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The Time for Grass Seeds to Germinate

Grass seeds germinate when soil temperatures favor their germination. For instance, cool season grass varieties germinate in the early spring. Whereas, warm season grass types germinate in the late spring. The time it takes grass seed to germinate after they have been sown in the soil depends on their type. Understanding more about grass seed germination helps you know when to plant your turf and how long to keep the soil moist to ensure healthy seedlings.

  1. Cool-season Grass Types

    • Cool-season grass types, like fescues, ryegrasses, bentgrasses and bluegrasses, germinate when soil temperatures reach 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit in the spring, according to Purdue University. Gardeners who wait for late summer to early fall to sow their grass seeds risk inadequate soil moisture for seed germination due to the hot summer temperatures. In addition, it is important for grass seed to establish before cold winter temperatures. Check your soil temperature right after the last frost date.

    Warm-season Grass Types

    • Warm-season grass types, such as Bermuda and buffalo, need soil temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit in order to germinate. Typically, soil temperatures are warm enough in the late spring or summer months depending on your climate. This grass type is particularly sensitive to cold temperatures. By measuring the soil temperatures, gardeners pinpoint the best time to plant warm-season grass varieties.

    Measuring Soil Temperatures

    • Soil temperatures are measured with a soil thermometer in the morning and afternoon. To measure the soil temperature, make a pilot hole into the first 6 inches of soil with a screwdriver. Place the soil thermometer inside of the hole. Cover the soil thermometer from the sunlight to prevent skewed results, advises Julie Day, writing for the website of syndicated house and garden columnist Danny Lipford. Take an average of both temperatures to achieve an accurate result. Make sure to check the soil temperature for four days to ensure that it remains consistent.

    Grass Seed Germination Times

    • After lawns have been sown with grass seeds, gardeners must keep the soil moist throughout germination. Grass seeds fail to germinate in dry soil. All types of grass seed have different germination times. For example, Bermuda grass germinates in five to 10 days, buffalo in 14 to 30 days, annual ryegrass in five to 10 days, creeping bentgrass in 10 to 14 days, Kentucky bluegrass in 14 to 30 days, red fescue in seven to 14 days and tall fescue in seven to 12 days, according to the University of California.

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Growing Grass
  1. How to Germinate Grass Seeds in Sandy Soil
  2. Do Grass Seeds Sink Into the Soil?
  3. How Long Is the Germination Time for Bermuda Grass Seed?
  4. Depth for Grass Seeds in the Soil
  5. Installation Recommendations for New Grass Seeds
  6. How to Prep for Planting Grass Seeds
  7. The Germination of Grass Seeds
  8. The Best Grass Seed for Poor Soil
  9. The Best Soil for Grass Seed
  10. The Best Soil Mix for Turf Grass
  11. The Best Temperature for Grass Seed to Germinate
  12. The Correct pH for Grass

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