There are a lot of variables that come into play when considering how long grass seed takes to grow. Things like soil temperature, sunlight, seed type, and water factor into the growth of grass seed. Generally, grass seed will being to grow (germinate) between 5 to 30 days. It will take several weeks after it germinates to thicken up nicely.
Below we have provided the approximate germination times for some of the popular types of grass seed.
| Grass Type | Approximate Germination Time |
|---|---|
| Bahia | 7 to 28 Days |
| Bentgrass | 10 to 14 Days |
| Bermuda | 7 to 30 Days |
| Buffalograss | 14 to 30 Days |
| Centipede | 10 to 30 Days |
| Fescue | 7 to 14 Days |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 14 to 30 Days |
| Rygrass | 5 to 10 Days |
| Zenith Zoysia | 14 to 28 Days |
Table of Contents
Water Religiously
If you want the quickest germination results for your seed, it is vital that you water as recommended by the seed manufacturer.
This typically means at least once a day, but realistically twice or more daily. In hot or windy weather, you may need to increase your watering times.
The seed needs to remain moist in order to promote germination.They cannot dry out. You will end up watering dead seed and will inevitably be frustrated with the lack of results.
You also cannot flood the soil. If you notice the water pooling on the soil surface, you’re overdoing it. You should monitor your watering area to verify the seeds are remaining moist and the soil is not becoming over-saturated as you water.
Fertilizer
You cannot use crabgrass preventers, weed and feed products, or other types of traditional fertilizers on new grass. Only use starter fertilizer designed for grass seed.
These are suitable for establishing new lawns and will provide nutrients which will help produce a thicker lawn. Read the label of any product you use to verify it is okay to use on new grass/seed.
Planting Time
The best time to plant cool season grass seed (Kentucky Bluegrass, Fescue, Annual & Perennial Ryegrass, and Bentgrass) is in the fall and secondarily in the spring.
Early fall is best because weed growth is minimal, while soil temperatures have cooled off a bit from the long summer heat. Grass thrives during this time of year so take advantage of seeding then.
You can plant cool season seeds in the spring, but you run the risk of weed intrusion and potential cooler soil temperatures if you plant too soon in the season. Cool season grasses love air temperatures to be between the mid-60s to mid-70°F. Soil temperatures should exceed 50°F and be below 65°F for the best growing temperatures.
Warm season grasses (Bahia, Bermuda, Buffalo, Carpetgrass, Centipede, St. Augustine, and Zoysia) love warmer air temperatures between 80 and 95°F. Just like cool season grasses, you want to seed when optimal soil temperatures exist. This will be during hot weather conditions. Soil temperatures ideally should be in the lower to mid 80s when seeding.
