Pennington Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed: Trusted Resilience for Lawns

Farm-tested for cool climates to deliver lush, low-maintenance turf year-round.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 19, 2025

Farm-tested for cool climates to deliver lush, low-maintenance turf year-round.

Pennington Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed

Pennington Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed is a reliable, durable choice for homeowners and groundskeepers seeking a lush, low-maintenance lawn in cool-season climates. Known for its tough, drought-resistant qualities, this variety has been a staple in lawn care for decades, thriving in areas that receive moderate sunlight and tolerating a range of soil conditions. The grass is best suited for lawns receiving 4 to 8 hours of sun daily and is ideal for regions where cool-season grasses are preferred for year-round resilience and verdant appearance.

Why Choose Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue?

Industry Standard: Kentucky 31 helped revolutionize the grass seed market, giving homeowners access to lawns that are heat-tolerant, low-maintenance, and disease-resistant.
Proven Durability: With decades of performance, Kentucky 31 is well-established for its resilience and cost-effectiveness.
Legacy of Trust: Pennington partners directly with multi-generational seed growers, ensuring quality from farm to final product.

Product Features and Benefits

Sun Tolerance: Very good; thrives with 4–8 hours of sunlight.
Shade Tolerance: Good, allowing flexibility in placement.
Texture: Fine (sometimes described as coarse to medium depending on local conditions).
Drought Tolerance: Good, suitable for areas with periodic dry spells.
Disease Resistance: Good to medium, requiring less chemical intervention.
Traffic Tolerance: Good to medium, enabling use for high-foot-traffic areas.
Planting Zones: Adaptable to a wide range of USDA zones (A through I).
Germination Time: Typically 8–21 days from planting.
Coverage: Efficient for overseeding and new lawns, maximizing value.

**Kentucky 31 Core Specifications**
Feature	Detail
Recommended Light	4–8 hours of sun
Drought Tolerance	Good
Shade Tolerance	Good
Texture	Fine (sometimes coarse-medium)
Growth Habit	Clumping
Planting Depth	No more than 1/4 inch
Mowing Height	3 inches

Coverage and Packaging

New Lawns: 12 lbs per 1,000 sq ft.
Overseeding: 5 lbs per 1,000 sq ft.
Planting Depth: No more than 1/4 inch for optimal germination.
Bag Sizes: Available in 5 lb, 20 lb, and 50 lb bags.
Coverage per Bag:
- 5 lb bag: Up to 1,000 sq ft for overseeding, 415 sq ft for new lawns.
- 20 lb bag: Up to 4,000 sq ft overseeding, 1,660 sq ft new lawns.
- 50 lb bag: Up to 10,000 sq ft overseeding, 4,165 sq ft new lawns.

Recommended Planting Times

Early Spring: Optimal for root establishment before peak summer heat.
Early Fall: Ideal for developing resilient, lush growth before winter.

Do not plant in summer or winter. Spring and fall provide balanced moisture and temperature for healthy fescue development.

Step-by-Step Planting Instructions

Preparation

New Lawns/Bare Spots: Remove debris, then rake and smooth the top layer of soil.
Existing Lawns/Overseeding: Mow grass as short as possible, remove debris, and rake to loosen soil.

Applying Fertilizer

Choose a starter fertilizer; apply at the manufacturer’s specified rate for optimal nutrient levels.

Seeding

Spread seed evenly using a drop, rotary, or hand-held spreader. Refer to spreader settings provided and calibrate for precise coverage.
Rake gently so seeds and fertilizer are incorporated into soil but not buried too deeply.

Watering

Water daily as needed to keep soil moist during germination. Avoid overwatering or allowing soil to dry out.
Continue daily watering until seedlings are about 3 inches tall.

Maintenance and Care

Mowing: Maintain grass at about 3 inches for healthiest growth and best visual appeal.
Watering Routine: Once established, Kentucky 31 needs less frequent watering due to its drought resilience.
Fertilization: Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring and fall for continued vigor and color.
Disease and Pest Management: Kentucky 31’s natural resistance reduces chemical needs, but monitor for fungal issues, especially in humid conditions.

Regional Suitability

Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue adapts to a wide range of climates and regions:

Midwest: Ideal for cool-season lawns, adapting to varying weather patterns.
Northeast & Southeast: Performs well due to cool springs and autumns.
Planting Zones: Compatible with USDA zones A through I.

Not recommended for northwest or southwest regions or planting in peak summer or winter due to temperature extremes.

The Pennington Advantage

Unlike most companies, Pennington works directly with dedicated seed growers and their families, some for generations. This results in consistent quality, traceability from field to store, and a legacy of trust and integrity. The company’s commitment ensures both farmer and customer success, underpinning the premium reputation of Kentucky 31.

Comparison: Kentucky 31 vs. Other Cool-Season Grasses

**Kentucky 31 vs. Other Cool-Season Grass Varieties**
Feature	Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue	Fine Fescue	Perennial Ryegrass	Kentucky Bluegrass
Sun Tolerance	Very Good	Moderate	Good	Good
Shade Tolerance	Good	Excellent	Moderate	Moderate
Drought Resistance	Good	Fair	Poor	Fair
Traffic Tolerance	Good	Poor	Excellent	Moderate
Texture	Fine/Coarse-Medium	Fine	Fine	Fine
Maintenance Level	Low	Low	Medium	Medium
Growth Habit	Clumping	Clumping	Bunching	Spreading/Rhizome

FAQs: Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed

Q: How quickly does Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue germinate?

A: Germination typically occurs within 8 to 21 days after planting under optimal conditions.

Q: What is the best season to plant Kentucky 31?

A: The best planting seasons are early spring and early fall, avoiding extreme summer heat or winter cold for optimal establishment.

Q: How much sunlight does this grass require?

A: Kentucky 31 thrives with 4 to 8 hours of sun per day. It features good shade tolerance for partial sun sites.

Q: What makes Pennington Kentucky 31 unique?

A: Pennington sources seed directly from a network of multi-generational growers, ensuring traceability, trust, and consistent high quality.

Q: Is Kentucky 31 suitable for high-traffic areas?

A: Yes, it provides good traffic tolerance and recoverability, making it ideal for busy lawns and play areas.

Q: What is the ideal mowing height?

A: Maintain the lawn at about 3 inches for best performance and appearance.

Tips for Success

Always monitor soil moisture during early growth—do not allow planted areas to dry out.
Use a starter fertilizer to promote rapid root and shoot development after seeding.
Mow newly sprouted grass only when it reaches about 3 inches in height.
For overseeding, ensure seeds make good soil contact for consistent coverage and germination.
Once established, reduce watering frequency to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.

Conclusion

Pennington Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue Grass Seed is a time-tested, versatile solution for cool-season lawns needing resilience, beauty, and ease of care. By following proper planting and maintenance guidelines, gardeners can achieve a verdant, healthy lawn well-suited for family, pets, and gatherings—all backed by Pennington’s farmer-rooted legacy of quality and trust.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete