Variability in creeping bentgrass cultivar germinability as influenced by cold temperatures

Re-establishing creeping bentgrass greens after winter damage can be a significant challenge in cold climates. Golf course superintendents require creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) cultivars that are able to germinate under suboptimal temperatures to ensure early spring play. Little is known about cultivar differences for cold temperature germination; therefore, we assessed the germinability of 21 creeping bentgrass cultivars in a controlled environment. Temperature treatments represented a range of spring temperatures in Minnesota from 7 April to 25 May. Germination began occurring at the 19 April treatment. Top-performing cultivars included Proclamation, Declaration, and Pure Select while Independence and Memorial performed poorly. Overall, we found that temperatures below 45°F do not allow for sufficient creeping bentgrass germination regardless of cultivar. There were few relevant differences for the 25 May treatment. Golf course superintendents should carefully consider cultivar differences when seeding at suboptimal temperatures.