The best time to plant grass seed is from mid- to late-spring and in early fall.
Some grasses should be planted in early summer.
Read on to learn preferable and allowable times to plant grass seed.
The Spruce / Jayme Burrows
Planting by Grass key in
Grass seed is divided into cool-season and warm-season grasses.
Cool-season grasses can be planted in spring or fall, while warm-season grasses can be planted in summer.
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In some cases, you could push into other seasons.
However, the likelihood of failure is higher during off-seasons.
Spring
Spring is a prime season for planting cool-season grass.
Planting closer to summer risks the grass not properly germinating or not surviving the heat.
The seed is ready to germinate as the soil rises to the optimal temperature of 65F.
When planting warm-season grass, it’s best to wait until summer.
However, if you decide to plant it during spring, wait until late in spring.
Summer
Summer is the best season for planting warm-season grasses.
Planting at a different time means the soil may not be warm enough for the seeds to germinate.
Late May to early June is considered the best time to plant warm-season grasses.
Summer is so unfavorable for cool-season grasses that seeds should not be planted during this season.
Consistently high temperatures, the prevalence of weeds, and long daylight hours contribute to a hostile growing environment.
While weeds are always an issue, they are less of a problem as summer rolls into fall.
Do not plant warm-season grass in the fall.
Winter
It’s preferable to plant grass seed in seasons other than winter.
But it is possible tosow grass seed in winterif you’re unable to do it at other times.
With dormant seeding, cool-seasongrass seed is sown in snowor anywhere with temperatures consistently below freezing.
The seed remains dormant until the temperature rises and the seed and ground thaw.
The seed should then germinate and sprout.
But here are tips to help you successfully establish grass from seed.
Effects of Seeding Date on Warm-Season Grass Establishment.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Tips for Seeding Your Lawn During Summer.
Michigan State University Extension.
The UC Guide to Healthy Lawns: Mowing New Lawns.
Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California.
