★ Deepest Shade Bluegrass
Best Poa Trivialis Seed: The Only Bluegrass That Thrives in Deep Shade with Consistent Moisture
Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Poa Trivialis
by Wicked Tuff Turf — Littleton, New Hampshire
Poa Trivialis
Poa trivialis
"The extreme shade specialist. Poa Trivialis grows where no other bluegrass will — dense tree canopy, north walls, constant shade. But it vanishes in summer heat, making it a niche tool, not a standalone lawn."
First emergence: 7-10
Establishment
Zones 2-6 (struggles in Zone 7+ heat)
Hardiness Range
Moderate to High
Maintenance
Grass
Category
Deepest Shade Tolerance
Stoloniferous Spreading
Excellent Cold Hardiness
2 Million Seeds Per Pound
Dies in Summer Heat
Needs Constant Moisture
Winter Overseed Standard
Trusted by 20,000+ Growers
| Species | Poa Trivialis (Poa trivialis) |
| Growth Habit | Stoloniferous (spreads via above-ground runners). Aggressive spreader in cool, moist, shaded conditions. |
| Root Depth | 1-2 inches (very shallow—the shallowest root system of any common turfgrass) |
| Establishment | First emergence: 7-10 days. Mowable: 4-6 weeks. Stolon spreading begins: 4-8 weeks. Mature stand: 6-12 months. |
| Hardiness Zones | 2-6 (struggles in Zone 7+ heat) |
| Maintenance | Moderate to High |
| Category | Grass |
| Available Sizes | 1 lb | 5 lb | 10 lb | 25 lb |
What We Love
- Tolerates deeper shade than any other bluegrass
- Stoloniferous spreading in shade conditions
- Excellent cold hardiness (Zone 2)
- Standard winter overseed for southern lawns
- Ultra-small seed — little product covers large areas
Worth Noting
- Dies in summer heat — not for hot or dry sites
- Shallowest roots (1-2") of any common turfgrass
Buy on Old Cobblers Farm →
Available in 1 lb | 5 lb | 10 lb | 25 lb
The Competition
Sabre Poa Trivialis
by Outsidepride
Extreme wet shade
Purity / Germ
Sizes1, 5, 25 lb
Price$25 - $220
Poa Trivialis Seed
by Twin City Seed
Fine blade, bright green
Purity / Germ
Sizes1, 5, 25 lb
Price$20 - $200
Poa Trivialis (Rough Blue)
by Hancock Seed
Fast winter germination
Purity / Germ
Sizes1, 5, 25 lb
Price$25 - $210
PT 706 Poa Trivialis
by Pro Time Lawn
Wet soil specialist
Purity / Germ
Sizes2, 5, 10 lb
Price$30 - $130
Rough Bluegrass
by Nature's Seed
Survives poorly drained soils
Purity / Germ
Sizes1, 5, 10 lb
Price$25 - $120
Poa Trivialis
by Stover Seed
Winter overseeding turf
Purity / Germ
Sizes1, 5, 50 lb
Price$20 - $350
Darkhorse Poa Trivialis
by Barenbrug
Fast establishing
Purity / Germ
Sizes50 lb
Price$250 - $280
Sabre III Poa Trivialis
by DLF Pickseed
Top NTEP for shade
Purity / Germ
Sizes50 lb
Price$360 - $400
Roughstalk Bluegrass
by Deer Creek Seed
Cold, wet, shady areas
Purity / Germ
Sizes1, 5, 25 lb
Price$20 - $160
Poa Trivialis Seed
by Seed Ranch
Shade grass
Purity / Germ
Sizes5, 25 lb
Price$45 - $210
| Feature | Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Poa Trivialis | Sabre Poa Trivialis | Poa Trivialis Seed | Poa Trivialis (Rough Blue) | PT 706 Poa Trivialis | Rough Bluegrass | Poa Trivialis | Darkhorse Poa Trivialis | Sabre III Poa Trivialis | Roughstalk Bluegrass | Poa Trivialis Seed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purity / Germ | Extreme wet shade | Fine blade, bright green | Fast winter germination | Wet soil specialist | Survives poorly drained soils | Winter overseeding turf | Fast establishing | Top NTEP for shade | Cold, wet, shady areas | Shade grass | |
| Sizes | 1 lb | 5 lb | 10 lb | 25 lb | 1, 5, 25 lb | 1, 5, 25 lb | 1, 5, 25 lb | 2, 5, 10 lb | 1, 5, 10 lb | 1, 5, 50 lb | 50 lb | 50 lb | 1, 5, 25 lb | 5, 25 lb |
| Price | $25 - $220 | $20 - $200 | $25 - $210 | $30 - $130 | $25 - $120 | $20 - $350 | $250 - $280 | $360 - $400 | $20 - $160 | $45 - $210 | |
| Brand | Old Cobblers Farm | Outsidepride | Twin City Seed | Hancock Seed | Pro Time Lawn | Nature's Seed | Stover Seed | Barenbrug | DLF Pickseed | Deer Creek Seed | Seed Ranch |
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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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.
