The Grass Types That Survive Midwest Temperature Swings

Grass seeds are mostly divided into two categories: cool- and warm-season grasses. In the United States, cool-season grasses grow best in the middle and upper part of the country, while warm-season grasses thrive in the south, where it is hot in the summer and winters are mild.

The most popular cold-weather seeds include fine fescue and tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. Their growing period is when temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Your physical location, local terrain, and sun exposure are all factors that will help you find the best cold-weather grass for your property. Here's everything you need to know to pick the best cool-season grass seed for spring seeding.

Which Types of Grass Seed Do Best in Cold-Weather Climates?

Fine fescue, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass are among the best grasses for cold-weather climates, according to landscaping experts. They grow best in cool conditions and have adapted to bear a wide range of weather conditions, including snow, cold, wind, and frigid temperatures. Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal, explains, “Fine fescue, perennial ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass perform best in cold-weather climates because they tolerate the frost better. They also recover better in the spring and handle temperature swings better.”

Steve Corcoran, CEO of Lawn Love, also emphasizes what makes Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue withstand winter: “They enter a protective dormancy in the winter in order to conserve their energy and survive. They also have super deep roots, which helps them do that.”

Most cool-climate grasses are sold as a mix of various seeds that are either best for sunny, partially sunny, or shady yards. 

Which Types of Grass Seed Should You Use for Dormant Seeding?

First of all, let’s define what dormant seeding is. Basically, it involves overseeding your lawn in cold weather without much prep or water. Dormant seeding takes advantage of readily available natural resources that are present during thawing and freezing cycles. It is a great way to get your lawn ready for the spring. Depending on the region you live in, you can try dormant seeding anywhere from late fall and up to early March. It is recommended to dormant seed when the temperatures drop below 40 degrees F and use a mix of cool-season seeds. 

Related: Grass Seed You Laid in Fall and Winter Will Sprout Soon. Here’s How to Water It.

When Is the Best Time to Plant Cool-Season Grass Seed?

The best time to plant cool-season grass will depend on where you live. Landscapers recommend doing it later in the summer to prepare for winter (aka dormant grass seeding). This will allow the grass to develop and be more established before the heat of summer. 

Corcoran explains, “You want to plant cool-season grass seed at least 45 days before the first frost date. Because that, of course, can vary depending on where you live, this timeframe can be anytime from late summer through early fall on average.” 

You can easily search when the first frost in your area is and determine when to plant your cool-season grass for optimal results. You can also lay grass seed after winter. Spring seeding in early spring, usually around the beginning of March, can also give grass some time to develop before summer hits. It's not the ideal time, but it can help fill in bare patches on your lawn and make your turf thicker overall before summertime.