Species Velvet Bentgrass
green-beige foliage

Velvet Bentgrass

Agrostis canina

Velvet Bentgrass (Agrostis canina) is a fine-textured, low-growing grass. Its leaves are soft and fuzzy to the touch, making it a popular choice for lawns, putting greens, and other turf areas. It can tolerate close mowing, and prefers soils with low fertility and lots of drainage. It withstands wear well, and is not as aggressive as other bentgrass species. Velvet Bentgrass requires full sun and between 8 to 12 hours of sunlight daily to maintain its colour. Its deep roots help promote water conservation. As an added bonus, this species is considered deer resistant.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Stolon,Crown Division,Vegetative Plugging

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Invasive:

Yes

watering

Velvet Bentgrass (Agrostis canina) requires moderate amounts of water. It should be watered deeply but infrequently, allowing the top 6-7 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Depending on the season and climate, watering the grass will likely need to be done at least once or twice a week, especially during times of extreme heat or drought. During periods of high temperatures and low rain, it may need to be watered every other day to prevent drying out. During cooler months, the grass may only need to be watered once every 2 weeks. Always check the soil for water content before adding more water. If the soil is moist to the touch, then there is likely no need to water.

sunlight

Velvet Bentgrass (Agrostis canina) is a species that thrives in sunny areas. It prefers full sun for 5 to 6 hours each day and partial sunshine for 4 to 6 hours. In the summer months, Velvet Bentgrass should be exposed to full sun all day. In the winter months, it should receive partial sun for no more than 4 hours a day. This species should be sheltered from heavy winds and frost, as both can cause damage to the plant.

pruning

Velvet bentgrass (Agrostis canina) should be pruned lightly all season long to maintain a longer, thicker, more attractive turf. Pruning should start in early spring, as soon as the grass starts to come out of dormancy, and should continue throughout the summer and early fall. Mowing height should remain between 1⁄4 and 3⁄4 of an inch. Prune as needed to control thatch and keep the grass dense. The clippings should be removed when needed; otherwise, they may form mats. End of season pruning should be light and short to allow the grass to store nutrients for the winter months. Final pruning should be done in late fall when the grass is beginning to go dormant as well.