Annual Blue Grass (Poa Annua) vs Kentucky Blue Grass

While these two sound similar, they couldn't be more different.  They are both types of bluegrass. One is desirable and one is not. 

Kentucky Blue Grass yields a beautiful, lush, dark green lawn while Poa Annua (annual blue grass) spreads rapidly and dies quickly, often leaving you with a patchy lawn. 

Fun fact: Many homeowners find Poa Annua undesirable but some golf courses find it very desirable.  It grows low and is easier to maintain in this environment.

Kentucky Bluegrass

•  Produces a seed head

•  Perennial

•  A cool season desirable grass - thrives in Spring and Fall 

•  Low shade tolerance 

•  Has a deep emerald/blue color which makes it so desirable for lawns 

•  Requires a lot of maintenance so is usually blended with other grass seed varieties. Kentucky Blue Grass generally requires about an inch of water per week. 

Annual Bluegrass/ Poa Annua

• Produces a seed head.  

• Generally has a lighter green color 

•  Annual 

•  An undesirable grass type for many homeowners 

•  Each plant is able to produce 100 seeds in as little as 8 weeks 

•  Weak/shallow root system

•  Favors damp areas

• Used on golf courses because it grows to a low height. 

Related Articles:

• How to Get Rid of Weeds In My Lawn
• Summer Annual Weeds
• How to Get Rid of Orchard Grass in My Lawn
• Bent Grass Control

Since 2007, Green Meadow Lawn Care has provided homeowners throughout the greater Tolland, Connecticut area with premium fertilization programs, tick control, mosquito management, seeding & aeration and tree & shrub care. 

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