- Fastest-growing cool-season grasses<\/a>
- Annual ryegrass<\/a><\/li>
- Fine fescue<\/a><\/li>
- Kentucky bluegrass<\/a><\/li>
- Perennial ryegrass<\/a><\/li>
- Tall fescue<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Fastest-growing warm-season grasses<\/a>
- Bermudagrass<\/a><\/li>
- Buffalograss<\/a><\/li>
- St. Augustinegrass<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- How to make grass grow faster<\/a>
- Plant grass seed at the right time of year<\/a><\/li>
- Plant grass seed under the right conditions<\/a><\/li>
- Prepare your soil<\/a><\/li>
- Fertilize to promote faster growth<\/a><\/li>
- Water your lawn efficiently<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- FAQ about the fastest-growing grass types<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Fastest-growing cool-season grasses<\/span><\/h2>
Cool-season grasses thrive in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with active growth generally occurring in early spring and fall. If you live in the Transition Zone, you can expect your cool-season grass to retain its lush appearance throughout winter, but remember that it will be dormant until spring. Cool-season grasses typically require more fertilizer and pesticides than warm-season grasses, the latter tolerating poor soil conditions better.<\/p>
Annual ryegrass<\/span><\/h3>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/annual-ryegrass.jpg\")
Matt Lavin<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Annual ryegrass seed takes less than 10 days to sprout, boasting one of the fastest germination rates of commonly used grasses. It has an upright and coarse texture, with shiny, lime-green leaves. Because of its shallow root system, annual ryegrass<\/a> requires constant irrigation to stay green year-round. <\/p>
Since annual ryegrass only tolerates moderate wear, homeowners don\u2019t generally consider it a permanent turf solution; instead, it\u2019s often used to overseed other warm-season grasses. <\/p>
Characteristics<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>
- Classification<\/strong>: Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by<\/strong>: Bunch-type grass<\/li>
- Shade tolerance<\/strong>: High<\/li>
- Drought resistance<\/strong>: Low \u2014 prefers moderate temperatures. Typically dies if exposed to extreme heat but is more tolerant than its perennial cousin.<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: High<\/li>
- Maintenance needs<\/strong>: Requires regular irrigation. Tolerant of low mowing, though the height is usually determined by the warm-season grass it\u2019s overseeding.<\/li>
- Mowing height<\/strong>: 2-3 inches<\/li>
- Potential for disease<\/strong>: Low, depending on cultivars<\/li>
- Soil pH<\/strong>: 5.0-7.8<\/li>
- Soil type<\/strong>: Fertile with good drainage<\/li>
- Other notes<\/strong>: Often used to provide some color in winter when warm-season grasses are dormant. Many homeowners mix it with other cool-season grasses, including tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass.<\/li> <\/ul>
Fine fescue<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Fine](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/nature-grass-plant-field-lawn-meadow-743848-pxhere.com-1.jpg\")
Pxhere<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> This type of grass is known for its ethereal quality, boasting delicate, silky grass blades that feel like a cloud when walked on with bare feet. Fine fescue<\/a> grows at an impressive speed; its seeds germinate within 7 to 10 days, thus making it one of the fastest-growing grasses. <\/p>
Maintaining fine fescue is more straightforward than other lawn grasses like Kentucky bluegrass. However, you must ensure your lawn\u2019s soil is moderately moist and well-aerated for even, problem-free growth.<\/p>
Characteristics<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>
- Classification<\/strong>: Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by<\/strong>: Bunch-type grasses with one exception: creeping red fescues has rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade tolerance<\/strong>: Moderate to high<\/li>
- Drought resistance<\/strong>: Moderate to high<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: Low to moderate<\/li>
- Maintenance needs<\/strong>: Low mowing frequency<\/li>
- Mowing height<\/strong>: 1.5-3 inches<\/li>
- Potential for disease<\/strong>: Moderate<\/li>
- Soil pH<\/strong>: 5.5-6.5<\/li>
- Soil type<\/strong>: Good drainage is a must; tolerates infertile soils; sandy soils generally work well<\/li>
- Other notes<\/strong>: Often used in a mix with other cool-season grasses, especially in sun\/shade mixes<\/li> <\/ul>
Kentucky bluegrass<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Kentucky](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Kentucky-bluegrass.jpg\")
JeanUrsula<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Kentucky bluegrass is one of the country’s most commonly grown grass varieties. Though it grows very quickly during winter, fall, and spring, its seeds take longer to germinate compared to other varieties – the grass blades sprout between 14 and 28 days.<\/p>
Due to this extended germination period, Kentucky bluegrass<\/a> is often mixed with varieties germinating within 10 days, such as perennial ryegrass.<\/p>
Kentucky bluegrass is suitable for cold weather climates. Intense heat can suppress this grass and lead to dormancy. Hot climates also make it vulnerable to diseases.<\/p>
Characteristics<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>
- Classification<\/strong>: Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by<\/strong>: Rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade tolerance<\/strong>: Low to moderate \u2014 prefers full sun<\/li>
- Drought resistance<\/strong>: Moderate, but will survive by going dormant<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: Low to moderate, but recuperates well<\/li>
- Maintenance needs<\/strong>: Moderate mowing frequency; a high-maintenance grass<\/li>
- Mowing height<\/strong>: 2-3 inches<\/li>
- Potential for disease<\/strong>: Moderate to high<\/li>
- Soil pH<\/strong>: 6.0-7.0<\/li>
- Soil type<\/strong>: Fertile with good drainage<\/li>
- Other notes<\/strong>: Produces a dense lawn under ideal conditions; many of these traits (shade tolerance, drought resistance, etc.) vary widely by cultivar, with newer cultivars generally being hardier, more resistant to disease, etc.; mow taller in summer; most often mixed with other species, such as tall fescue, in home lawns.<\/li> <\/ul>
Perennial ryegrass<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Perennial](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Perennial-ryegrass-1.jpg\")
Sheryl Watson<\/a> | Canva Pro | License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> If you\u2019re wondering what type of grass grows fastest, you could start with perennial ryegrass<\/a>. This is one of the fastest-growing grass varieties that you could consider for your lawn, taking about four to seven days to sprout. <\/p>
Perennial ryegrass does well in coastal regions that experience moderate temperatures year-round. It grows in bunches with a vibrant green color and fine texture. Perennial ryegrass is often used for overseeding winter-dormant lawns and mixed with other turf grass seeds (such as Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue) to suppress weeds.<\/p>
Characteristics<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>
- Classification<\/strong>: Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by<\/strong>: Bunch-type grass<\/li>
- Shade tolerance<\/strong>: Low \u2014 prefers full sun<\/li>
- Drought resistance<\/strong>: Low (summer dormancy in some areas)<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: High, but poor recuperative ability<\/li>
- Maintenance needs<\/strong>: Moderate mowing requirement, depending on cutting height (lower cutting heights require more frequent mowing)<\/li>
- Mowing height<\/strong>: 2-3 inches<\/li>
- Potential for disease<\/strong>: High, especially in areas with hot, humid summers<\/li>
- Soil pH<\/strong>: 6.0-7.0<\/li>
- Soil type<\/strong>: Fertile with good drainage<\/li>
- Other notes<\/strong>: Most often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass and fine fescue in a cool-season mix; well known for its excellent striping ability<\/a>, and low mowing tolerance (reel mower fans, this one\u2019s for you). Needs moderate levels of fertilizer.<\/li> <\/ul>
Tall fescue<\/span><\/h3>
![\"tall](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Tall-fescue-1.jpg\")
Aaron Patton \/ Purdue’s Turfgrass Science Program<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Tall fescue doesn\u2019t need to be seeded with other grasses. Under the right conditions, fescue seeds only need 5 to 10 days to germinate, and you\u2019ll have new grass to mow within 2 to 3 weeks.<\/p>
If you live in a moderately cool area, you\u2019ll have an easy time growing a beautiful tall fescue<\/a> lawn. This low-maintenance grass likes full sun and doesn\u2019t need as much mowing and watering as other grasses. Tall fescue is drought-tolerant due to its deep roots and can withstand pest attacks better than its other cool-season counterparts.<\/p>
Characteristics<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>
- Classification<\/strong>: Cool-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by<\/strong>: Bunch-type grass<\/li>
- Shade tolerance<\/strong>: Moderate<\/li>
- Drought resistance<\/strong>: Moderate<\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: Moderate, but low ability to recuperate from wear<\/li>
- Maintenance needs<\/strong>: Grows quickly, so plan to mow often<\/li>
- Mowing height<\/strong>: 2-4 inches (Check your cultivar and state recommendations. Many tall fescue lawns grow best when they\u2019re mowed on the tall side.)<\/li>
- Potential for disease<\/strong>: Low to moderate if properly maintained<\/li>
- Soil pH<\/strong>: 5.5-6.5<\/li>
- Soil type<\/strong>: Fertile, good drainage, but will tolerate a wide range of soil conditions<\/li>
- Other notes<\/strong>: Reseed every few years to repair bare spots and thinning; don\u2019t plant old varieties such as Kentucky-31; look for \u201cturf-type\u201d tall fescue (TTTF). Seed blends with more than one TTTF cultivar give the best chance for a strong lawn.<\/li> <\/ul>
Fastest-growing warm-season grasses<\/span><\/h2>
Warm-season grasses thrive in the southern and western states as well as in the Transition Zone, flourishing when temperatures reach 80 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They begin their active growth during spring and enter dormancy in early to mid-fall. Though resilient to drought and high temperatures, warm-season grasses are susceptible to cold and frost.<\/p>
With warm-season grasses, you can count on a low-maintenance lawn that doesn\u2019t require much water and has a higher salt tolerance than cool-season grasses. <\/p>
Bermudagrass<\/span><\/h3>
![\"bermudagrass\"](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/bermudagrass.jpg\")
rawpixel<\/a> | CC0<\/figcaption><\/figure> With a germination rate of between 7 and 14 days, Bermuda grass seed is a popular choice for homeowners with little time. This tough, foot-traffic tolerant grass is definitely worth a second glance, as it can reach full maturity within two months and handle plenty of daily wear and tear.<\/p>
Bermudagrass<\/a> requires weekly fertilization and watering during the spring growing season. Common bermudagrass is coarser in texture, though hybrid cultivars can create a more fine-textured, albeit high-maintenance, lawn.<\/p>
Characteristics<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>
- Classification<\/strong>: Warm-season grass<\/li>
- Spreads by<\/strong>: Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Shade tolerance<\/strong>: Poor \u2014 needs full sun<\/li>
- Drought resistance<\/strong>: High <\/li>
- Foot traffic tolerance<\/strong>: High<\/li>
- Maintenance needs<\/strong>: Needs frequent mowing due to fast growth rate; develops thatch easily; needs regular fertilization <\/li>
- Mowing height<\/strong>: 1-2 inches<\/li>
- Potential for disease<\/strong>: Good disease resistance, although diseases are common; low resistance to insects<\/li>
- Soil pH<\/strong>: 6.0-6.5<\/li>
- Soil type<\/strong>: Tolerates most soil types<\/li>
- Other notes:<\/strong> Bermuda spreads aggressively via its stolons (above-ground stems) and rhizomes (below-ground stems) and is able to outcompete many weeds. The downside is that it also can be a nuisance and is sometimes considered invasive. You\u2019ll often find it has tunneled underground into flower beds and spread into neighboring lawns.<\/li> <\/ul>
Buffalograss<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Buffalograss\"](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/3139246071_47110d3ef9_c-1.jpg\")
John Tann<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> When grown from sod or plugs, buffalograss<\/a> can grow about 5 inches within a month and a half of planting (in full sun). Growth from seed takes longer and requires a soil temperature of at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. <\/p>
- Spreads by<\/strong>: Stolons and rhizomes<\/li>
- Spreads by<\/strong>: Bunch-type grass<\/li>
- Spreads by<\/strong>: Bunch-type grass<\/li>
- Spreads by<\/strong>: Rhizomes<\/li>
- Spreads by<\/strong>: Bunch-type grasses with one exception: creeping red fescues has rhizomes<\/li>
- Spreads by<\/strong>: Bunch-type grass<\/li>
- Plant grass seed under the right conditions<\/a><\/li>
- Buffalograss<\/a><\/li>
- Fine fescue<\/a><\/li>
- Annual ryegrass<\/a><\/li>