★ Toughest Soil Survivor
Best Sheep Fescue Seed: The Ultra-Hardy Fine Fescue for Rocky, Thin, Acidic Soils Where Nothing Else Grows
Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Sheep Fescue
by Wicked Tuff Turf — Littleton, New Hampshire
Sheep Fescue
Festuca ovina
"The survivor grass. Sheep Fescue grows where Hard Fescue and Creeping Red Fescue give up — rocky outcrops, thin acid soils, and conditions so harsh they test the definition of a lawn."
First emergence: 14-21
Establishment
Zones 1-7
Hardiness Range
Very Low
Maintenance
Grass
Category
Rocky Soil Champion
pH 5.0 Acid Tolerant
Zero Irrigation
Zero Fertilizer Possible
Blue-Green Color
Zone 1 Hardy
Slow Establishment
Trusted by 20,000+ Growers
| Species | Sheep Fescue (Festuca ovina) |
| Growth Habit | Bunch-type (non-spreading). Dense, fine-textured tufts. Blue-green color. Natural height 6-12 inches unmowed. |
| Root Depth | 3-5 inches (fibrous, well-adapted to thin soils) |
| Establishment | First emergence: 14-21 days. Mowable: 6-8 weeks. Mature stand: 18-24 months. Full density: 2-3 years. |
| Hardiness Zones | 1-7 |
| Maintenance | Very Low |
| Category | Grass |
| Available Sizes | 1 lb | 5 lb | 10 lb | 25 lb |
What We Love
- Grows in rocky, thin soils where all other grasses fail
- Most acid-tolerant turfgrass (pH 5.0)
- Zero fertilizer and zero irrigation possible
- Widest cold hardiness range (Zone 1-7)
- Distinctive blue-green color
Worth Noting
- Very slow establishment — 2-3 years to density
- Too wispy for traditional manicured lawn look
Buy on Old Cobblers Farm →
Available in 1 lb | 5 lb | 10 lb | 25 lb
The Competition
Sheep Fescue
by Outsidepride
Purity: ~98%, Germ: 80%, Uncoated
Purity / Germ
Sizes5, 10, 25, 50 lb
Price$45 - $200
Sheep Fescue
by Hancock Seed
Purity: ~98%, Germ: 80%, Uncoated
Purity / Germ
Sizes5, 10, 25, 50 lb
Price$40 - $180
Sheep Fescue
by Deer Creek Seed
Purity: ~98%, Germ: 80%, Uncoated
Purity / Germ
Sizes5, 10, 25, 50 lb
Price$45 - $190
Sheep Fescue
by Barenbrug
Purity: ~98%, Germ: 80%, Uncoated
Purity / Germ
Sizes50 lb
Price$200
Sheep Fescue
by Seedland
Purity: ~98%, Germ: 80%, Uncoated
Purity / Germ
Sizes10, 50 lb
Price$70 - $190
Sheep Fescue
by DLF Pickseed
Purity: ~98%, Germ: 80%, Uncoated
Purity / Germ
Sizes50 lb
Price$185
Sheep Fescue
by Mountain View
Purity: ~98%, Germ: 80%, Uncoated
Purity / Germ
Sizes50 lb
Price$180
Sheep Fescue
by Twin City Seed
Purity: ~99%, Germ: 80%, Uncoated
Purity / Germ
Sizes5, 10, 25, 50 lb
Price$50 - $210
Sheep Fescue
by Nature's Seed
Purity: ~98%, Germ: 80%, Uncoated
Purity / Germ
Sizes1, 5, 10, 25 lb
Price$15 - $150
Sheep Fescue
by Great Basin Seed
Purity: ~95%, Germ: 80%, Uncoated
Purity / Germ
Sizes5, 10, 50 lb
Price$40 - $170
| Feature | Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Sheep Fescue | Sheep Fescue | Sheep Fescue | Sheep Fescue | Sheep Fescue | Sheep Fescue | Sheep Fescue | Sheep Fescue | Sheep Fescue | Sheep Fescue | Sheep Fescue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purity / Germ | Purity: ~98%, Germ: 80%, Uncoated | Purity: ~98%, Germ: 80%, Uncoated | Purity: ~98%, Germ: 80%, Uncoated | Purity: ~98%, Germ: 80%, Uncoated | Purity: ~98%, Germ: 80%, Uncoated | Purity: ~98%, Germ: 80%, Uncoated | Purity: ~98%, Germ: 80%, Uncoated | Purity: ~99%, Germ: 80%, Uncoated | Purity: ~98%, Germ: 80%, Uncoated | Purity: ~95%, Germ: 80%, Uncoated | |
| Sizes | 1 lb | 5 lb | 10 lb | 25 lb | 5, 10, 25, 50 lb | 5, 10, 25, 50 lb | 5, 10, 25, 50 lb | 50 lb | 10, 50 lb | 50 lb | 50 lb | 5, 10, 25, 50 lb | 1, 5, 10, 25 lb | 5, 10, 50 lb |
| Price | $45 - $200 | $40 - $180 | $45 - $190 | $200 | $70 - $190 | $185 | $180 | $50 - $210 | $15 - $150 | $40 - $170 | |
| Brand | Old Cobblers Farm | Outsidepride | Hancock Seed | Deer Creek Seed | Barenbrug | Seedland | DLF Pickseed | Mountain View | Twin City Seed | Nature's Seed | Great Basin Seed |
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.
