Knowing when to plant grass seed in South Carolina can make all the difference for a thriving lawn. For warm-season grasses like Bermudagrass and centipedegrass, plant between May 1st and 14th. Cool-season grasses such as tall fescue should be planted from mid to late September.
If you’re overseeding Bermudagrass with ryegrass, aim for about 30 days before the first frost.
This guide will walk you through the optimal timing and tips for planting grass seed in South Carolina.
Best time to plant warm-season grasses
In South Carolina, the best time to plant warm-season grass seeds is from May 1st to 14th, just as the weather starts to warm up and before the full heat of summer hits.
Why it’s the best time
Some of the best grasses for South Carolina lawns include warm-season types like St. Augustinegrass, centipedegrass, Bermudagrass, and Zoysiagrass, which thrive in the state’s hot, humid summers. These warm-season grasses handle the heat well and naturally go dormant in the winter, making them perfect for the local climate.
By planting in early May, you’re giving the seeds time to establish before the intense summer temperatures arrive.
Remember:
- Avoid planting too early: Cooler soil can slow growth and increase the risk of seed rot.
- Avoid planting too late: The summer heat can be intense, making it harder for new grass to survive and establish.
Pro Tip: Grasses like hybrid Bermudagrass, most Zoysiagrasses, and St. Augustinegrass should be planted using sprigs, sod, or plugs since their seeds are either unavailable or don’t grow true-to-type. However, bahiagrass, centipedegrass, carpetgrass, and common Bermudagrass can be grown from seed.
To know the difference between seeding and sodding, check out our article: “Grass Seed vs. Sod.”
Seeding after using a pre-emergent herbicide? Wait at least nine weeks before seeding. Always check the product label for the exact waiting period. For newly sodded areas, the best time to apply pre-emergent herbicides (at half the recommended rate for established grasses) is once you see new growth.
Best time to plant cool-season grasses
In South Carolina, cool-season grasses like tall fescue — especially popular in the Mountains and upper Piedmont — should be planted from mid to late September.
Why it’s the best time
This timing gives cool-season grasses a chance to grow strong roots and store energy before facing challenging weather conditions the following summer.
These grasses do best in cooler weather (60 to 75 F) and grow well in fall and spring. Keep in mind, they are best suited for the upper parts of South Carolina and don’t do well in other areas.
Best time to overseed
The best time of year to overseed your lawn with the same grass type (cool-season or warm-season) is the same as the best time of year to plant a lawn from scratch (May 1-14 or mid to late September).
However, if you want to overseed your Bermudagrass lawn (warm-season) with perennial or annual ryegrass (cool-season), do this about 30 days before the first frost. For the Mountains and upper Piedmont (upper South Carolina), this is usually early October, and for Central and Coastal South Carolina, it’s late October.
In South Carolina, overseeding with ryegrass is best for dormant Bermudagrass lawns only. Ryegrass can keep the lawn green in winter and prevent erosion, but it can harm other grasses like St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, and centipedegrass by competing for sunlight, moisture, and nutrients and slowing their growth.
Pro Tip: If you overseed your Bermuda lawn with ryegrass one year, you will need to do so again each fall. This prevents any ryegrass that didn’t grow last year from clumping and keeps winter weeds away. If you decide not to overseed again, apply pre-emergent herbicides that fall to prevent old ryegrass seeds from germinating.
You can also read: “How Often Should You Overseed Your Lawn?”
For further reading
To help you maintain a vibrant lawn and beautiful landscape in South Carolina, check out these useful guides:
- Native Ornamental Grasses for South Carolina Landscapes
- South Carolina Native Plants for Landscaping
FAQ about grass seed in South Carolina
Which grasses are best for South Carolina?
The best grasses for South Carolina vary by region:
- Best Grass for Upstate South Carolina (Mountains and Upper Piedmont): tall fescue, Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, centipedegrass
- Best Grass for Central South Carolina (Piedmont, Sandhills, Coastal Plain): centipedegrass, Bermudagrass, Zoysiagrass, tall fescue
- Best Grass for Coastal South Carolina: Bermudagrass, St. Augustinegrass, Zoysiagrass, centipedegrass, bahiagrass, and other grasses suited to warm, coastal conditions
What’s the best way to spread grass seed?
For even results, use a spreader for large areas instead of hand-seeding. Start by leveling the soil with a rake. Then, spread half the seeds in one direction and the rest at a right angle to cover the area evenly. For tiny seeds like centipedegrass, you can mix them with something like cornmeal to help spread them more evenly.
For more detailed instructions on planting grass seed, check out this helpful guide: “How to Plant Grass Seed.”
How should I take care of my newly seeded grass?
Keep the soil moist by watering two to three times a day for the first two to three weeks. Avoid letting the soil dry out, as this can kill the seedlings.
As the grass grows and roots develop, you can water less often but increase the amount of water to reach the entire root zone. Learn more by reading our article, “How Long to Water New Grass Seed.”
Once the lawn grows in, the following will also help:
- Start mowing when the grass is about one-third taller than the recommended height, and keep your mower blades sharp.
- Apply a small amount of nitrogen fertilizer when the grass is 1 1/2 to 2 inches tall, but don’t over-fertilize as excess fertilizer can kill new grass.
- Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Apply herbicides for weed control when the grass is well-established to avoid harming young seedlings. Knowing the most common weeds in South Carolina can help manage them better and avoid using harmful herbicides too soon.
Leave it to a pro
Feeling unsure about the best way to seed your lawn or manage your new grass? We can connect you with lawn seeding pros who can take care of everything from choosing the right seeds to timing and watering, ensuring your lawn grows lush and healthy.
If you’d rather skip the guesswork and get straight to a beautiful, green lawn, let an expert handle the details for you.
Main Image Credit: Wlodzimierz | Adobe Stock | License
