How Long it Takes for Grass to Grow

Whether you’re reseeding or starting from scratch, growing grass can feel like a long and laborious process. For that reason, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting into, including how long it takes for grass to grow and how you can ensure your lawn has the best conditions for optimal results.

There is a lot to keep in mind when planting grass, from climate conditions to the type of grass that you’re seeking to cultivate. Here’s what to know as you get started, plus useful tips for helping your grass come in lush, green, and in an efficient time period.

How long does it take for grass to grow?

It takes anywhere from five to 30 days for grass seed to germinate depending on the type of grass you plant, and from there, you’ll usually find that it goes from seed to lawn in about one to two months.

Here’s what you can expect depending on the type of grass seed that you are using:

• • Bentgrass – 10 to 15 days to germinate
  • Bermuda – 10 to 30 days to germinate
  • Bluegrass – 20 to 30 days to germinate
  • Buffalo Grass – 14 to 28 days to germinate
  • Centipede Grass – 14 to 21 days to germinate
  • Fescue – 7 to 15 days to germinate
  • Rye Grass – 5 to 10 days to germinate

  At the end of the germination period, the majority of the seed will have sprouted and you’ll be on your way to fully grown grass.

  So what is seed germination? Germination refers to the process by which a plant goes from seed to sprout. How well (and how quickly) this happens depends on a range of factors, including moisture, light, warmth, and oxygen—all of which are necessary for germination to happen.

  Germination is one of the most crucial steps when considering how long it takes for grass to grow, since if your seed doesn’t germinate effectively, you’re not going to end up with the luscious lawn that you’re looking for.

  Factors that affect how long it takes for grass to grow

  How long it takes for grass to grow is highly dependent on the efficiency of the germination period. And while you don’t have total control over whether or not a particular grass seed germinates, there are quite a few things that you can do in order to increase your chances and see more of your seeds sprout into grass. Here are some of the big ones.

  The time that you plant

  The best time to plant grass seed is in the early fall. This is because your seeds will still have plenty of time to get the moisture they need without the ongoing risk of summer’s blazing temperatures. By this point in the year you can also expect that any existing weed problems (which can be a big issue for grass seed germination) are under control. Just plan to plant early in the fall, before temperatures start significantly cool down.

  How much water is in the soil

  Moisture is one of the most important elements for germinating grass seeds. To get your soil ready, heavily water it a few days before planting so that your seeds have a moist environment in which to take hold. Once your seeds are down, you can get started on a more consistent watering schedule—usually enough to keep the top two inches of soil nice and damp.

  How you plant your seeds

  Just sprinkling seeds onto the soil isn’t the best approach. Instead, you’ll want to create little pockets for your seeds, which can be achieved by gently raking the top layer of soil and then laying down your seeds from there. Then, use your hands or a roller to gently cover up the seeds so they’re not directly exposed to the elements, including heat, sun, and birds.

  Whether or not you add mulch

  How long it takes for grass to grow can also be affected by the nutrients you provide the seeds with. To make sure they’re getting everything that they need, consider adding a thin layer of mulch on top of your seeds—an eighth- or quarter-inch should be more than enough. In addition to providing some added nutrition, mulch will also help the soil retain more moisture, which can help speed up the germination process.

  Do keep in mind that it’s unlikely 100% of your grass seeds will germinate, even with the best of conditions. Look to the label on your seed packet to see what the germination rate is for the type of grass you are planting. A good germination rate is generally around 85%, though some varieties offer rates of closer to 90% or 95%. These rates can fall over time though, and if you store your seeds instead of planting them right away, you may decrease the germination rate by as much as 10% to 25% per year.

  Why isn’t my grass seed germinating?

  You’ve planted at the right time, protected your seeds from dangerous elements, and even added a layer of mulch but you’re not seeing results—what gives?

  Unfortunately, even following grass planting best practices doesn’t ensure that your seeds will effectively germinate. There are various additional factors that can impact grass growth, including some that are out of your control.

  If your lawn isn’t sprouting and you’re at a loss for why, one or more of these factors might be at play:

  • • The temperature wasn’t right. Planting in early fall should mean that your grass seeds have plenty of temperate weather remaining for them to germinate. But if a cold snap comes in—or if frost appears sooner rather than later in the season—it could have a negative effect on your grass growth.
    • The type of grass wasn’t ideal. There’s more to choosing what type of grass to plant than just color and texture. Certain types of grass are only suitable for certain climates, and if your grass won’t grow, that might be the issue. Your best bet is to do your research before seeding, either online or by asking an expert at your local nursery.
    • There wasn’t enough coverage. Unlike many plants, which require careful spacing in order to grow, you want pretty complete coverage when planting grass seeds. Look to your seed label to find out how many pounds of seed are recommended per square foot of land.

    Benefits of seeding over sod

    Do all of the variables around how long it takes grass to grow have you wondering why you should even bother waiting around?

    Laying down sod is the quickest way to get a luxurious lawn, allowing you to go from dirt to grass in a single day. That being said, there are some pretty big advantages to seeding your grass that might make it worth the wait.

    The first thing to note is that seeding is significantly cheaper than sod. When you buy sod, you’re paying not just for grass but for the work that went into growing it—including germination. With labor and materials, you could easily end up spending between $2,000 and $4,000 for a 2,000 square foot lawn, versus the $280 it costs on average to seed the same amount of space.

    Seed usually outperforms sod when it comes to quality, too. While sod tends to root quicker than seed, its roots usually aren’t as strong, which could lead to a less healthy lawn over time. Seeding instead of sodding also means that you don’t have to deal with any sensitivities due to transplant issues, and you have a lot more control over selecting the perfect type of grass for your yard.

    Frequently asked questions about seeding grass

    Seeding a lawn is a home improvement project that even beginners can do, but it’s normal to have some questions about the process. Here are some quick answers to common questions that you might have about how long it takes grass to grow and how to get optimal results.

    Why is it bad to plant grass in the spring?

    While spring may seem like the natural time to plant things in your yard, your grass seeds won’t quite have enough time to establish strong growth before summer’s heat arrives. Plant in the early fall instead, when there’s less risk of too much warmth harming their growth.

    What causes germination to happen?

    Moisture is the biggest factor, with seeds requiring just the right amount of it in order to sprout. Other factors, like heat and soil type, will affect moisture levels and so are equally essential to pay attention to.

    How often should I reseed?

    To keep your lawn looking lush, plan to reseed every three to four years. This will give you time to get fresh grass growing before bare patches appear.