Best Grass Seed for Missouri

The Best 5 Grass Seeds for Missouri

In general, cool season grasses such as the turf-type tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass do very well in Missouri.

Southern regions of Missouri can also benefit from warm season grasses like bermuda and zoysiagrass.

Here’s more on each type, along with the pros and cons of each.

1. Turf-Type Tall Fescue

Turf-type tall fescue is a popular choice for Missouri lawns due to its resilience and adaptability.

Pros

• Drought Resistance: Turf-type tall fescue has deep roots, enabling it to access water from deeper soil layers and withstand dry conditions.
• Shade Tolerance: It performs well in both full sun and partial shade, making it versatile for different lawn areas.

Cons

• Texture: Some varieties may have a coarser texture than other cool-season grasses, which might not be preferred for all lawns.
• Heat Tolerance: While it manages well in cooler climates, it can struggle in the extreme heat, particularly in the southern parts of Missouri.

2. Kentucky Bluegrass

Kentucky bluegrass is renowned for its fine texture and rich color, making it a favorite for many Missouri homeowners.

Pros

• Aesthetic Appeal: Offers a lush, dense turf with a beautiful blue-green hue.
• Cold Tolerance: It thrives in cooler temperatures, making it ideal for the Missouri climate.
• Self-Repairing: Possesses the ability to spread and fill in bare spots due to its rhizomatous growth.

Cons

• Water Requirement: Requires frequent watering, especially during hot, dry periods.
• Maintenance: Needs regular feeding and mowing to maintain its appearance.

3. Perennial Ryegrass

Perennial ryegrass stands out for its rapid germination and establishment; making it a great choice for many Missouri residents.

Pros

• Quick Establishment: Germinates faster than many other grass types, providing quick ground cover and erosion control.
• Fine Texture: Offers a fine leaf texture, creating a smooth lawn surface.
• Disease Resistance: Generally resistant to many common lawn diseases.

Cons

• Cold Sensitivity: Less cold-tolerant compared to other cool-season grasses, which might be a problem in northern Missouri.
• High Maintenance: Requires regular mowing and fertilization to maintain its appearance.

4. Bermuda Grass

In contrast to the three cool-season grass seeds we’ve mentioned so far, Bermuda grass is a warm-season grass that thrives in the southern regions of Missouri.

Pros

• Rapid Growth: Establishes and covers the lawn quickly due to its aggressive growth.
• Heat Tolerance: Excels in hot temperatures, ideal for Missouri summers.
• Drought Resistance: Once established, it’s quite resilient in dry conditions.

Cons

• High Maintenance: Requires frequent mowing, watering, and fertilization to maintain its appearance and health.
• Cold Sensitivity: Tends to struggle in cooler temperatures and can go dormant and brown in winter.
• Shade Intolerance: Does not perform well in shaded areas, preferring full sun.

5. Zoysiagrass

Like Bermuda grass, Zoysiagrass is a warm-season grass that thrives in southern Missouri climates. Unlike Bermuda, it requires less maintenance.

Pros

• Low Maintenance: Requires less frequent mowing and watering due to its slow growth and drought tolerance.
• Dense Growth: Forms a thick, carpet-like lawn that can suppress weeds and withstand wear.
• Shade Tolerance: Better adaptability to various light conditions compared to Bermuda grass.

Cons

• Slow Establishment: Takes longer to fully cover the lawn, requiring patience during the initial growth.
• Cold Sensitivity: Similar to Bermuda, it can turn brown and go dormant in colder winter temperatures.
• Thatch Buildup: Can accumulate thatch, requiring dethatching maintenance occasionally.