Whenever I planted for a customer, their biggest question was, “How long does it take for grass seed to grow?” Everyone wants quick results, but the answer honestly depends on several factors.
In most cases, you should notice moderate growth from most grass seeds in around 10 to 14 days, but some warm-season grasses like Bermuda can take up to 30 days to germinate.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how long you should expect to wait for your grass seed to start bringing new life to your yard.
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What Factors Affect How Fast Your Grass Seed Will Grow?
Growing a beautiful lawn starts with your grass seed, but many factors can impact how fast it will grow:
- Germination
- Weather
- Type of grass seed
- Soil composition
In the next sections, we’ll break these down to help ease your nerves as you wait for your grass to grow.
Germination
Germination is the process by which a seed begins to grow and develop into a plant. When germination occurs, it’s the physical process of the seed breaking open and sprouting. Water, heat, and sun are three factors responsible for this process.
The type of seed you choose will determine how quickly this happens. Here are some popular grass seeds and their average germination rates:
- Bermuda grass: 7–14 days
- Kentucky bluegrass: 7–10 days
- Fescue: 7–14 days
- Ryegrass: 5–10 days
- Zoysia grass: 14–21 days
- Buffalo grass: 14–30 days
It’s worth noting that these are just averages, and the germination rate of your grass seed can be affected by other factors, such as weather and soil conditions, which I’ll get into next.
Weather
The weather will impact how fast your new grass seed grows. This is something that is out of your control, but it’s important to plant seeds during ideal growing conditions.
Most grass types are likely to germinate when the air temperature is between 60℉ to 75℉.
If the temperature drops below this range, it may delay the germination process — if it rises above it, the grass seed may not germinate.
If you’re worried about soil temperatures getting too low for your grass seed, cover the seed with hay. It acts as an insulator and helps preserve warmth and moisture in the ground, similar to how mulch does for your plants.
Beyond the temperature, drought and heavy rain will also impact your seed growth. Drought conditions can prevent the seed from receiving the necessary moisture to grow, while heavy rain can wash away the seed and soil.
While you may not have control over the weather three weeks from now, look at the extended forecast in your area and at least provide optimal temperatures in the future.
Type of Grass Seed
Some cool-season grasses, like fescue, can sprout in as little as seven days, while warm-season buffalo grass can take up to 30 days in ideal conditions.
Certain seeds work best in specific climates. For example, the mid-Atlantic and Midwest regions of the country grow fescue and Kentucky bluegrass. In the Southwest, the best choice is Bermuda or buffalo grass. Nature’s Seed has a great chart that breaks this down based on your location.
If you don’t use the right grass seed, it may not germinate at all, and if it does, it’ll grow slowly and be more susceptible to weather conditions that it’s not designed for.
Soil Composition
The quality of your soil will have a major impact on the growth of your seed. Soil that is too compacted can prevent the seed from taking root and receiving the necessary nutrients to grow. Conversely, soil that is too loose can cause the seed to dry out and prevent it from germinating.
The best soil for grass growth is loose and well-aerated. It should have a pH between 6.0–7.0. Now you might be saying, how am I supposed to know the pH of the dirt in my yard?
There are a lot of options that can help you, including test strips you can buy on Amazon or at your local garden center.
The next question is, how do you change your soil’s pH if it’s too high or too low?
- pH too low —Add a lime-based compound like agricultural limestone or wood ashes.
- pH too high —Increase nitrogen in the soil by adding compost and organic matter.
Time of Year
There’s a right and a wrong time to plant certain types of grass seed, and the more you know, the more it grows. Depending on the type of seed you’re growing, you’ll need to know what season gives it the best chance of growing.
Fall is For Cool-Season Grasses
You want to plant cool-season grass like Kentucky Bluegrass or Fine Fescue in the fall because it can tolerate the cooler temperatures and remain green all year long. In fact, most people don’t even see growth until the soil warms up in the spring because the seeds become dormant during the winter.
Spring is For Warm-Season Grasses
Turfgrass varieties like Bermuda and Zoysia are best for the spring because they require temperatures above 60°F for germination. Planting these in the spring gives them plenty of time to grow and thrive before the temperatures start to dip down.
Avoid These Common Mistakes When Growing Grass Seed
If you’re planning to overseed or spot grow in your yard, you’ll want to avoid these common mistakes I see homeowners make all the time:
Not preparing the soil. This one really gets me going because it’s so simple, but it makes such an impact. Make sure to rake the grass to remove loose grass, leaves, and twigs. If you’re trying to grow a new lawn and planting seeds in bare soil, rake it to allow the seeds to directly contact the dirt. You’ll thank me later.
Using the wrong grass seed for your region. Different types of grass are better suited for certain climates, soil types, and sun exposure. It’s important to research which type of grass will thrive in your area before purchasing and planting seeds.
Improper coverage rate. Planting too little or too much seed can lead to problems. You may have patchy or thin grass if you don’t use enough seed. Using too much can create competition for resources, and you’ll end up with overcrowded, unhealthy grass.
Overwatering. Overwatering your seeds is easy because you fear underwatering them. But too much water will promote fungal growth, which will kill grass sprouts. Be sure to water early in the morning or in the evening to prevent midday evaporation. Make sure water is not pooling on top of the soil.
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Tips You Should Follow for Optimal Grass Seed Growth
I don’t want you just to grow grass— I want you to cultivate a lush and beautiful green lawn that’s soft when you step on it with your bare feet. Sounds pretty sweet, right? These tips will help:
1. Ensure the Grass Gets Sun
It might sound obvious, but many homeowners think an area gets full sun when it really doesn’t. Your growing area needs at least six hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth. If you’re worried about the area not getting enough sun, choose a shade-friendly seed like creeping red fescue.
2. Plant Seeds at the Right Time
Timing is everything regarding planting grass seeds. Depending on your climate, the ideal time to plant grass seeds is early spring or early fall. This allows for moderate temperatures and consistent moisture levels, which will help your grass grow.
Use a geographical seed map to decide what grass seed is best for your location and when you should plant it.
Another thing I want to mention is, don’t overthink it too much. By this point, you might be so overwhelmed with information that you’re ready to throw in the towel. Just make sure you have the right seed and it’s warm enough outside. As long as you do that, you’ll be fine.
3. Provide the Right Amount of Water
Too much water isn’t good, and too little water isn’t good either. It’s important that you water the grass seed consistently and make sure everything stays in place. Don’t be one of those people who turns on the jet setting and sprays the grass seed into a pile in the corner of the yard.
A nice, consistent, and gentle mist will keep the soil moist without waterlogging it in various places.
4. Always Prepare the Soil
Prepare the soil, prepare the soil, prepare the soil. Do these things before planting your grass seed:
- Rake the grass to remove dead clippings, leaves, and twigs.
- Loosen the soil with a rake if planting on bare soil.
- Mow the grass low to ensure the seed reaches the soil when overseeding an existing lawn (also ensure to use top grass seed for overseeding)
- Lightly water the soil ahead of time to soften it.
5. Protect Your Grass Seed
Once you’ve planted your grass seed, protect it from external factors that may hinder its growth. Avoid foot traffic and keep pets away from the area. You can use a light covering of straw or mulch to protect the seed and retain moisture.
You also need to keep birds and squirrels in mind. They like seeds, so protecting the grass seeds with a layer of straw will deter them as well.
6. Don’t Fertilize Too Soon
Fertilizing is important for grass growth, but doing it too early is a huge mistake that will burn and kill the grass. Many fertilizers contain chemical compounds that are too harsh.
Wait until the grass has reached optimal mowing length before fertilizing it. This will help the grass develop strong roots that can absorb the nutrients from the fertilizer. For a more detailed guide on fertilizer application, we suggest you to read our article titled The ABCs of Fertilizers.
How Fast Does Grass Grow After Germination?
The rate of grass growth after germination can vary depending on various factors, such as the type of grass, climate, soil conditions, and maintenance practices. Generally, most grass seed germination will take about 7 to 30 days, depending on soil and weather conditions. Check out our article to see some methods for promoting rapid grass growth.
Here is a table that details what you can expect as far as growth for the top five types of grass in the U.S.:
| Grass Type | Growth Rate (Inches Per Week) |
| Bermuda Grass | 0.5–1.5 |
| Kentucky Bluegrass | 1–2 |
| Zoysia Grass | .5–1 |
| Perennial Ryegrass | 1–2 |
| Tall Fescue | 1–2 |
We’ve covered all factors that impact germination time in this guide. Refer to them if you’ve skipped around.
So, What Should I Do If My Grass Doesn’t Grow Fast Enough?
The main thing I like homeowners to understand is that you can’t force grass to grow. You simply need to follow the steps and go through the process of introducing fertilizer, water, and sun and let nature take care of the rest.
But it’s also critically important that you choose the right grass for your region. I hope this guide helped you understand more about growing grass and I look forward to hearing your success stories.
So, how long does it take for grass seed to grow? Now you know. But if you’ve reached this point and still think you can’t grow grass on your own, don’t worry. These two lawn care providers offer affordable and professional services to homeowners like you:
Frequently Asked Questions About Grass Seed Growth
Can you grow grass in 2 weeks?
It’s possible, but unlikely, that you’ll grow grass in two weeks. It can often take up to two weeks just for the grass to germinate and sprout.
How can I make my grass grow faster?
The key to getting grass to grow quickly is creating an environment that fosters growth. This means preparing the soil by removing debris and offering lime and fertilizer amendments. Selecting the right seed and watering it deeply and infrequently will help too.
How often do I water new grass?
You should supply new seed with about one inch of water per week, whether that comes from rainfall or watering.
