Grass Germination Time

Germination Times for Cool Season Grass

• There are two main grass types: cool and warm season. In addition, cool season grass varieties germinate and establish at a faster rate than warm season grass types, according to landscape architect Thomas Rainer. Warm season grass types focus their energy on growing strong root systems, while cool season grass types devote their energy to grass blade growth. Cool season grass types such as annual ryegrass germinate in five to 10 days, tall fescue in seven to 12 days, rough fescue in seven to 10 days and Kentucky bluegrass in 14 to 30 days, according to the University of California.

Germination Times for Warm Season Grass

• Warm season grass types such as bermudagrass germinate in 10 to 30 days, according to the University of California. Other types of warm season grass like buffalo grass germinate in 14 to 30 days. It is important for gardeners to wait for the ground to warm up after the winter to sow their warm season grass varieties. Soil temperature must be between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, according to Virginia Cooperative Extension. Other cultural and environmental factors can lengthen or shorten germination times.

Other Factors

• Seed the lawn at the recommended rates for the grass types. Using more than the recommended rate lengthens germination and establishment times, because seedlings compete with each other for the soil's nutrients, according to the University of Minnesota. Also, using a starter fertilizer at the time of planting can shorten germination time. Starter fertilizer contributes enough nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium to aid in grass root development. Generally, soils do not naturally contain enough nutrients to support healthy grass growth.

Keeping the Soil Moist

• Grass seeds should be watered several times a day to keep the soil moist. Depending on your climate and weather, you may have to water the lawn two to three times a day. To judge if your grass seeds need water, press your fingers into the first 3 inches of soil. Gardeners also can mulch their grass seed with 1/8 of an inch of compost to help soil retain soil moisture, according to Lance Walheim from the National Gardening Association.