Do you want to plant a new lawn but don’t know how long it will take to germinate? We will tell you which factors the time depends on and give you examples of types of lawn with the corresponding germination times.
Table of Contents
time of sowing
In principle, you can spread lawn seeds all year round because the seeds are hardy. In the cold, however, it takes a very long time for the seeds to germinate. However, since rapid germination has a direct impact on the cohesion of the lawn, it is better if you sow the seeds on warmer days. The ideal time for sowing a lawn is in spring after Easter or in summer and late summer in August and September. The temperature has a major influence on the germination time of the lawn seed.
- Apply the seeds when the soil temperature is above 10 °C
- ideal for many types of lawn 16 to 23 °C
- Seedlings die at 45 °C and above
soil condition
The condition of the soil also influences the germination time. In order for the lawn to germinate well, the soil must be even, rolled and as weed-free as possible.
The soil should also be well aerated so that the plants get enough oxygen. Even if plants produce oxygen, they also need it themselves, namely for their cellular respiration. They absorb oxygen through their roots.
Pieces of root and larger stones should be picked out. In addition, the sowing area should result in a smooth surface. If bumps remain, water can later collect in them and adversely affect overall germination and growth of the lawn.
irrigation
Water causes the seed to swell and increase in volume. At the same time, enzymes are activated, which first make the stored nutrients available for the grass seedling. Only then will the germination process begin. It is therefore essential that the lawn seed is continuously supplied with water for germination. If the seedling does not receive water, it dies.
rolling
To ensure that the lawn seed has good contact with the ground, you should gently roll the ground after raking in the lawn seed. This ensures that the seeds can absorb the water from the soil and germinate in the shortest possible time.
seed quality
The quality of the lawn seed is of great importance for the germination time. Curiously, inexpensive lawn mixes germinate faster than expensive mixes. At first glance, this doesn’t make much sense, but it makes perfect sense. After all, a dense lawn requires a certain germination time. Therefore, very fast germination may calm impatient minds at first, but it does not lead to a high-quality and beautiful lawn in the long term.
Breed varieties
Of course, whether the lawn germinates quickly or slowly depends on the type of grass . There are fast germinating and slow germinating varieties.
Fast-germinating varieties: germination time 7 to 8 days
- German ryegrass
- tall fescue
- Rotschwingel
Slow-germinating varieties: Germination time 14 to 24 days
- Camp rice
- Meadow Ribs
frequently asked Questions
This can have various causes, for example: soil too compacted, bird damage, too dry or too wet location, wrong time of sowing and slow-growing variety.
For example, you can pregerminate the seed. To do this, you can lay kitchen paper on a large serving plate or on a baking sheet, moisten it with warm water and spread the grass seed evenly on it. Place the plate or tray on the windowsill and keep the seed evenly moist. It is best to spray it with warm water from a spray bottle. Once the seeds germinate, sow them in the garden.
