Timing is everything when it comes to planting grass in the Lone Star State. For warm-season grasses, the best time to plant grass seed in Texas is between January 1 and May 20 for best results. Cool-season grasses thrive when planted around November 1.
Understanding these timing windows is key to building a lush, healthy lawn. Now, let’s dive in.
When to plant grass seed in Texas
The ideal time to plant grass seed in Texas depends on the type of grass you’re working with. Let’s take a closer look.
Warm-season grasses
Warm-season grasses are among the best types of grass for Texas lawns. For warm-season grass types, you’ll want to plant between mid winter and late spring (see note below). During this time, the soil is warm, ideally between 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with air temps between 70 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Best time to plant Bermudagrass seed in Texas: Mid winter to late spring
- When to plant Zoysiagrass in Texas (seed)*: Mid winter to late spring
- When to plant St. Augustinegrass in Texas (plugs): Mid winter to mid spring
- When to plant buffalograss seed in Texas: Mid winter to late spring
Note: Soil temps can really vary across Texas. In McAllen, they stay around 65 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the month of January, but up in Follet, it’s not until May 1 that soil temps average 65 degrees and above. Follett’s soil temps stay between 65 and 70 degrees through May 20.
Too confusing? Just wait until your lawn greens up in spring — that’s your cue to plant.
*Since Zoysia grows slowly, using seed isn’t the best option for starting a lawn. Sod is your best choice. You can lay Zoysia sod year-round, but spring, late summer, and fall are the prime times. The same goes for sodding a St. Augustinegrass lawn — those seasons work best too.
Tip: For a complete walkthrough on planting grass seed, read our guide: “How to Plant Grass Seed.”
Cool-season grasses
The best time to plant cool-season grass in Texas is in the fall, between late October and early November while the soil is still warm. These grass seeds thrive when the soil temperature sits around 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with cooler, comfortable air temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
This timing is perfect for tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass. Planting in the fall gives these grasses plenty of time to settle in before the hot Texas summer shows up.
Note: Northeast Texas, including the DFW area, is ideal for cool-season grasses. In Dallas, soil temps hit 60 degrees Fahrenheit around November 1st — just right for planting.
Exception: If you’re laying down tall fescue or Kentucky bluegrass sod, you’ve got a bit more wiggle room. You can plant these from September through April.
When to overseed in Texas
Overseeding Bermuda with rye: Overseeding is a great way to keep your lawn green during the winter if you have Bermudagrass. It’s best to overseed when your grass is fully established, about 5 to 8 weeks before the first frost. In Texas, this means overseeding between late August and mid-November (see table below).
Bermudagrass is well adapted throughout the eastern half of Texas, from the southern tip northwards through the Panhandle. Here is a sampling of first fall frost dates and when it’s best to overseed:
| City | First Fall Frost Date | Rye Overseeding Window |
| Dallas, TX | Nov. 20 | Sept. 25 to Oct. 16 |
| Follett, TX | Oct. 22 | Aug. 27 to Sept. 17 |
During this time, you can overseed your Bermuda lawn with perennial ryegrass, which stays lush all winter. You’ll need about 5 to 10 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet of lawn.
Tip: Keep an eye on the “spring transition” when temperatures warm up; if the perennial ryegrass you overseeded into your Bermuda lawn hangs on too long, it can slow down the recovery of your turf.
Overseeding cool-season lawns: For cool-season lawns, overseeding in the fall during the standard planting time is also ideal for thickening and improving turf health. The cooler weather gives these grasses time to develop strong roots before winter.
Overseeding warm-season lawns: Warm-season lawns also benefit from overseeding during their normal planting window. This thickens your existing lawn, helping it to become full and lush to crowd out weeds and create a dense lawn for upcoming summer activities.
More lawn care and landscaping resources for Texas
For more insights on maintaining a beautiful lawn in Texas, here are some additional resources:
- When to Aerate Your Lawn in Texas
- When to Dethatch Your Lawn in Texas
- Bermudagrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas
- St. Augustinegrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas
- Zoysiagrass Maintenance Calendar for Texas
FAQ about grass in Texas
What is the difference between planting grass by seed, sod, sprigs, or plugs?
Seeding is a budget-friendly option, but it takes time and attention to get the grass fully established. Sodding gives you instant results and helps control erosion, though it does come with a higher price tag. Sprigging is a good middle-ground choice while plugging works well for smaller areas or patching up spots.
How do I know if my grass is fully established?
Your lawn is fully established when it covers 100% of the ground and can handle normal use and environmental stress. Seed plantings typically take about a year to reach this point.
What should I do if weeds are taking over my newly planted lawn?
Weed control is crucial when your lawn is just getting started. For seeded lawns, frequent mowing and hand weeding can help keep weeds at bay until the grass is mature enough to handle selective herbicides.
For more information about Texas weeds, check out our guide: “The Most Common Texas Weeds.”
How often should I fertilize my lawn in Texas?
The frequency of fertilizing your lawn in Texas depends on the type of grass. For warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass, fertilize every 45 to 60 days from spring through fall, using about 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Cool-season grasses generally need fertilizing in early spring and fall.
For more specific information, check out these articles:
When to call a pro
Planting grass seed in Texas is rewarding, but it can also be tricky. If you’re unsure about the right grass for your area or need help with soil preparation, calling a lawn care pro to seed your lawn is a smart move.
Pros can assist with everything from overseeding to weed control, ensuring your lawn gets off to a strong start. Contact a pro today to start your journey to a beautiful lawn.
Main Image Credit: Burcham House in Georgetown, Texas | QuesterMark | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0
