Midnight: Kentucky Bluegrass

'Midnight type'
Approximately 1,370,000 seeds per lb.

Tested as PST-P1528T, 'Midnight' Kentucky bluegrass was released in 1985 by Turf-Seed from a cooperative breeding effort with Pure Seed Testing and Rutgers University.

With a low, compact, moderately aggressive spreading growth habit, 'Midnight' was the first variety to feature a very dark green color. Combined with a medium-fine blade width and excellent uniformity, 'Midnight' quickly became the standard of quality in the bluegrass market. Today there are more than a dozen Kentucky bluegrass varieties classified as 'Midnight-types'.

Best suited for full sun to very light shade, it performs well in a wide variety of well-drained soils, pH range of 5.5 – 7.5. Broadly adapted to most bluegrass climates, 'Midnight' exhibits very good heat tolerance and strong summer performance.

It's best used in blends and mixes to raise the level of turf quality and performance. Considered a 'low mow bluegrass', 'Midnight' fits well into programs requiring a 'fairway cut' of 0.5"

Uses:

• Extremely well-suited for home and commercial bluegrass lawns. Excellent in Kentucky bluegrass blends for Parks / Cemeteries, Recreational / Sports turf, Golf course fairways and tees, and sod production.

Establishment:

• Seed at 2-3 lbs per 1000 sq. ft. with a quality starter fertilizer.
• Early fall and spring seeding are best. Late spring / summer plantings not recommended in most locations.
• Seedbed should be kept moist during germination and establishment.
• Germinates in 14-21 days with optimal soil temperatures, 55-80 degrees. Full coverage in 8-10 weeks.
• First mowing recommended when turf reaches approx 2" in height.

Maintenance:

• For best performance, fertilize at annual rate of 3-4 lbs N / 1000 sq.ft.
• Deep, infrequent irrigation during cooler months / Light, more frequent during summer months.
• Recommended mowing height: 0.5" to 2.5"

Midnight Techsheet