Origin
Poa curvula Schrad., commonly known as "Tall Fescue", is a perennial plant native to South America and is found throughout Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, Chile, and Bolivia. It has been introduced to many other parts of the world as a forage grass for livestock and as an ornamental plant.
Common Names
The common names for Poa curvula Schrad. include tall fescue, curly bluegrass, and meadow fescue. In South America, it is known as "Pasto ovillo" or "Pasto llorón", which translates to "ball grass" or "weeping grass", due to its drooping habit.
Uses
Poa curvula Schrad. is primarily used as a forage grass for livestock, as it is highly nutritious and can withstand heavy grazing. It is also commonly used as an ornamental grass in gardens and parks, due to its attractive appearance. The plant has strong, fibrous roots, which make it ideal for erosion control on hillsides and steep slopes.
General Appearance
Tall Fescue has deep green, narrow leaves that can be flat or slightly curled, and grow up to 30 cm in length. The plant forms a dense, clumping habit with a deep root system. The inflorescence is a narrow panicle that stands upright to two feet tall. It has been known to develop a matted root system, which helps it to survive in tough growing conditions such as drought or flooding.
Light Requirements
Poa curvula Schrad. requires full sunlight to thrive. It is not shade tolerant and needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Insufficient light can lead to stunted growth and reduced vigor.
Temperature Requirements
The optimum temperature range for Poa curvula Schrad. is between 15 to 30°C. However, it can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, including high temperatures up to 40°C and frost down to -10°C. Extreme temperatures outside of this range can negatively impact growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Poa curvula Schrad. grows best in well-drained soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. It can tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soils. The soil should be loamy or sandy with high organic matter content. Poorly drained soils or heavy clay soils should be avoided as they can lead to root rot and other diseases.
Cultivation
Poa curvula Schrad. is a cool-season grass that thrives in areas with high elevations, cold winters, and moderate rainfall. The plant grows best in well-drained soils and full sun. It is recommended to plant Poa curvula in the spring or early fall when soil temperatures are between 12 to 20°C.
Watering needs
Poa curvula Schrad. requires frequent watering during its establishment period. It is recommended to water the plant daily for the first two weeks after planting to ensure maximum soil moisture. Once established, Poa curvula requires moderate watering. The plant should be irrigated with 2.5 cm of water per week during the growing season. Irrigation should be adjusted during periods of drought or high temperatures.
Fertilization
Fertilization is crucial for the growth and development of Poa curvula Schrad. The plant requires a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen is the most important nutrient for Poa curvula Schrad., and it should be applied in split doses during the growing season. It is recommended to apply 2 to 3 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet per year. Fertilization should be timed to coincide with active growth periods.
Pruning
Poa curvula Schrad. does not require frequent pruning. However, to maintain its aesthetic appearance and to promote healthy growth, the plant should be mowed regularly. It is recommended to mow Poa curvula at a height of 5 to 8 cm during the growing season. Mowing should be done when the plant is dry to avoid damage to the leaves. Poa curvula should not be mowed too low, as this may result in damaged roots and decreased growth.
Propagation of Poa curvula Schrad.
Poa curvula Schrad., also known as the Texas bluegrass or Curly Bluegrass, can be propagated by seed, division, or by sod. The propagation method used depends on the resources available, the desired outcome, and the time of year.
Seed Propagation
The most common way to propagate Poa curvula Schrad. is through seed. The best time to sow the seeds is in the fall or early spring when temperatures are cooler. The seed can be sown in the ground or in containers. Sow the seeds at a depth of ¼ inch and make sure the soil is moist. Seeds will germinate within two to three weeks with optimal temperatures between 50-70°F.
Division Propagation
Another way to propagate Poa curvula Schrad. is through division. This method is best used in the late spring or early fall when the plants are actively growing. Use a sharp knife to divide the plant and make sure that you have both roots and shoots in each division. Replant the divisions as soon as possible and make sure to water them well.
Sod Propagation
Sod is a quick and easy way to propagate Poa curvula Schrad. However, it can be more expensive than other methods. Sod can be purchased from a nursery or can be harvested from an existing lawn. Make sure to choose healthy, disease-free sod. Plant the sod immediately after it has been harvested and water it well.
Disease Management
Poa curvula Schrad. is mostly susceptible to fungal diseases. One of the most common diseases that affect Poa curvula Schrad. is dollar spot. The disease causes small, silver dollar-sized spots on the blades of grass that later turn brown and merge to form large patches. The best way to manage the disease is by cultural practices such as proper irrigation, increasing soil fertility, and preventing excessive thatch accumulation.
Brown patch is another prevalent fungal disease that can attack Poa curvula Schrad. Brown patch presents as brown, circular patches that range from six inches to a few feet in diameter. Brown patch can also be managed through cultural practices such as avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilizer use and mowing at the right height.
Red thread and rust are other fungal diseases that can affect Poa curvula Schrad. These diseases can be managed with proper irrigation and avoiding late-season nitrogen fertilization.
Pest Management
Pests that commonly attack Poa curvula Schrad. include mites, billbugs, and chinch bugs. Mites can cause the grass to turn yellow, while billbugs and chinch bugs cause patchy damage to the blades of grass.
The best approach for managing pests is to keep the grass healthy and robust through cultural practices such as proper irrigation, adequate fertilization, and timely mowing. Also, use insecticides and miticides only as necessary and apply them following the label instructions.
