Seedhead Growth Becoming Active

As we move out of May and into June, air and soil temperatures are gradually increasing, along with the amount of daylight. As a result, there will be changes in your turf’s appearance as the grass plants begin their inflorescence, or seedhead production. This will cause the top growth in your lawn to change from deep green leaf tissue to a more stem-like growth habit. The actual seed heads will appear as small tufts on the tips of these stems, and will be most noticeable 2-3 days before mowing. Most of the seed produced is not viable as it is shattered during the mowing process. The color of the turf generally fades during this period, which is part of the natural growth cycle of grass plants and generally lasts for 3-5 weeks. Eventually, the seed heads and stems will grow out and be replaced by more leaf tissue. and the color will improve, as long as turf is not under stress.

Picture courtesy of Colorado State University.