Length of Germination of Grass Seed

Wait at least one week for grass seed to sprout, depending on the variety.

Grass seed takes varying amounts of time to sprout. It relies on moisture, nutrients and temperature for the right conditions to develop roots. Variables such as temperature fluctuations will change the amount of time it takes to germinate.

Types

The fastest grass seed to germinate is rye grass, which sprouts in five to 10 days. Fescue grass is next, germinating in seven to 15 days. Bermuda grass and bentgrass sprout in as little as 10 days. Centipede and buffalo grass germinate in two to four weeks, whereas bluegrass can take up to 30 days.

Considerations

Check the grass seed label. The expected germination rate (the percentage of seeds that will sprout) is on the package. The best seed has a rate of 90 to 95 percent, but some types of grass seed will be closer to 80 percent.

Potential

Test the grass seed so you know type of germination to actually expect. Sow a sample area of grass seed in a pot or protected area. They will germinate a few days before the rest of the grass, because the soil is warmer.

References

• The Garden Counselor Lawn Care: Understanding Grass Seed Germination
• All About Lawns: Grass Seed Germination: Is Yours on Schedule?
• Life 123: Grass Seed Germination