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Fastest-Growing Grass Seeds

When planting grass seed, homeowners are usually looking for the hardiest, fastest-growing seed available to improve their landscape quickly. Fast-growing grasses germinate within weeks after planting and grow quickly after sprouting. These grasses are easy to establish, but some may require more general care than others.
  1. Fescue

    • Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) is a quick-growing cool-season grass that is hardy to USDA zones 5 through 8. It is used as a pasture or grazing grass. Apply fescue grass seed with a mechanical spreader for full coverage. Overseed fescue with 6 to 8 lbs. of seed per every 1,000 square feet to avoid thinning in hot, summer months. Germination takes place two to three weeks after initial planting. The grass is easy to care for and is fairly resistant to pests and disease. Weekly watering is required to keep the grass healthy and green.

    Annual Ryegrass

    • Annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) most commonly grows in the southern part of the United States. It is hardy to USDA zones 3 through 9. Annual ryegrass is a cool-season grass used as a winter grazing crop for livestock. Plant 20 to 35 lbs. of ryegrass seed per acre of land in early fall. Germination takes place two to three weeks after planting, and the grass will continue to grow through early summer or late spring. Annual ryegrass thrives with regular watering and nitrogen-rich soils.

    Bermudagrass

    • Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is a perennial grass used on athletic fields, such as golf courses and football fields. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils, but is tolerant of periods of drought. The grass is hardy to USDA zones 7 through 10. Plant bermudagrass at a rate of 1 1/2 lbs. per 1,000 square feet. The grass spreads quickly and is high maintenance. Water newly sown bermudagrass daily, and then water one to two times per week as needed. Keep the grass mowed at a height of no more than 1 1/2 inches tall. Watch for pests, and treat with pesticides to maintain health.

    Bentgrass

    • Bentgrass (Agrostis) is a perennial, cool-season grass hardy to USDA zones 4 through 8. Bentgrass is used on athletic fields in the northeastern portion of the United States. Seed bentgrass at a rate of 1/2 lb. of seed per every 1,000 square feet of soil. Water newly planted bentgrass several times a day. Germination can take place as soon as five days. Fertilize the grass in the winter and treat for pests when necessary.