best time to plant grass seed northern california California Native All Purpose Grass Seed Mixture

best time to plant grass seed northern california California Native All Purpose Grass Seed MixtureDESCRIPTION California Native All Purpose Grass Seed Mixture A mixture of California native grasses that exhibits extensive root systems and grows in a wide range of soil types and conditions. It can be used in a variety of landscape situations as a low water use alternative to other turf and ground cover areas. It may be mowed or left un mowed. Grasses in this mixture are classified as California Friendly by California Water Agencies and recommended

DESCRIPTION

California Native All Purpose Grass Seed Mixture
A mixture of California native grasses that exhibits extensive root systems and grows in a wide range of soil types and conditions. It can be used in a variety of landscape situations as a low water use alternative to other turf and ground cover areas. It may be mowed or left un-mowed. Grasses in this mixture are classified as “California Friendly” by California Water Agencies and recommended for use in landscapes as a low water user. 

CHARACTERISTICS

USES 
• Turfgrass  • Bioswales  • Roadsides  • Slopes  • Erosion Control  • Commercial Sites • Medians  • Parks

SPECIFICATIONS: NATIVE ALL-PURPOSE SEED MIXTURE

Molate Creeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra ‘Molate’). Perennial, cool season, fine textured native bunch grass that also spreads by  rhizomes. An attractive ornamental grass either mown or unmown. Popular for natural landscapes and low maintenance buffer areas.

California Barley (Hordeum californicum). Perennial, cool season, California native bunch grass. Loose green foliage. Exhibits good mowing tolerance and grows in full sun to light shade. Salt tolerant.

Purple Needlegrass (Nasella pulchra). Perennial, cool season bunch grass. Official California State Grass. Once established, it is tolerant to extreme heat and drought. Attractive and interesting seed panicles with a purple cast. Widely distributed.

California Brome (Bromus carinatus). Perennial, cool season. Quick establishing bunchgrass that is competitive with herbaceous weeds. Summer dormant.

Tufted Hairgrass (Deschampsia cespitosa) Perennial, cool season bunch grass. California native. A densely tufted, fine textured, dark green grass. A large, densely tufted, coarse bunchgrass.

Thingrass (Agrostis pallens). Perennial, cool season. A native rhizomatous bentgrass that grows in sun or shade.

SEEDING RATES

Suggested seeding rate for new establishment is 5 pounds per 1,000 square feet or 200 pounds per acre. Lighter rates can be used for overseeding depending on the existing stand.

ESTABLISHMENT

Best times for seeding are September through April. Summer seeding can be achieved with supplemental irrigation. 

Weed control prior to seeding is strongly recommended.
Seed-to-soil contact is critical for success either by seed drilling, hydroseeding or hand seeding with mulching.
In the absence of natural rainfall, short, frequent applications of water are necessary for 4-6 weeks.

CULTURAL INFORMATION

Water Requirements 
The native grasses in this mixture will withstand prolonged periods of drought. If some green vegetation is desired then supplemental summer irrigation is necessary. If no summer irrigation is provided the grasses will become a dormant golden color and green up in the fall with rainfall. It is recommended that supplemental irrigation is supplied through one summer season in order for the grasses to establish deep root systems.

Climate Conditions
This seed mixture is suitable for foothill, valley and coastal regions of California.

Soil Conditions
This mixture performs best in clay or sandy soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 8.5.

Fertilization
Use of a starter fertilizer when seeding is highly recommended. While fertilizer on native grasses is not critical it is recommended to promote growth and increase establishment. Fertilize during periods of active growth in Spring and Fall with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid using products with a high nitrogen (N) content as that will increase water usage. Apply no more than 4 pounds of N per 1,000 square feet per year.

Mowing
It is not necessary to mow the All Purpose Mixture but it can be mowed if a neater look is desired. Mowing height should be no lower than 2 inches. Never mow more than 1/3 of the leaf blade on a mowing cycle.

CLICK HERE for instructions on planting and maintaining native grasses.

Notice: Pictures are general representations of seed mixtures.  Actual results may vary due to seasonal and site conditions and cultural practices.