: 20th January 2023