Grass seed typically takes between 5 to 30 days to germinate, depending on the type of grass, weather conditions, and soil preparation. Once germinated, grass grows at about 2/3 cm per week

Germination Time by Grass Type

• Fastest germinating seeds (4-10 days): Ryegrass, red fescue, perennial ryegrass, annual ryegrass, and some fescues

• Moderate germination (7-14 days): Tall fescue, bentgrass, Bermuda grass (warm climates)

• Slower germinating seeds (10-30 days): Kentucky bluegrass, Zoysiagrass, buffalograss, centipedegrass

Key Factors Affecting Growth

• Soil temperature: Needs to be at least 7-8°C (45-50°F) for germination; optimal ranges vary by grass type and season

• Moisture: Soil must be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged to avoid seed washout or rot

• Time of year: Spring and early autumn are best for cool-season grasses; late spring to early fall for warm-season grasses

• Seed quality and soil preparation: High-quality seed and well-prepared, loose soil improve germination rates

• Weather: Warm, damp conditions speed germination; cold, dry, or overly hot weather slows it down

Growth Timeline Summary

• Germination: 5-30 days depending on grass type and conditions.
• Visible blades: 2-4 weeks after sowing.
• Ready for first mowing: Around 5-6 weeks after germination starts

In summary, expect grass seed to sprout within 1 to 4 weeks, with full lawn establishment taking 6 to 8 weeks under good conditions