Seasonal Growing Tips
ELITE PLUS FESCUE
The following tips apply to growing Elite Plus Fescue in warmer California climates including:
- Southern California Inland
- Southern California High Desert
- California Central Valley
Summer (June through September)
Do not apply fertilizers with high Nitrogen content in hot summer months! This can lead to burning of the grass and increase the risk of disease. Instead, use Nitrogen fertilizers sparingly or apply Iron for summer color. The first number in the fertilizer mix represents the % Nitrogen content. For example, 21-7-14 fertilizer consists of 21% Nitrogen by weight and is considered high Nitrogen content.
Using a mowing height of 2 3/4 to 3 inches will help the Elite Plus Fescue better survive the hot summer months.
Apply a contact herbicide to control Broadleaf weeds in the summer.
Summer is the most common time for cool season grasses to contract disease. See the general guidelines regarding Disease Diagnosis and Control.
Fall and Winter (October through February)
Fertilize every 8-10 weeks with an all-purpose fertilizer such as 21-7-14.
If needed, apply a pre-emergent for grassy weeds in the early fall. Another dose can be given in late winter if you have persistent problems with grassy weeds.
If needed, apply a pre-emergent for Broadleaf weeds in the late fall.
Spring (March through May)
Fertilize every 8-10 weeks with an all-purpose fertilizer such as 21-7-14.
If needed, apply a pre-emergent for Broadleaf weeds in the early spring.
Spring is a good time to do a thorough inspection and audit of your irrigation system before the hot summer months place extra stress on your plant material.
Comments regarding other regions:
High Mountain Climates
Due to the cooler climates, Elite Plus Fescue can be fertilized according to instructions on the bag in the summer with an all purpose fertilizer such as 21-7-14 without high risk of disease. During the winter, Elite Plus fescue will go partially or fully dormant.
Coastal Climates
Due to the cooler climates, Elite Plus Fescue can be fertilized according to instructions on the bag in the summer with an all purpose fertilizer such as 21-7-14 without high risk of disease.
Low Desert
Elite Plus Fescue is not recommended for planting in Low Desert Climates such as the Coachella and Imperial Valleys
HYBRID BERMUDA
The following tips apply to growing Hybrid Bermuda grasses in warmer California climates including:
- Southern California Inland
- Southern California Low and High Deserts
- California Central Valley
- California Coastal
Summer (June through September)
Fertilize every 8-10 weeks with an all-purpose fertilizer such as 21-7-14. Frequent fertilization will improve color but also require more mowing due to faster growth rate.
Apply a contact herbicide to control Broadleaf weeds in the summer.
Fall and Winter (October through February)
Hybrid Bermuda will gradually go dormant in the cool months. During dormancy, little care is required except for an occasional watering if no natural rainfall occurs.
If you choose to overseed with Ryegrass, October is the best month since the Hybrid Bermuda is slowing it’s growth rate yet the weather is warm enough for good Ryegrass seed germination.
If needed, apply a pre-emergent for grassy weeds in the early fall. Another dose can be given in late winter if you have persistent problems with grassy weeds.
If needed, apply a pre-emergent for Broadleaf weeds in the late fall.
Spring (March through May)
Fertilize every 8-10 weeks with an all-purpose fertilizer such as 21-7-14.
If needed, apply a pre-emergent for Broadleaf weeds in the early spring.
Spring is a good time to do a thorough inspection and audit of your irrigation system before the hot summer months place extra stress on your plant material.
Comments regarding other regions:
Mountain Climates - Due to the cold temperatures, Hybrid Bermuda is not recommended for planting in mountain climates.
