How Long Does It Take for Grass to Grow? – All You Need to Know

Everyone wants to have a good-looking lawn. However, not everyone has the funds to install sod. Therefore, the best alternative is planting grass seeds when you want to repair your lawn or start a new one. On such an occasion, you might wonder, ‘how long does it take for grass to grow?’

The exciting news is that it doesn’t take very long for the grass to grow; this article answers your question and other information you need to know.

How Long Does It Take Grass to Grow from Seeds

Grass seeds usually germinate at different rates. However, it depends on factors like soil moisture, grass species, weather, and the time of year. Germination usually takes 5-10 days, and once the grass seeds germinate, they will begin to grow at about 2/3cm weekly. Most times, the growth speed depends on the seed species you planted. 

It usually takes 7-21 days for the first grass shoots to poke out of the soil. Once the first shoots appear, grass can take up to four weeks to reach the ideal mowing length. An example is a zoysia, which is a warm-season grass. This type of grass will take much longer to grow than other warm-season grasses like bermudagrass. 

You can provide the ideal conditions for growing grass seeds when you plant them before their peak growing seasons. The growing season is quite different from the planting season. To prepare for spring growth, you must plant cool season grasses in the fall. On the other hand, it’s best to plant warm-season seeds earlier in the summer or during the late spring.

Factors Affecting How Long It Takes for Grass to Grow

The answer to the question ‘how long does it take for grass to grow?’ depends on several factors. One has to consider the grass species as it determines the germination time, the time of the year to ensure it is ideal for the grass seed, and the soil moisture. Below we’ll break down the factors.

Time of Year

The time of the year is one factor that determines how long grass takes to grow from seed. In addition, the time of the year determines the germination rate of the seed. Cold soil temperature and air tend to prevent germination. Therefore, you should avoid sowing the seeds in winter; they will not germinate.

Additionally, a cold spring can also delay the germination of grass seeds by some weeks. Essentially, this would leave the seed vulnerable to being eaten by birds or blown away. On the other hand, hot summers can also affect the growth of grass seeds. This is because the warm conditions would dry the soil out. To enjoy smooth germination, the temperature needs to be at least 8°C.

Soil Moisture

Another factor that determines the answer to the question, ‘how long does it take for grass to grow?’ is the soil moisture. Grass seeds thrive in moist soil. This means the soil shouldn’t be too wet or too dry. Ensure you keep the soil relatively moist if you want smooth germination. It’s also essential to stop puddles from forming on the soil, which could wash the seeds away and slow the germination rate.

Monitor the soil moisture and ensure your cold-season grasses have a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.2. Additionally, water your soil a few days before adding grass seeds. After planting, water your grass seeds one or two times daily. However, there’s no need if rainfall keeps the soil moist.

Grass Species

There are different grass seeds, and they germinate at different rates. Therefore, you can plant seed mixtures as they tend to germinate faster. An example is a ryegrass and red fescue; they tend to germinate after four days. However, other seed mixtures take longer than two weeks to grow. 

Ryegrass seeds take 5-10 days to germinate, while Bentgrass takes 10-14 days to grow. Knowing how long the plant would take helps you determine the right time to plant. When planting cool-season grasses, ensure you plant them in early spring or fall.

Growing the Grass Year-Round

A smart decision you can make when starting a lawn is to overseed warm-season grass with cool-season grass. This would ensure that your lawn enjoys year-round green. However, to determine the answer to ‘how long does it take for grass to grow,’ below is a breakdown of cool-season and warm-season grasses. 

Cool-Season Grasses

If you want your grasses to grow quickly, you should opt for cool-season grasses. These grasses tend to thrive in soil temperatures between 50-65°F which corresponds with air temperatures between 60-75°F. When you provide proper care for the cool-season grasses, they can grow from seed to full grasses in less than 30 days. 

These plants love early autumn because the soil is still warm during this period. This temperature is also ideal for fast germination. However, research shows that the perfect time to plant them is late summer to early fall. 

Warm Season Grasses

Unlike cool-season grasses, these grasses take much longer to germinate. They also grow more slowly than cool-season grasses because of the extensive period it takes for the root to develop. Warm-season grasses like hot and cold weather would affect the germination process.

To ensure quick germination, ensure the soil temperature is between 60-75°F. The daytime temperature should also be above 80°. Although they could be long enough for mowing within two months, it takes much longer to establish fully. 

Final Thoughts

When considering the essential question ‘how long does it take for grass to grow?’ It’s important to note that timing matters. Cool-season grasses and warm-season grasses have different germination processes. Other factors determining how long the grass would take to grow from seed include the time of the year, grass species, and soil moisture. 

Regardless of temperature, providing optimal light, water, and nutrients is essential to foster consistent growth of grasses. Once you figure out the germination process of your grass seeds, your grass will thrive and produce a lush green lawn.