Grass seed how long to grow

Some varieties of grass will require even less seed for this purpose. You will want to check the label of your grass seed for specifics related to the type of grass seed you are using. Although it seems like more grass seed would mean a thicker and more lush lawn, the truth is that putting down too much seed will not give you the desired effect.

In fact, putting down too much seed may have the opposite effect. In every square foot of soil, there is a finite amount of space, nutrients, water, and sunlight that can be used or shared. But there will be a race to survive with many seeds being choked out, or fail to grow and simply die off. Of course, you should always check the sowing instructions for the seed distribution density on the grass seed packaging. If in doubt use a thin spread of seeds , as you can always sow a second layer if the grass loos thinner than you expected.

You can always throw grass seed out into your lawn or soil and hope for the best. A lot of seeds will likely germinate and grow by their own volition.

Although you can scatter seed at any point during the growing season, you will get the best results if you align your seeding with the natural cycle of growth. Different varieties of grass will grow better at different times of the year, so be sure you get the right kind for your climate and planting season. Cool-season grasses grow best during cooler temperatures, usually in the fall and spring. These grasses do well in cooler areas of the United States, such as the northeastern areas. Cool-season grasses include:.

Warm-season grasses will germinate and grow best during the time of year when the temperatures are warmer, such as late spring and into the summer. They also grow well in warm climates, such as the southern areas of the United States.

Warm-season grasses include:. Choosing the right seed for the right time of year will help your lawn get off to a great start so it can grow and thrive.

Fall is the best time to grow cool-season grass seed. This is because the soil is still warm from the summer and the daytime temperatures are moderate, but not too hot. Cool evenings help keep the soil from getting too warm during the day.

This balance of temperatures creates the ideal conditions for cool-season grass seed to germinate. You will want to plant any cool-season seed a minimum of 45 days before the first frost for your growing zone so the grass has time to get established before the frost hits.

Fall precipitation means you will need to water less and the seed will be less likely to dry out. Overseeding for green winter grass is always done in fall, once temperatures drop and warm-season lawns begin to go dormant and lose color.

Proper timing allows all types of grass seedlings to root well and get established before natural stresses hit. What that looks like in your lawn can vary depending on your grass type, your growing region and the conditions in any given year. Grass types and varieties vary in their natural germination speeds.

For example, cool-season Kentucky bluegrass germination can take two to three times as long as tall fescue varieties. Similarly, warm-season Zoysia grass may take two to three times longer than Bermudagrass.

In addition, many seed products include a mix of seed types that germinate at different speeds. Whether you're repairing bare spots , overseeding an existing lawn or starting from scratch, you can generally expect grass seedlings to emerge within seven to 21 days when grown under proper conditions.

It may take another three to four weeks of growth before grass is long enough to mow. For fall-planted seed, this can mean waiting until spring for your first mowing.

Some grasses, such as Zoysia grass, may need several months of growth to fully establish. Much of the initial growth of new grass seedlings happens underground, where you can't see it.

New roots get grass firmly established, prepared for the seasons ahead and positioned for strong, rapid growth when their peak season arrives. With proper timing, new grass seedlings compete well for light, water and nutrients and fight off lawn diseases and pests, including lawn weeds.

Even when you plant your grass seed at the best possible time, your lawn still needs help to thrive. Whether this is your first lawn or you're the neighborhood expert, take some advice from turf professionals and get to know your grasses and your soil before you start seeding. Follow through on best practices for preparing and planting and don't neglect traditional tasks, such as fall lawn care , that help keep your grass and soil healthy, well-nourished and ready to support new growth.

Do your research to understand what's in a bag of grass seed and the company behind the seed. Pennington is committed to producing the finest grass seed products possible and providing you with educational resources to help your seed project succeed. By timing your lawn tasks properly, you can maximize your advantage and seed your way to the lawn of your dreams. Mugaas, R. Patton, A. Seeding your lawn is an economical and satisfying way to introduce healthy turf to your yard.

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Like many people with […]. Advertiser Disclosure. By Brian Sodoma Updated July 30, Understanding grass seed germination The first thing that influences how fast your grass will grow is the type of seed you use.

Get home decor deals instantly! Brian Sodoma is a freelance writer based in Phoenix, Arizona. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, biking, and exploring the outdoors. Email Address. Create Account. Related Articles. And the first aspect to look at […] Read More.