Looking for the quickest way to get a luscious and green lawn? Look no further than the best grass seed for quick growth! We've done the research and testing to bring you the top picks for grass seed guaranteed to sprout up fast and give you a stunning lawn in no time.
In fact, our top pick can germinate in as little as five days! With a blend of innovative seed varieties and expert craftsmanship, these top-performing seeds have been designed with one goal in mind: to give you a beautiful yard with minimal time and effort. Whether you're a landscaping pro or a first-time gardener, our comprehensive guide has everything you need to know to choose the perfect grass seed for your yard. Let's dive in!
Related: Best grass seed for shaded areas
TL;DR
Our top picks, backed by comprehensive research and testing, include perennial ryegrass, annual ryegrass, fine-leaf fescues, Kentucky bluegrass, and Bentgrasses. With their fast germination times and vibrant hues, these seeds are crafted to provide a stunning lawn with minimal effort. For instance, perennial ryegrass establishes swiftly and pairs well with other varieties, while annual ryegrass germinates within 5-10 days, offering a quick solution to lawn greenery.
Fine-leaf fescues provide a lush, green lawn but require careful attention, whereas Kentucky Bluegrass creates a dense, dark-green turf, perfect for high traffic areas. Lastly, Bentgrasses quickly grow to withstand heavy foot traffic. Remember, the best choice largely depends on your specific location, soil, and climate conditions.
Perennial Ryegrass
Looking for a grass seed that is both fast-growing and of good quality? Look no further than perennial ryegrass! This species is a staple cool-season grass that germinates and establishes itself very quickly after seeding. Its fine-textured blades are soft and add a touch of luxury to any lawn.
At ColumbiaFlorist, we tested a variety of grass seeds and found that perennial ryegrass was one of the fastest-growing cold-season grasses we tried. Whether you are looking to overseed a warm-season lawn in the winter or create a new lawn altogether, perennial ryegrass is a top-quality option.
Also read: Best grass seed for Northern Virginia
One of the best things about perennial ryegrass is that it pairs well with other varieties, such as Kentucky bluegrass. For a new lawn, combining these two types of grasses can create a dark green, fine-textured lawn that is both aesthetically pleasing and fast-growing.
However, be sure to avoid the 'Linn' variety of perennial ryegrass, which is poor quality and short-lived. Additionally, avoid annual ryegrass, which has a rough texture and thins over time.
Annual Ryegrass
Annual ryegrass has a germination time of just five to ten days. This makes it the ideal choice for those who want to see quick results. Its growth is so fast that in just a few weeks, you'll have a green blanket of grass in your lawn.
The annual ryegrass species produces a beautiful, dark green hue that exhibits a fine texture that is pleasing to the eye. It is amongst the cheapest and most accessible grass seeds available, making it an excellent choice for homeowners who want a quick solution to their lawns' greenery.
In my tests, annual ryegrass proved to be incredibly durable and resistant to disease and drought. It can thrive in almost any soil type but prefers well-drained, fertile soils. Annual ryegrass can grow up to six feet tall, which makes it highly versatile and can serve other purposes such as livestock grazing.
However, one should be cautious because if annual ryegrass is not managed well, it could lead to long-term thinning and undesirable rough texture. Also, it should be noted that the annual ryegrass is not a good option for regions that experience harsh winter conditions.
Fine-leaf Fescues
Hard fescue was the best performer in the group, providing quick growth and a lush, green lawn. One downside though, these greens do not handle foot traffic well and should be infrequently mowed. They require at least two hours of direct sunlight, making them a great choice for those areas of the garden that are a bit harder to grow grass in.
Fine fescue is a type of grass that comes in many varieties, each of which has a very fine texture and a gray-green color. Because they grow so fast, they are often added to other grass seed mixes with thicker textures, resulting in a medium-textured layered grass. This gives your lawn a fuller, more textured look, with the thicker texture coming in later and the thin coming in first.
Fine fescue is also another cold-tolerant grass, meaning that it can keep your lawn nice and green in the winter. It's also very drought tolerant, making it an ideal choice for those areas of the country where water can be scarce.
If you're looking for the best grass seed for quick growth, fine-leaf fescues should not be missed. While they may require a bit of extra care and attention, the lush, green lawn they can provide is well worth the effort. Just be sure to keep them out of high traffic areas and give them the right amount of sunlight, and you'll have a lawn that's the envy of the neighborhood.
Kentucky Bluegrass
When it comes to finding the best grass seed for a quick-growing, dense and dark-green lawn, the Kentucky Bluegrass is often referred to as a top pick. With the ability to handle both foot and paw traffic, this widely grown grass across the United States produces a beautiful and high-quality looking turf.
While being relatively slow to establish from seed, those wanting immediate results could purchase it as sod for a fast result. Kentucky Bluegrass isn't actually blue, of course, but instead displays a dark green hue that can be incredibly attractive when covering large areas of land. The grass is also considered aggressive in the way that it spreads, ensuring that any bare spots will quickly be filled in creating an even, beautiful lawn.
With the ability to withstand both cold winters and hot summers, Kentucky Bluegrass is a real type of grass that's known for producing dense and fine-textured turf. So if you're after a lawn that's able to handle a lot of use but still looks amazing, Kentucky Bluegrass could well be the solution you've been searching for.
Bentgrasses
When it comes to finding the best grass seed for quick growth, there are many options on the market. However, one type of grass seed that stands out is Bentgrass. This option has become increasingly popular for its ability to grow quickly and withstand heavy foot traffic and frequent mowing.
It is important to note that Bentgrasses require at least six hours of sunlight daily, although they can still tolerate partial shade. After planting, these seeds take about two weeks to germinate, and they can reach maturity within three to five weeks. This makes Bentgrass ideal for those who want a quick green lawn.
Consistent moisture is crucial for optimal growth, so homeowners will need to maintain its watering regime. Bentgrass also prefers cooler air temperatures between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a practical choice for northern climates.
In addition to its fast growth, Bentgrass also provides a beautiful green hue that is very appealing. It has a fine texture that sets it apart from other grass varieties and provides a luxurious look that is desired by golf course architects worldwide.
When it comes to finding the best grass seed for quick growth, Bentgrass checks all the boxes and is worth looking into. So, make sure to consider it when looking for the perfect grass seed for your lawn.
Questions you might be asking
What is the best grass seed for quick growth?
There are several types of grass seed that are known for their quick growth, such as Bermuda grass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue. However, the best grass seed for quick growth largely depends on your specific location and climate.
Can I plant grass seed in the fall for quick growth?
Yes, fall is actually the best time to plant grass seed for quick growth. This is because the cooler temperatures and increased moisture provide ideal conditions for the seeds to germinate and grow quickly.
How long does it take for grass seed to germinate?
The germination time for grass seed varies depending on the type of seed and environmental conditions, but it generally takes about 5-10 days for the seeds to sprout.
Are all grass seeds the same?
No, not all grass seeds are the same. There are many different types of grass seeds, each with their own unique characteristics and growth habits. It's important to choose a grass seed that is suitable for your specific location and soil conditions.
I want to reseed some bare patches on my lawn—and don't want to wait too long to see results. What are the fastest-growing grass seeds?
Some of the fastest-growing grass seeds include perennial ryegrass, turf-type tall fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass. These seeds can germinate quickly, and you may see results in as little as 7-10 days.
How can I speed up the growth of grass?
To speed up the growth of grass, you can water your lawn deeply and frequently, mow it regularly, fertilize appropriately, aerate the soil to improve air and water circulation, and overseed thin areas with grass seed.
What type of grass seed grows the fastest?
Perennial ryegrass is one of the fastest-growing grass seeds, with a germination time of 5-10 days. However, it may not be the best option for long-term growth and may need to be overseeded with other grasses.
Can a grass seed grow in 2 weeks?
Most grass seeds can germinate in 1-2 weeks, but the amount of time it takes for the grass to grow and establish varies depending on several factors, including the type of grass, soil quality, climate, and maintenance practices.
What is the easiest type of grass to grow?
Some of the easiest grasses to grow include Bermuda grass, zoysia grass, and centipede grass. These grasses are relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a range of soil conditions and environmental factors.
What is the fast way to grow grass?
The fastest way to grow grass is to overseed thin areas with fast-growing grass seeds, fertilize appropriately, water your lawn deeply and frequently, mow regularly, and aerate the soil to improve air and water circulation.
Sources we used in this research