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When to Plant Grass in California

Whether you are starting a lawn from scratch or simply over-seeding a few bare patches, what time of year to plant grass is an important consideration in California. Timing depends on what type of grass you intend to plant and what part of this large and varied state you live in.
  1. Cool-Season Grasses

    • Cool-season grasses, which include rye grass, Kentucky blue grass and tall fescue, have two annual growing cycles: spring and fall. According to the University of California, Davis, website, early fall is the best time to plant cool-season grasses in this state. These grasses are best suited to the coastal and northern parts of California, which have mild summers and cool winters.

    Warm-Season Grasses

    • Warm-season grasses include Bermuda grass, St. Augustine grass and zoysia grass. These grasses only have one annual growing season: summer. The best time to plant warm season grass is late spring. These grasses thrive in areas with hot summers and mild winters, making them well-suited to Southern California. Warm-season grasses tend to go dormant at temperatures below 50 degrees, and some may die if exposed to extended temperatures below freezing.

    Considerations

    • While different types of grass are best suited to different parts of California, a mixture of grasses is ideal for most parts of the state. A combination of warm- and cool-season grasses can ensure that your lawn stays green all year in many parts of California; talk to a local expert to help you decide which grasses are best for the conditions in your backyard.