★ Shaded areas under trees|Low-maintenance lawns|Low-nitrogen organic programs|Mix component for shade

High-traffic areas|Heavy clay or wet soils|Full sun hot exposures

Updated April 2026 10 Products Compared By the Old Cobblers Farm Team

Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Creeping Red Fescue

by Wicked Tuff Turf — Littleton, New Hampshire
Creeping Red Fescue
Festuca rubra
"Best Creeping Red Fescue Seed: The #1 Shade-Tolerant Lawn Grass That Actually Spreads"
50°F
Establishment
Zones Moderate
Hardiness Range
Rhizomatous (short rhizomes) — the only spreading fine fescue
Maintenance
Grass
Category
SpeciesCreeping Red Fescue (Festuca rubra)
Growth Habit45
Root Depth2-7
Establishment50°F
Hardiness ZonesModerate
MaintenanceRhizomatous (short rhizomes) — the only spreading fine fescue
CategoryGrass
Available Sizes1 lb | 5 lb | 10 lb | 25 lb

What We Love

  • 🌳
  • Best Shade Tolerance
  • Thrives with as little as 2-3 hours of direct sun. The go-to grass for under trees, north-facing slopes, and building shadows.
  • 🌱
  • Only Fine Fescue That Spreads

Worth Noting

  • 10-21
  • Days to Germinate
Buy on Old Cobblers Farm →
Available in 1 lb | 5 lb | 10 lb | 25 lb
The Competition

Creeping Red Fescue

by Outsidepride
Purity: ~98%, Germ: 85%, Uncoated
Purity / Germ
Sizes5, 10, 25, 50 lb
Price$35 - $160

Creeping Red Fescue

by Hancock Seed
Purity: ~98%, Germ: 85%, Uncoated
Purity / Germ
Sizes5, 10, 25, 50 lb
Price$30 - $150

Dense Shade Mix (CRF Base)

by Jonathan Green
Purity: ~95%, Germ: 85%, Uncoated
Purity / Germ
Sizes3, 7, 15, 25 lb
Price$25 - $120

Turf Builder Dense Shade Mix

by Scotts
Purity: ~50%, Germ: 80%, Coated
Purity / Germ
Sizes3, 7, 20 lb
Price$20 - $70

Smart Seed Dense Shade

by Pennington
Purity: ~50%, Germ: 80%, Coated
Purity / Germ
Sizes3, 7, 20 lb
Price$18 - $65

Creeping Red Fescue

by Deer Creek Seed
Purity: ~98%, Germ: 85%, Uncoated
Purity / Germ
Sizes5, 10, 25, 50 lb
Price$35 - $150

Creeping Red Fescue

by Barenbrug
Purity: ~98%, Germ: 85%, Uncoated
Purity / Germ
Sizes10, 50 lb
Price$60 - $180

Creeping Red Fescue

by Mountain View
Purity: ~98%, Germ: 85%, Uncoated
Purity / Germ
Sizes50 lb
Price$160

Creeping Red Fescue

by Seedland
Purity: ~98%, Germ: 85%, Uncoated
Purity / Germ
Sizes10, 50 lb
Price$50 - $175

Audubon Creeping Red Fescue

by DLF Pickseed
Purity: ~98%, Germ: 85%, Uncoated
Purity / Germ
Sizes50 lb
Price$170
Feature Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Creeping Red Fescue Creeping Red Fescue Creeping Red Fescue Dense Shade Mix (CRF Base) Turf Builder Dense Shade Mix Smart Seed Dense Shade Creeping Red Fescue Creeping Red Fescue Creeping Red Fescue Creeping Red Fescue Audubon Creeping Red Fescue
Purity / Germ Purity: ~98%, Germ: 85%, Uncoated Purity: ~98%, Germ: 85%, Uncoated Purity: ~95%, Germ: 85%, Uncoated Purity: ~50%, Germ: 80%, Coated Purity: ~50%, Germ: 80%, Coated Purity: ~98%, Germ: 85%, Uncoated Purity: ~98%, Germ: 85%, Uncoated Purity: ~98%, Germ: 85%, Uncoated Purity: ~98%, Germ: 85%, Uncoated Purity: ~98%, Germ: 85%, Uncoated
Sizes 1 lb | 5 lb | 10 lb | 25 lb 5, 10, 25, 50 lb 5, 10, 25, 50 lb 3, 7, 15, 25 lb 3, 7, 20 lb 3, 7, 20 lb 5, 10, 25, 50 lb 10, 50 lb 50 lb 10, 50 lb 50 lb
Price $35 - $160 $30 - $150 $25 - $120 $20 - $70 $18 - $65 $35 - $150 $60 - $180 $160 $50 - $175 $170
Brand Old Cobblers Farm Outsidepride Hancock Seed Jonathan Green Scotts Pennington Deer Creek Seed Barenbrug Mountain View Seedland DLF Pickseed

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long does it take for the seed to germinate?

    Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days under optimal conditions with consistent moisture and temperatures between 60-75°F.

  • What is the best time of year to plant this grass seed?

    The ideal planting times are early fall (late August to mid-October) or spring (mid-April to early June) when soil temperatures are favorable for germination.

  • What do the numbers on the seed tag mean?

    The seed tag shows purity percentage (amount of pure seed), germination rate (percentage that will sprout), weed seed content, and other crop or inert matter. Higher purity and germination percentages indicate better quality seed.

  • What is the recommended seeding rate per 1,000 square feet?

    For new lawns, apply 3-4 pounds per 1,000 square feet. For overseeding existing lawns, use 2-3 pounds per 1,000 square feet.

  • Is it better to use a single species or a seed mix?

    A single species like Kentucky Bluegrass provides uniformity in color and texture, while a mix offers better disease resistance and adaptability to varying conditions. Your choice depends on your priorities for appearance versus resilience.