Missouri is in a transition zone, where warm- and cool-season grasses can grow. The best time to plant cool-season grass in Missouri is mid-September, but this can range from late August to mid-October. For warm-season grasses, plant from mid-May to early June.
In this article, we’ll dive into the best months to plant your grass seed in Missouri, the best time to overseed your lawn, and we’ll also answer some frequently asked questions.
Best time to plant grass seed in Missouri
The best time to plant grass seed in Missouri depends on the grass type you will use:
- For cool-season grasses, the best time to plant in Missouri is mid-September (during the fall), but you can do it as early as late August and as late as mid-October.
- For warm-season grasses, the best time to plant in Missouri is from mid-May to early June (in spring).
Fall is the best time to seed tall fescue and other cool-season grasses because:
- It gives the seed enough time to germinate and grow mature leaves before the first killing frost.
- The weather is optimal to favor seed growth, with mild temperatures that will discourage weed competition.
- Seeding in the fall gives cool-season grasses two seasons (the fall and the following spring) to establish before facing the stressful summer heat.
For warm-season grasses, on the other hand, the best practice is to seed them in mid-to-late spring so they’ll have time to germinate during summer before going dormant in winter.
For a step-by-step guide on how you can plant grass seed, visit our article: How to Plant Grass Seed.
What if you miss the fall window for cool-season grasses?
In case you miss the opportunity to seed cool-season lawns in the fall, you can seed them in spring. If conditions are dry, you can prepare the soil and seed as early as February or March. Seeding in April is also possible.
However, keep in mind that spring seeding cool-season lawns may not give you the best results. The summer heat and the weed competition are two decisive factors that can impair optimal growth.
When to overseed in Missouri
September is the best time to overseed your cool-season lawn in Missouri, when soil temperatures are around 50 F to 65 F. For warm-season lawns, the best time to seed and overseed is late spring, after the soil temperatures reach between 75 F and 80 F.
In Kirksville in northern Missouri, this happens around mid-June, but it can happen earlier in hotter years. In Jefferson City, Charleston, and other areas in central and south Missouri, the soil might reach 75 F in early June.
Pro Tip: Learn the best time of the year to perform other lawn maintenance tasks in our Month-by-Month Lawn Care Calendar for Missouri.
FAQ
How late can you plant grass seed in Missouri?
You can plant cool-season grass seeds as late as mid-October and warm-season grasses up until early June. If you missed the fall, you can seed cool-season grasses in the spring (as early as February, if conditions are dry enough, up until May), although you might not get the best results due to weed competition.
What USDA hardiness zone is Missouri?
Missouri has 6 different hardiness zones. Missouri’s planting zones include USDA hardiness zones 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, and 8a.
Knowing your hardiness zone can help you choose the best grass for your lawn and plants for your landscape. Read our guides to find a selection of plants for your garden:
What are the best grass seeds for Missouri?
Missouri is in the transition zone, where both warm-season and cool-season grasses can be grown. Experts consider that cool-season grasses perform better in the northern half of the state and warm-season grasses are better suited to the southern half. The best grass seeds for Missouri lawns include:
- Cool-season grasses: Turf-type tall fescue, fine fescues, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass
- Warm-season grasses: Buffalograss, Bermudagrass, and Zoysiagrass
Pro tip: See our guide on How to Grow Grass to accomplish a lush, green lawn independently of what seed you opt for.
When to call a pro
Caring for your lawn doesn’t have to be a struggle. With a helping hand, you can get your lawn in shape with no effort and in no time. Call a Missouri lawn care pro, lay back, and enjoy the view of your new lawn.
Main Image Credit: Jo Naylor | Flickr | CC BY 2.0
