Most grass seed will start growing in about 10-14 days, but sometimes it can take up to 30 days. When you’re planting new grass seed in your yard, it can seem like it’s taking forever to start sprouting.
Factors That Affect How Long It Takes Grass To Grow
When you find yourself wondering, “seriously, how long does it take for grass to grow?!” just keep in mind a few factors that will affect the process:
- Type of grass seed
- Grass germination time
- Weather conditions
- Soil preparation & conditions
Learn more about how each of these growth factors will influence the time it takes for your new grass to grow.
Type of Grass Seed
How long it takes for grass seed to grow depends, of course, on the type of grass seed you’re using. Here in Northeast Ohio, most grass seed is what’s referred to as cool-season grasses. That type of grass seed grows best between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Some of the most common cool-season grasses in the Northeast Ohio area include Kentucky Bluegrass, Bentgrass, Ryegrass, and Fescue.
The best time to plant cool-season grasses is either in early spring or fall, when the plants are not subject to the often-excessive heat and drying conditions of summer.
Germination
Another growth factor in the time it takes for grass seed to grow is grass germination time. Germination is the process of a seed growing into a plant. The amount of time it takes for new grass to sprout, or germinate, from seed varies by grass seed type.
- Ryegrass: Ryegrass seeds usually grow in 5-10 days
- Fescue: Fescue seeds usually grow in 7-14 days
- Bentgrass: Bentgrass seeds usually grow in 10-14 days
- Kentucky Bluegrass: Kentucky Bluegrass seeds usually grow in 14-30 days
Weather
The weather conditions can affect how long it takes for grass to grow. Two of the most common factors that slow down grass growth are cooler than normal temperatures and overwatering from heavy spring rains.
You can’t necessarily avoid cooler than normal temperatures or heavy rain, but it’s a good idea to look at the long-range forecast before planting.
As mentioned previously, Northern Ohio cool-season grass grows best between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Planting during these temperatures may give you better results.
Soil Preparation and Conditions
In addition to ideal weather, monitor your grass soil conditions. Soil pH can affect how long it takes for grass to grow. Cool-season grasses prefer a soil pH in the 6.0 to 7.2 range.
To try to give your grass optimal watering conditions, water your soil a few days before adding grass seed. Saturate the ground to a depth of six to eight inches. After planting, water your grass seed one to two times per day, unless rainfall is keeping the soil moist.
And don’t forget to monitor for yard pests. These critters can inhibit grass health and growth. Protect vulnerable grass seed from hungry pests or destructive bugs to help your grass grow faster.
Help With Growing New Grass from Grass Seed
If you are trying to improve how long it takes for grass seed to grow, keep in mind the factors listed above and do what you can to provide the best conditions.
Plant during mild temperatures, using your preferred type of grass seed. Keep the soil moist but not too wet, and reach out for help if you need it.
For assistance with fertilization or pest control, the Grass Master offers our deluxe lawn care package, which offers fertilization, weed and pest control. We also offer more specific services.
For more lawn care tips from Grass Master, check out the information here.
