Astor is a blend of three elite Kentucky Bluegrass varieties originating from the Jacklin Seed breeding program with the added features of the elite Kentucky Bluegrass Skye. Beautiful color, short cut tolerance, excellent disease resistance, and sod strength are the outstanding characteristics of this blend. The varieties used in Astor Sod Blend are some of the highest rated varieties for turf grass quality "Schedule B" in the NTEP Trials.
| Northern Zone Planting Dates |
Early to mid-spring
Late summer to early fall
Winter dormant seeding |
| Transitional Zone Planting Dates |
NA |
| Southern Zone Planting Dates |
NA |
| Planting Depth |
1/4 inch |
| Amount of Sunlight |
Full sun |
| Soil pH |
6.5 - 7.0 |
| Fertilizer |
Starter such as 12-12-12 at seeding; follow up with slow release fertilizer such as 25-0-8 as needed |
| Primary Usage |
Sod |
| Soil Type |
Mineral and peat |
| How to Plant |
Drill |
Genetic Diversity in Sod Blends
By: Dan Biddick
The issue of genetic diversity within sod blends has been neglected by most of the seed industry. Any time we plant a field, we need to do everything we can do to prepare ourselves for what Mother Nature has in store. Spreading our risk with genetic diversity is an old concept packed with common sense.
Selecting Kentucky bluegrass varieties for our sod blends has become complicated and technical. There are color ratings, quality ratings, emergence ratings, type designations, DNA studies, significant price differences and more. All this well-intended data can be downright confusing at times.
Furthermore, the distribution of Kentucky bluegrass varieties to sod growers has narrowed into marketers who are aligned with one supplier through agreements, contracts or outright purchase of the distributor. This arrangement limits the sod grower’s access to varieties and genetics.
The good news is, with today’s availability of so many good Kentucky bluegrass varieties from so many different sources, responsible seed companies can broaden the genetic base of their sod blends while maintaining quality and excellent color. This one simple concept can significantly reduce our risk with respect to the many variables of Mother Nature.
By choosing not to be tied to a single breeder, Deer Creek Seed is able to support and offer greater varietal diversity to the grower’s advantage. Examples:
Skye Kentucky Bluegrass
- Superior sod strength
- Excellent color
- High resistance to Necrotic Ring Spot
- Consistent top performer across NTEP trial locations and categories
Award Kentucky Bluegrass
- 60% Blend of three improved Kentucky Bluegrass varieties
- Jacklin Seed’s #1 all-time, top-selling Kentucky Bluegrass
- Planted on over 100,000 acres of turf in over 20 countries
- Density fights encroachment of Poa annua
- 7.5 color rating in 2000 NTEP