Overview
Poa curta auct. non Rydb. is a species of grass that belongs to the Poaceae or Gramineae family. It is a perennial grass that is commonly found in North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Common Names
Poa curta auct. non Rydb. is commonly known by various names, including short bluegrass, bluegrass, and bluegrass blue.
Appearance
Poa curta auct. non Rydb. is a low-growing grass that usually reaches a height of 1 to 2 feet. Its leaves are fine and needle-like, ranging from blue-green to gray-green in color. This grass has delicate seed heads that are purple in color.
Uses
Poa curta auct. non Rydb. is commonly used as a turf or lawn grass due to its excellent wear tolerance, drought resistance, and ability to withstand low mowing heights. Additionally, it is also used for erosion control and is an important forage for livestock and wildlife. This grass is an important component of many wildflower mixes and is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
Light Requirements
Poa curta auct. non Rydb. grows best in full sun to partial shade. They can be grown in shady areas, but the growth will be sparse and the plants will be weaker compared to those grown in full sun or partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species thrives at moderate temperatures between 12°C and 20°C. Poa curta auct. non Rydb. can grow in cooler temperatures, but growth is slower until temperatures reach the optimum range. High temperatures are detrimental to the growth of this plant, and it may not survive in areas with temperatures above 30°C.
Soil Requirements
Poa curta auct. non Rydb. prefers well-drained soils that are slightly acidic to neutral (pH range of 5.5 to 7.5). The soil should be rich in nutrients and organic matter to support the growth of healthy plants. This species can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, as long as the soil is not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Poa curta auct. non Rydb. is a cool-season grass that prefers cool and moist growing conditions. It can tolerate full sun or partial shade, but it needs well-draining soil to avoid root rot.
The best time to plant Poa curta auct. non Rydb. is during the fall or early spring. You can grow it from seed or sod. If growing from seed, make sure to sow in a prepared seedbed with adequate moisture, and avoid burying the seeds too deep. If planting as sod, make sure to install it right after delivery and water it thoroughly.
Watering Needs
Poa curta auct. non Rydb. needs regular watering to thrive. The amount and frequency of water depend on several factors such as temperature, humidity, and soil drainage. Generally, it needs 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation.
Make sure to water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth. Avoid watering at night to prevent disease development. Instead, water early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Fertilization
Poa curta auct. non Rydb. benefits from regular fertilization to ensure healthy growth and development. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring and fall, following the manufacturer's instructions for the right amount and timing.
Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to excessive shoot growth and weaken the grass. Also, make sure to avoid fertilizing during drought or heat stress, as it can burn the grass.
Pruning
Poa curta auct. non Rydb. does not require heavy pruning, but occasional mowing is necessary to maintain its beauty and vitality. Mow at a height of 2-3 inches, and never remove more than one-third of the total leaf surface in one mowing.
Also, make sure to keep the mower blades sharp to avoid tearing and damaging the grass. Avoid mowing during extreme heat or drought, as it can cause stress and damage to the grass.
Propagation of Poa curta auct. non Rydb.
Poa curta auct. non Rydb. is commonly known as short bluegrass, and it is a cool-season grass that grows well in areas with moderate to high rainfall. The plant can be propagated through various methods, which include:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and practical method of propagating Poa curta auct. non Rydb. The plant produces small seeds, which need to be sown in a well-prepared seed bed. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about 1/8 inch, and the soil should be kept moist until the seedlings emerge. Seedlings can be transplanted to their permanent growing location when they reach a height of 2-3 inches.
Vegetative propagation
Vegatitive propagation of Poa curta auct. non Rydb. is possible through division and stolons. Division involves separating clumps of the grass and replanting them in a new location. Stolons, on the other hand, are shoots that grow out from the base of the parent plant and develop roots where they touch the soil. These roots can then be used to establish new plants.
Sod propagation
Sod propagation involves lifting small patches or sheets of grass from a well-established lawn and planting them in a new area. This method is useful if you want to establish a new lawn quickly and easily without waiting for seeds to germinate.
Regardless of the propagation method you choose, it is essential to give the plants sufficient water and nutrients to help them establish quickly and grow into healthy and productive plants.
Disease Management
Like most plants, Poa curta auct. non Rydb. is susceptible to several diseases. One common disease that can affect this plant is Fusarium patch or blight. This disease causes circular patches of dead or dying grass, and it is usually characterized by a tan or reddish-brown color. To manage this disease, one can apply fungicides during the spring or fall, or improve the drainage of the soil.
Another disease that can affect Poa curta auct. non Rydb. is Snow mold. This disease usually occurs during the winter, and it causes white or grayish patches of grass. The affected areas may also have a pink color. To manage this disease, it is recommended to avoid excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers in the fall, and to remove debris that may accumulate on the grass surface during the winter.
Finally, Dollar spot is another fungal disease that can affect this plant. This disease usually causes straw-colored patches that can be as small as a silver dollar. To manage this disease, one can apply fungicides during the spring or fall, or improve the irrigation of the lawn.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can affect Poa curta auct. non Rydb. One of the most common pests is the white grub, which is the larval stage of several beetles. White grubs feed on the roots of the grass, and they can cause significant damage. To manage this pest, one can apply insecticides during the summer, or use nematodes that feed on the grubs.
Another pest that can affect this plant is the chinch bug. These insects feed on the stems of the grass, and they can cause yellow or brown patches. To manage this pest, one can apply insecticides during the summer, or reduce the amount of thatch on the lawn.
Finally, Sod webworms are another pest that can damage Poa curta auct. non Rydb. These are the larval stage of moths, and they feed on the grass blades. To manage this pest, one can apply insecticides during the summer, or introduce natural predators such as birds and parasitic wasps to the lawn.
