Skip to main content
Customize by ZIP Code

User account menu

  • HELP CENTER
  • Log in
Menu Search
Home Home
Ortho

Main Navigation (US)

  • Bugs

    • Products

    • Essential Oils

    • Tips & Solutions

    • Featured Products

      Ortho® BugClear™ Insect Killer for Lawns & Landscapes Ready-to-Spray Front
      Ortho® BugClear™ Insect Killer for Lawns & Landscapes Ready-to-Spray
      Ortho® Home Defense® Max Indoor Insect Barrier with Extended Reach Comfort Wand® Front
      Ortho® Home Defense Max® Indoor Insect Barrier with Extended Reach Comfort Wand®
    • Featured Articles

      House fly sitting on a table.
      How to Get Rid of Bugs Indoors
      Modern kitchen with white cabinets and an ant infestation.
      How to Get Rid of Ants in the Kitchen
  • Garden

    • Products

    • Tips & Solutions

    • Featured Products

      Ortho® Dial N Spray® Hose End Sprayer
      Ortho® Dial N Spray® Hose End Sprayer
      Front of package
      Ortho® MAX® Garden Disease Control Concentrate
    • Featured Articles

      Yellow Lady Bug on Leaf
      Vegetable Garden Pests
      Large spider on a spider-web.
      The Benefits of Spiders in the Garden
  • Weeds

    • Products

    • Tips & Solutions

    • Featured Products

      Ortho® GroundClear® Super Weed & Grass Killer1
      Ortho® GroundClear® Super Weed & Grass Killer<sub>1</sub>
      Front of packaging
      Ortho® WeedClear™ Lawn Weed Killer Ready-to-Use with Comfort Wand
    • Featured Articles

      Dandelions growing in a field.
      Dandelions
      Landscape with mulch, pink flowers, grass, and a hardscape.
      6 Tips for a Weed-Free Landscape
  • Pollinator Promise

  • Purpose

  • Help Center

Search

Breadcrumb

  1. Home
  2. Problems and Solutions
  3. Seedheads in Lawn -

Free shipping on all orders over $35!

Problem Solver Animal Marquee

Problem:
Seedheads in Lawn

Image of Seedheads in Lawn

Problem Info

Seedheads appear in the lawn in the spring. They are tough and hard to mow, and the lawn may appear white after mowing because of the shredded stems. Lawn grass naturally goes to seed. Seedheads are most likely to be perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, or tall fescue. In cool-season grass lawns, seedhead production is prompted by days in excess of 12 hours long, which occurs around the middle of May. Warm-season grasses may also produce seedheads, but do so in the summer, and their seedheads are not difficult to mow.

Analysis

Lawn grass naturally goes to seed. In cool-season grass lawns, seedhead production is prompted by days in excess of 12 hours long, which occurs around the middle of May. Seedhead production is heaviest when daytime temperatures are between 65&deg; and 75&deg;F, the weather is dry and the soil low in nitrogen. Some grass varieties produce more seedheads than others. Seedheads are most likely to be perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, or tall fescue. Rough bluegrass and annual bluegrass, two common lawn weeds, produce seedheads in the spring. Warm-season grasses may also produce seedheads, but do so in the summer, and their seedheads are not difficult to mow. Unless they are allowed to ripen for about 4 months, seeds will not sprout, either in the lawn or in a mulch or compost made from clippings. Seedhead production weakens grass by diverting energy to making seed.

Solution Advice

If grass is taller than usual, mow it at regular intervals, slowly lowering the mowing height until it is about 3 inches high. Do not mow lower in an attempt to halt seedhead production, but you may mow more frequently to maintain the appearance of the lawn. Use a sharp mower to avoid shredding the stems. Reduce seedhead production next year by fertilizing and watering regularly from early May through June. Nitrogen fertilizer and ample water encourage vegetative growth instead of seedhead production.

STILL NEED HELP?
TWEET US
LIVE CHAT
EMAIL US

Home

© 2022 The Scotts Company LLC. World rights reserved.

Ortho Family

  • Careers
  • Our Brands
  • Scotts Miracle-Gro

Resources

  • Check Order Status
  • Return Policy
  • Conditions of Use
  • Privacy Notice
  • About Cookies
  • About Interest Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell My Personal Information
  • Contact Us
  • Investor Relations
  • Site Map
  • Responsible Bug Disclosure Program

Connect

  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Footer menu

  • Privacy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
  • Our Brands
  • Investor Relations
  • Careers