UC Healthy Lawns—Planting turf: Planting times and rates for seed

The UC Guide to Healthy Lawns

Planting times and rates for grasses that can be established from seed

Not all turf species can be established from seed. Germination of grass seed depends on temperature, moisture, and day-length conditions.

Cool-season grasses

All cool-season grasses can be started from seed. These grasses grow best if seeded in September and October. The next best time to seed cool-season grasses is March - April.

Warm-season grasses

Many warm-season species must be established by a method other than by seed. However, those that can be established by seed are seeded most successfully from mid-April to mid-May.

Time and rate to plant seed
Turf species	Time to plant	Seeding rate (lbs. seed / 1000 sq. ft.)
Annual ryegrass	Fall	7 - 9
Bermudagrass (Seeded)	Late spring or early summer	1
Buffalograss	Late spring or early summer	1.5 - 2
Colonial bentgrass	Fall or spring	0.5 - 1
Creeping bentgrass	Fall or spring	0.5 - 1
Dichondra	Late spring or early summer	1
Hard fescue	Fall or spring	5
Kentucky bluegrass	Fall or spring	2 - 3
Perennial ryegrass	Fall or spring	6 - 9
Red fescue	Fall or spring	3.5 - 4.5
Rough bluegrass	Fall or spring	1 - 3
Tall fescue	Fall or spring	8 - 10

Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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