Grass seeds are essential to growing a beautiful and healthy lawn. If it’s your first time planting these seeds, you are probably wondering how long it takes grass seeds to grow.
It takes grass seeds about 10 to 14 days to grow, but this duration varies as many factors determine how fast these seeds grow.
This article has provided vital information on these factors and additional information that will be valuable to you when growing these seeds.
What Is The Best Time To Plant Grass Seeds?
According to experts, the best time to plant grass seeds is during late spring or early summer; in other words, you can plant your grass seeds between May and June.
This period is the ideal time because there will be less rainfall that will wash away your seeds after planting, and at this period, the temperature is great for your seeds to grow (about 80 degrees)
But some seeds grow best during cooler seasons. These seeds should be planted during late summer, around August, and the temperature should be between 65 and 75 degrees.
Lawn maintenance processes like the application of herbicide should be done a month before planting your seeds to prevent the chemicals from negatively affecting the seeds.
How Long Does Grass Seed Take To Grow
As mentioned earlier, results usually take about 7 to 14 days to be visible. Still, this duration depends on several factors like the type of seed used and environmental and soil conditions.
1. Type of Seed Used
In terms of germination, seeds fall under two major categories. Warm-season grass seeds and cool-season grass seeds. Warm-season grass seeds are usually planted around late spring and early summer, while cool-season grass seeds are usually planted around late summer.
Some common warm-season grass seeds include Bermuda grass seeds, Centipede grass seeds, Zoysia grass seeds, St. Augustine grass seeds, and Bahia grass seeds. Some cool-season grass seeds include Kentucky bluegrass, rye grass seeds, Fine fescue grass seeds, and chewing fescue grass seeds.
2. Germination
Different types of grass seeds take different times to germinate. And while there is an estimated time frame for this germination, it is important to know the individual germination period for some common grass seeds.
Ryegrass:
- Sprouts within5 to 10 days
- Low drought resistance and high water demand
- Intolerant to extreme heat and low temperatures
Kentucky bluegrass:
- Sprouts within 14 to 30 days
- Somewhat resistant to drought
- Thrives in a fine-textured soil
- Endures cold and is disease resistant
- Grows on moderate sun exposure
Bermuda grass:
- Grows within 7 to 10 days
- Has a very high resistance to drought
- Thrives on full exposure to the sun
- Regenerate quickly
Centipede grass:
- Grows within 14 to 21 days
- Moderate water demand
- Grows best on exposure to full sun. However, It does okay under the shade
- Coarse texture
Fine fescue grass:
- Grows within 10 to 14 days
- Low water demand
- Grows in thatches
- It is not very resistant to disease, and it is prone to bugs
- Regenerates slowly
- Requires little fertilizer
3. Weather
The two basic weather elements that affect grass seeds’ growth are very low temperatures and heavy rainfall. A lower temperature is not the ideal state for your grass seeds to germinate, even for cool-season grass seeds. Heavy rainfall, however, can lead to erosion that can wash away your seeds.
It is important to be up to date with your weather forecast to determine the best period to plant these grass seeds. To control the erosion problem, you can use netting made of coconut fibers to keep your soil and seeds intact. Straws are another alternative to consider. These control methods will be useful in areas with a high level of rainfall.
4. Soil Conditions
The type of soil you sow your grass seeds into determines how long it might take to grow. An ideal soil should have a pH level between 6.0 and 7.2 and be moist at all times to support the growth of these seeds. Look out for pests that may inhibit growth and eliminate them in a way that will not affect your grass seeds.
5. Light Intensity
Some grass seeds like fescue thrive under the shade, while others like Bermuda grow well under full sun exposure. It is important to know the amount of light these grass seeds need individually, as it allows you to create a better environment to facilitate their growth.
How to Choose The Right Grass Seeds For Your Lawn
A healthy lawn is a common feature of most American homes, and to achieve this look, you will also need to evaluate the type of grass seeds you use.
The most important factor is going for quality seeds that will not be affected easily by external conditions; these can be obtained in nurseries and stores.
It is also helpful to study the requirements of the seeds you choose. Below are some ways you can choose the right grass seeds.
1. Perform a Soil Test
This test is essential to determine the type of grass seeds that will grow best on your soil. A major factor of this soil test is the pH level, which has a say on what type of grass seeds will grow well in your soil. To carry out this test, you will need to follow the process below
- divide your lawn
- take soil samples from different parts of your lawn you intend to plant these grass seeds
- the all the soil samples and weigh them
- send them to a cooperative extension service
- wait for about 2 weeks to get your result
2. Study The Seeds
If you already have a target seed you intend to grow on your lawn, then you must know the details about these seeds.
Some crucial information to gather includes the amount of water, light, and fertilizer it needs to grow well. You should also evaluate the activity that takes place on your lawn as it helps you choose the right seeds.
For example, if you have kids playing on your lawn or this area is usually used for sporting activities, it is best to select Bermuda grass seeds as they can withstand so much without easily turning brown.
And if you usually have pool time on your lawn, your best match is a Kentucky bluegrass, as it can mend itself to fill up patched spots. But then, this grass also requires frequent mowing and application of fertilizer.
3. Assess The Local Variety of Performance Data
Take a stroll in your neighborhood and look at the lawns around you. Determine what grass seeds grow better in your area based on your neighbors’ yard type. A grass seed type populated in one area indicates a possibility of successful growth in your area.
4. Decide
After all this research, you should list the species you are considering and select one that you know will do best based on the results of your research. You should also make a budget that covers the cost of growing a healthy lawn.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this segment, we have answered frequently asked questions that you may find valuable on your journey to grow a healthy lawn.
Do I Need To Rake in Grass Seeds?
Yes, you need to rake in grass seeds. After spreading these seeds on your lawn, use a rake to bury them about ¼ inches below the ground. Burying your seeds deeper than this will prevent them from getting the sunlight they need for growth.
Will Grass Seeds Grow If I Throw Them Down?
It will and will not grow. Some of these seeds spread around on your lawn may grow, while others may be carried away by wind or water, or they may not even grow from inconsistent soil coverage. This is why it is important to rake the seeds after planting them on your lawn.
Should I Soak Grass Seeds Before Planting?
It is not necessary to soak your grass seeds before planting, but if you wish to do so, you should soak your seeds for about 24 hours, then you can drain the water. You can now dry these seeds for a few days before planting them.
Conclusion
Growing a lush lawn may seem easy, but it demands attention and research. We have seen that some grass seeds grow well in the warm season while others do so in the cool season. We have also explained how long these grass seeds take to grow and the factors that affect this growth.
Choosing the right grass seeds to plant also determines how successful this growth will be, and fortunately, we have guided you through these steps of choosing the right grass seeds for your lawn.
Helpful Links:
- Does Grass Seed Go Bad
- Tips for Growing Lavender in Florida
- Can You Dethatch St. Augustine Grass?
- How to Grow Yellow Daisies in Your Garden
We trust this article helped you know how long grass seeds take to grow. You may also want to check out The Best Time To Plant Bermuda Grass Seeds?
Thanks for taking the time to read our article, and we hope you find it helpful. Would you mind leaving a comment below if you have any suggestions?
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