How long does grass take to grow?

Several factors influence the time it takes for grass seed to grow and become established. Our grass seed mixes will grow and sprout from the soil within ten days of being sown – if sown in the correct conditions for growth. This means sowing the seed when temperatures are 10 degrees and above for at least two weeks, with no heatwave or torrential rain forecast. So, how long does it take for grass seed to grow? - if you follow our simple steps, you will be on your way to achieving the fastest-growing, thickest and most lush garden lawn!

A closer look at the correct conditions for grass seed to grow:

Pick the right grass seed for your lawn

Different grass seed mixes are better suited to different lawns... We have seeds for family lawns and gardens worn out by pets, grass seeds for shaded lawns, and new-build houses, which usually have clay soils. We also have ornamental lawn seeds ideal for mowing statement stripes to give your lawn a luxurious finish.

Knowing the advantages of different grass seed mixes helps you select the best grass seed for your garden!

Keep an eye on the weather

The weather needs to be right for grass seed to grow as best it can. Adequate sunlight, moisture, and temperature are all crucial for successful growth! Most grass seed varieties germinate best when the soil temperature is at least 10°C day and night, with no frost, snow or extremely hot weather forecast during the two weeks after sowing. Your seedlings will germinate quickly and grow strong from day one with the right conditions.

Preparing the perfect seedbed

The quality of your soil plays a vital role in grass seed germination and growth. Healthy soil that drains well and is enriched with a pre-seed fertiliser (like our Pre-Seed First Feed) will set your seedlings up with the best foundations for growth!

Planting the grass seed is easy, but we recommend you take your time and prepare the seedbed by removing debris, weeds and moss and raking your soil to loosen it.

Tips for Preparing Your Lawn Before Seeding:

• Remove weeds and moss: You can eliminate weeds from your lawn by hand or using a garden trowel. Ensure that you remove all the roots. For larger weed and moss problems, consider using our 3 IN 1 Lawn Rescue or a handheld spray weedkiller for targeted areas.
• Clear stones, rocks, and debris: Not only will this make lawn maintenance easier, but it will also enhance the appearance of your new lawn. Use a garden sieve if you have lots of small stones in your soil.
• Break up and prepare the soil: Raking the soil allows your seeds to access the necessary heat, light, and water for growth. We recommend that grass seeds be buried at a depth equivalent to three stacked pound coins. If the ground is too hard for raking, the seeds may not reach the required depth, and you will need to aerate your soil.
• Level your lawn: Achieving a level lawn improves its aesthetics and reduces the risk of flooding or puddles in your garden. Additionally, a level lawn makes your mowing routine more enjoyable and effortless.

The next step is sowing your grass seed

Planting the seed is as straightforward as the previous steps, and paying attention to the process is equally important. When seeding a new lawn, sow the seed at a rate of 50g per m2 (meter squared) for a new lawn or 35 per m2 if you’re overseeding an existing lawn.

Tips for sowing grass seed

• There are two methods for sowing the grass seed: either by hand or using a seed spreader.
• Start by measuring the planting area and determining the required amount of grass seed.
• Then, scatter the seed evenly across the surface.
• Next, use a rake to gently incorporate the seed into the soil.
• Walk over the seedbed afterwards to ensure proper embedding of the seeds into the soil.
• Finally, water the area thoroughly and continue to water your growing seedlings once a day for the first six weeks.
• This timeframe allows your lawn to grow fully and be ready for its first mowing.

Timeline for Grass Seed Growth

Once you have chosen the seed that’s right for your garden and done the recommended prep work, your seedlings will start to show themselves by sprouting from the soil:

Germination (7 to 10 days):

After planting, the grass seed absorbs moisture and begins its push towards the surface; at the same time, its roots develop. If the conditions are right (as discussed above), you should see your grass reaching for the sky within 7 to 10 after planting the seed.

Seedling Establishment (6 - 8 weeks):

The seedlings continue to grow, and their root systems develop further, and by 6 – 8 weeks, your grass will be fully established. It’s important to keep your soil consistently moist during this stage to promote healthy growth and prevent the seedlings from drying out. But be careful not to overwater your lawn, as too much moisture can lead to fungal diseases and moss growth.

Maturity and Full Establishment:

The time it takes for your lawn to fully establish and mature varies depending on the weather conditions. But generally, the grass will take a few months to become densely thick and fully grown.

We recommend regular watering (if the UK weather hasn’t been doing it for you), lawn feeding and regular mowing. This maintenance, combined with removing any pesky weeds that appear, will contribute to the ongoing growth and health of your beautiful new lawn.

Knowing how long grass seed takes to grow

Growing a lush and healthy lawn from grass seed requires a little bit of patience, planning, and consistent care (for the first few weeks, at least). While the timeline for grass seed growth may vary, understanding the factors that influence the process will help you manage your expectations and plan for the first family gathering. By planting the right seed for your garden in the best conditions, ensuring good soil quality, and following the best aftercare practices mentioned above, you can nurture your grass seed to establish a beautiful and resilient lawn that you’ll enjoy for years!

We have further information on what lawn food to use before sowing and a guide on when to use lawn feed at different times of the year.

If you are seeing unexpected guests appearing in your garden, our blog post on common UK weeds and how to tackle them will be helpful to you! If there’s anything else you would like to discuss with us, feel free to contact our lawn experts, and we will be happy to help.