Bahiagrass seed germinates in about 30 days, but can take up to six months to grow into a compact, thick lawn. Keeping the seeds moist during the process will help speed it along.
The label on the bahiagrass seed package will tell you the germination rate. Choose seed with a 90 to 95 percent germination rate if you can find it. Many types have an 85 percent rate.
There is a type of bahiagrass seed called scarified seed. It has been treated with chemicals to make it germinate quickly. The process alters the seed coat to make it crack sooner.