Grass seed germination starts with the seed itself. Every seed of grass contains a grass embryo and a supply of starches, proteins and oils to feed the grass embryo. These stores sustain the grass until it’s capable of manufacturing its own food through photosynthesis. Grass seeds range in size from large pellets to superfine, almost dust-like, depending on the variety.
Grass seed germination will only start under favorable conditions. Each type of grass requires a certain amount of moisture, light and warmth to germinate. When germination starts, the coating splits; a rootlet grows down through the soil, and a sprout carrying the first leaf starts towards the surface.
Different grass seed types germinate at different rates and below are expected germination times if given favorable conditions.
- Bermuda Grass (10-30 days)
- Buffalograss (14-30 days)
- Bent Grass (10-14 days)
- Hard Fescue (7-14 days)
- Tall Fescue (7-12 days)
- Kentucky Bluegrass (14-30 days)
- Rye Grass (5-10 days)