What Type of Grass Grows the Fastest?
A lush green lawn can make your home more attractive and appealing. You can become the envy of your neighborhood if you master the art of growing a lawn. If you want a lawn right away, you can have one by laying down sod, which is sold in rolls, similar to carpet. But sod can be expensive, so consider planting your lawn from one of several fast-growing seed varieties, such as ryegrass, bluegrass, Bermuda grass or buffalo grass. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Grass Varieties
-
Consider your climate before you purchase grass seed. If you live in the southern part of the United States, you'll probably do best with a warm season grass, such as Bermuda grass or buffalo grass. If you live farther north, or if you intend to plant your lawn in a predominantly shady area, choose a cool season grass such as ryegrass, bluegrass or bentgrass.
Warm Season Fast-Growing Grasses
-
The warm season grasses generally germinate more slowly than cool season varieties, but after 14 to 21 days, Bermuda grass and buffalo grass grow quickly. After only three weeks of planting, you may need to begin mowing your Bermuda grass or buffalo grass. Both of these types tend to die back and turn brown in the winter---to maintain year-round greenery, overseed your lawn with a cool season grass seed in the fall.
-
Cool Season Fast-Growing Grasses
-
Homeowners in the northwest or coastal western United States often plant ryegrass because of its quick growing nature and attractive dark green color. Perennial ryegrass is the fastest of the cool season grasses to germinate---within only five days you may see a hint of green in your planting area. Second to this are the bentgrasses and annual ryegrass, all of which germinate within 7 to 14 days. Kentucky bluegrass comes in third with an 8 to 21 day germination period. After their seeds sprout, all of these grasses are considered fast growers.
Caring for Your Lawn
-
Whether you plant a cool season or a warm season grass, it will require some care and feeding in order to keep it green and attractive. Water newly planted grasses every day for the first three months, then gradually cut back to once each week. But water deeply when you do. Lawns need fertilizer during periods of rapid growth, usually from March through June, and September through November. Select a lawn fertilizer with a ratio of 20-5-10 to give your lawn plenty of nitrogen.
Hints and Tips
-
Before you plant grass seed, improve the soil in your planting area by digging in compost or well-rotted manure, or both. If you want a fast-growing grass, avoid the fescues and centipede grass. Some advertising claims are made about miraculous fast-growing grasses; beware of these claims, and research the best type of lawn for your particular climate and growing conditions by consulting with local lawn professionals. Avoid over watering and over fertilizing all lawns.
-
