Whether you are new to planting grass seed or a seasoned lawn expert, selecting the best grass seed can feel like an arduous chore. There are a plethora of types of grass seed, with different varieties available.
There are also issues related to matching your grass seed to your climate and growing conditions.
We reviewed ten of the most popular grass seeds available. Our testing team learned a lot during our research and review process regarding the need to find the right grass seed for your specific conditions, needs, and preferences. As a result, we have also cultivated a buyer’s guide to help you understand the most crucial considerations in buying grass seed.
Selecting the Best Grass Seed in December, 2018
| Product | Dimensions | Weight | Brand | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zenith Zoysia Grass Seed (Editor’s Choice) | 9 x 7 x 2.7 inches | 2 pounds | Patten Seed Company | Check Price |
| Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade | 5 x 7.5 x 18.5 inches | 7 pounds | Pennington | Check Price |
| Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue (Editor’s Choice) | 24 x 12 x 12 inches | 50 pounds | K-31 | Check Price |
| X-Seed Ultra Premium | 15 x 29 x 4.5 inches | 20.1 pounds | X-Seed | Check Price |
| Jonathan Green 10322 Black Beauty | 16 x 10 x 4 inches | 7.05 pounds | Jonathan Green | Check Price |
| Scotts Turf Builder | 4 x 8 x 12 inches | 3 pounds | Scotts | Check Price |
| GreenView Fairway Formula | 6.2 x 9.5 x 19 inches | 11 pounds | Greenview | Check Price |
| WaterSaver 11205 | 14.2 x 10.5 x 4 inches | 5.25 pounds | WaterSaver | Check Price |
| Kentucky Bluegrass Seed | 21 x 32 x 10 inches | 11 pounds | Nature's Seed | Check Price |
| Pennington Zenith Zoysia Mulch | 1 x 1 x 1 inches | 5.1 pounds | Pennington | Check Price |
1. Zenith Zoysia Grass Seed : Great Choice for Those Individuals in Drought Prone Areas
Zenith Zoysia Grass Seed arrives in a two-pound bag.
This amount is perfect to cover a law that is up to 2,000 square feet.
The bag contains no mulch whatsoever.
- Two pounds of seed without mulch or fillers
- Drought resistant
- Dark green grass that is dense and coarse
- Covers up to 2,000 square feet
- Expensive compared to similar versions
2. Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade : Best for Shady Areas
Pennington’s Smart Seed Dense Shade mix is wonderful for use in areas that do not receive much direct sunlight.
This grass seed is comprised of a mixture of several shade loving grass seed varieties.
The bag weighs in at seven pounds and will cover approximately 1,000 square feet.
- Best for areas with little direct sunlight
- Seven-pound bag contains a mixture of shade-loving grass varieties
- Covers about 1,000 square feet
- Excellent price point
- Resistant to disease and fungus
- Germinates in 7 to 10 days
- Will not grow in direct sunlight
3. Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue : Best for Covering Very Large Areas
Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue covers approximately 10,000 square feet.
It arrives in a 50-pound bag making it perfect for covering much larger areas.
The grass withstands heat and drought conditions better than other versions of cold season grass.
- Deep-rooted, wide leaf grass that stays green all summer
- Grows well in less than ideal soil areas with clay or sand
- Germinates in 7 to 14 days
- Perfect size for large areas
- Very expensive
- One tester noticed a lot of crabgrass growing in along with the Kentucky 31 Fescue
4. X-Seed Ultra Premium : Best Mixed Seed Option for Fast Growing
X-Seed Ultra Premium is crafted from a mixture of grass seed without any coatings or fillers included.
It is comprised of 55 percent Turf-Type Perennial Ryegrass, 30 percent Fine Fescue, and 15 percent Kentucky Bluegrass grass seeds.
It fairs extremely well in Northern and Central United State climates.
- Mixed grass seed with Perennial Ryegrass, Fine Fescue, and Kentucky Bluegrass
- Germinates in 7 to 10 days
- Perfect for Northern and Central U.S. climates
- Holds up well under heavy traffic and use
- Grows fast
- Slightly less dense, thinner grass than other mixture versions
5. Jonathan Green 10322 Black Beauty : Best for Areas with Clay Filled or Sandy Soil
Jonathan Green’s Black Beauty Grass Seed Blend features a mix of Black Beauty Tall Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Perennial Ryegrass.
The bag weighs in at seven pounds and can accommodate up to 2,800 square feet.
The grass seeds are coated with an invisible wax-like coating to assist in disease resistance while preserving moisture.
- Seven-pound bag will cover about 2,800 square feet
- Blend of Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, and Black Beauty Tall Fescue
- Good for sandy soil or areas with higher clay content
- Drought resistant
- Resistant to disease and insects
- Beautiful dark green grass
- Somewhat expensive but our testing team felt it was worth every penny thanks to its ability to grow in sandy and clay filled soil
6. Scotts Turf Builder : Best for Beginners
Scotts Turf Builder in an excellent option for those individuals that are new to growing grass.
It grows well in nearly any sunlight situation from super sunny to shady.
The grass seed is coated with Scotts WaterSmart Plus Coating which allows for more moisture while protecting the grass from disease.
- Lower cost than similar mixed seed options
- Grows well in hot, drought-prone areas
- Coating allows for moisture absorption while protecting from disease
- Thick, lush grass
- Contains a small amount of weeds
7. GreenView Fairway Formula : Best All-Around Option
GreenView Fairway Formula Perennial Ryegrass Blend contains 100 percent ryegrass grass seed without fillers, dirt, or mulch.
It grows into a lush, dark green grass with a slightly glossy appearance.
We loved the end result since it did wonderfully in sunny areas and holds up well to high traffic and play.
- Germinates in record time at just 5 days
- Beautiful, lush, green result
- Holds up very well to high traffic and play
- Perfect for sunny, hot areas
- Did not grow as well in very dry climates
8. WaterSaver 11205 : Best for Dry Climates
WaterSaver’s Grass Seed Blend arrives in a 5-pound bag.
It can cover up to 1,000 square feet.
This option does well in drier areas where watering can be a problem.
The grass seed is several varieties of Tall Fescue which produces a pretty green lawn.
- 5-pound bag will cover up to 1,000 square feet
- Fast growing
- Great for dry areas
- Moderately priced
- Contains a trivial amount of weeds
9. Kentucky Bluegrass Seed : Good Option for Humid Climates
The Kentucky Bluegrass Seed from Nature’s Seeds arrives in a ten-pound bag that can cover up to 2,000 square feet.
Comprised of four varieties of Kentucky Bluegrass (80 percent of the bag) and to varieties of Perennial Ryegrass (20 percent of the bag), this blend will produce a gorgeous and lush lawn.
Nature’s Seeds has spent over 20 years cultivating this perfect blend, and the quality shows in the finished product.
- Covers up to 2,000 square feet
- Blend of Kentucky Bluegrass and Perennial Ryegrass
- Great for wetter climates
- Really pretty grass
- Not great for asthma suffers
10. Pennington Zenith Zoysia Mulch : Great for Fixing Bare Spots
The Zenith Zoysia Mulch Grass Seed from Pennington features a blend of Zoysia grass seed and mulch.
The bag weighs 5 pounds and can cover up to 1,000 square feet.
It’s best suited for planting in the spring or early summer season.
- Covers up to 1,000 square feet
- Stays green for longer time periods than other Zoysia grass seed mixes
- Germinates in approximately 14 days
- Our testing team noticed that some bags had way too much mulch and barely any seeds
Best Grass Seed – Buyer’s Guide
A lovely and lush lawn can do much more than just beautify your yard. The right grass can assist in the reduction of soil erosion, help to filter groundwater, improve the quality of the air you breathe, and absorb excess rainfall. It can also absorb dust and other particles, which is extremely beneficial for healthy breathing or improving asthma.
Regardless of whether you want to improve your current lawn for appearance-related reasons, improve the air quality, or simply want a pretty yard, selecting the correct grass seed is paramount to your success.
There are different versions of seed that work better for growing a lawn from scratch, others that work well to fill in dead spots, and depending on your climate and needs, some types may be unsuitable. As a result, we have created this buyer’s guide to assist you in understanding the ins and outs of selecting the best grass seed for your project.
Important Questions to Ask When Looking for Grass Seed
Here is a look at a few important considerations when planning to use grass seed.
- Will you be planting a new lawn or just reseeding empty or bare spots?
- What level of traffic is your lawn currently subjected to? For example, a rarely walked on lawn is low traffic, one that gets moderate use is medium traffic, and one that you walk on or use often is considered high traffic.
- What is your lawn care budget?
- How much time do you have to devote to the care and maintenance of your lawn?
- What is the level of sun your lawn receives?
- Would you prefer to use a straight seed version or one that contains a mixture of different varieties of grass?
Getting Seedy: Different types of grass seed, tips for planting, and tips for selecting your seed
Planting a new lawn with grass seed is a surprisingly cost-effective and affordable method of creating the exact outdoor environment that you would like. During the planning stage, you will need to select the exact type of grass you would like to grow. Grass comes in a plethora of varieties. You will need to choose a variety that will thrive in your climate and will be well suited to the amount of traffic your lawn sees. You’ll also need to think about how much sun your lawn gets to ensure the grass grows well. Additionally, you should also consider the care and maintenance you’ll be required to perform to keep the grass healthy and looking it’s very best. Ensuring that you pick a variety that fits in with your lifestyle and schedule will allow you to have a beautiful lawn with a maintenance schedule that suits you perfectly.
Types of Grass
Turf grass falls into two broad categories. They are warm season and cool season. Originating from the South, warm season grass fairs well in hotter climates. This type of grass will lie dormant and fade to a brown shade when temperatures cool down in the fall and winter months. This variety of grass should be planted during the late spring season. Bahia, Zoysia, Bermuda, and St. Augustine are some common types of warm season grass. Some versions must be grown from grass sprigs or sod, so keep that in mind when looking at options. If you live in a warmer climate, you will most likely be able to reseed your lawn during the winter to have green grass year-round.
Hailing from the North, cool season grass grows rapidly during both the spring and fall seasons when the weather is cooler than in the hotter summer months. This type of grass should be planted in the early fall or towards the end of summer. This version can be grown from grass seed. Some of the most common cool-season grasses include Ryegrass, Fescue, and Kentucky Bluegrass.
Key Considerations
When you are planning to purchase grass seed, make sure that you carefully read the manufacturer’s label to ascertain exactly what type of grass seed is included, if there are more than one type or variety of seed included, and if there are any other materials included. You may decide to go with straight seed which consists of just one type of grass and is used to achieve a certain look, similar to strictly kept golf greens. Mixtures are a combination of different grass types, and blends are a combination of several varieties of one grass type. Blends and mixtures offer a more uniform look to the lawn and have a better level of resistance to diseases as opposed to straight seed.
Mixed grass seed contains varying percentages of each type of grass. Be sure to take a close look at the information to make sure that it contains the types or varieties that you are after and try to avoid purchasing blends that do not list the varieties included. The germination percentage should also be clearly listed, which will offer details on the number of seeds that should properly sprout when planted and treated in ideal conditions, aiming for percentages above 75 percent.
All grass seed will contain a trivial amount of weeds. Try to select an option that lists the weed content as 0.5 percent or less. Pick a brand that contains zero percent of noxious weeds, since they can cause significant damage to your lawn. The amount of inert matter including dirt, chaff, or fillers should be under two percent. Be sure to double check your seed’s expiration date and avoid using any seed that is more than ten months past the listed date as it may fail to germinate properly.
A Time to Plant: Tips for perfect planting
Before planting the seed in a new area, you will need to prepare the soil. Start by working the soil with a sharp garden tool. You will need to remove any rocks, stones, and existing plant material as well. Next, you should incorporate organic material into the soil. This will help to make the soil ready to absorb water. Rake the soil smooth and then add fertilizer to improve germination which will help your grass grow. Next, sow your grass seed evenly, making sure to follow any special manufacturer instructions. Rake the grass seed down into the top 1/8 inch of the soil.
When sowing the grass seed, you can either use a lawn spreader, or you can do it by hand. To help the soil to retain moisture, you may want to mulch the seeded area with straw or garden fabric. You will need to water the grass seed every day until it germinates. After germination, you can water the grass less often, but with heavier amounts of water. Once the grass reaches a height of three inches, you can remove the mulch and lightly mow the grass. You may want to rope the area the grass is in off to protect it from animals and people during the growing process to prevent any damage.
Getting Selective
With so many types of grass, there are many different features to think about. It is helpful to familiarize yourself with the diverse types of grass seed available and which are best suited to your climate and needs. Depending on your climate, warm or cold season grass can make a huge difference in the state of your lawn. You’ll also need to choose a grass that will thrive in your lawn’s sunlight situation since some grass loves super sunny conditions while others prefer to have it made in the shade.
Additional factors involved in the selection of your grass seed involve the amount of water the grass needs to survive, as some varieties need more water than others. You should also think about whether you like grass that is soft and fine, or if you would prefer something a bit coarser. The amount of traffic the grass can withstand is also a key consideration for those individuals with children or pets. Some varieties are simply too fragile to deal with kids or dogs running across it frequently.
A Closer Look at Popular Grass Seed Types and Their Preferred Conditions to Grow
Bahia
- Warm season grass
- Highly resistant to drought
- Low need for water
- Coarse texture
- Withstands high traffic
- Likes full sun to partial shade
- Moderately aggressive grass
Bermuda
- Warm season grass
- Highly resistant to drought
- Medium need for water
- Fine to medium texture
- Withstands high traffic
- Likes full sun
- This grass fills in fast
Buffalo
- Warm season grass
- Highly resistant to drought
- Low need for water
- Fine texture
- Withstands high traffic
- Likes full sun
- Very easy to maintain
Centipede
- Warm season grass
- Moderately resistant to drought
- Low need for water
- Coarse texture
- Withstands lower levels of traffic
- Likes full sun to partial shade
- Slow growing
Creeping Bent Grass
- Cold season grass
- Lower resistance to drought
- High need for water
- Fine texture
- Withstands high level of traffic
- Likes full sun to partial shade
- Often found on golf courses, creates a soft and dense lawn similar to carpet
Fescue
- Cold season grass
- Highly resistant to drought
- Low need for water
- Coarse texture
- Withstands medium traffic
- Likes full sun to partial shade
- Lots of varieties and textures does well in milder winters and warm summers
Kentucky Blue Grass
- Cold season grass
- Moderately resistant to drought
- Moderate to high need for water
- Fine to medium texture
- Withstands medium to high traffic levels
- Likes full sun to partial shade
- Resistant to cold weather and disease
Perennial Ryegrass
- Cold season grass
- Low level of resistance to drought
- High need for water
- Medium to coarse texture
- Withstands medium to high levels of traffic
- Likes full sun to partial shade
- Does not do well in extremely hot or cold temperatures
St. Augustine
- Warm season grass
- Low to moderate resistance to drought
- Medium to high need for water
- Coarse texture
- Withstands moderate levels of traffic
- Likes full sun to partial shade
- Grows fast
Zoysia
- Warm season grass
- Moderately to highly resistant to drought
- Moderate need for water
- Coarse texture
- Withstands medium levels of traffic
- Likes full sun to partial shade
- Dense and wiry texture
Keeping your climate, budget, aesthetic preferences, and level of available sun or shade in mind will help you immensely as you search for your perfect grass seed. We hope you enjoyed our grass seed reviews and found our buyer’s guide to be helpful. Don’t forget to leave us a quick note with your favorite grass seed varieties and any tips to make planting easier.
(22 votes, average: 4.82 out of 5)
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Daniel says
I’ve chosen The Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue grass seed. I’ve done everything following the instruction. Hope, the result will be good because the price is crazy.
Kimberly says
I’m so glad you’ve added this page to the website! A very useful guide. I’ll share this link with friends cause they don’t know which grass seed to choose.
Cassidy says
I saw that my neighbors didn’t have any problems with grass and it grew very fast. So I asked which grass was it and it turned out that The X-Seed Ultra Premium works so well. I’ve bought the same and now waiting for the first results.
Judson says
I’m interested in whether you have some results because want to buy the same packet of seeds.
Cassidy says
You know, I’ve got the same grass as my neighbors have now. So I’m glad as I received the result which I wanted so much. So, I recommend this grass you, I’m sure it’ll grow well if you do everything in the right way. Good luck!
Arden says
I’m so happy that my parents are professional gardeners and help other people to find the best solution. I’ve visited this website to compare their opinions with the editor’s and I’m surprised you find the same grass seed the best as my mom and dad do.
Ralph says
Are you talking about the Zenith Zoysia Grass Seed?
Bella says
I’m an experienced gardener and my choice is The Kentucky Bluegrass Seed from Nature’s Seeds. I’d recommend it to everyone who lives in an unpleasant climate where it’s very cold and you don’t want to lose everything you’ve grown.
Nathan says
I can’t percept these guides and believe only my neighbor’s words cause she’s an experienced gardener and uses only the best products for her garden. Her opinion is the only which I can follow.
Jackson says
Why don’t you think that she reads the same guides and reviews? She can’t know everything without experts’ opinion. You can find all the information on the Internet and become even more aware of gardening when she is.
Kale says
I like Scotts Turf Builder. Maybe it’s not very popular but the way it works is amazing. I recommend it to all my friends and they aren’t disappointed.
Piper says
The most important things that I’m looking for in grass seed are its price, durability, and simplicity of usage. So, unfortunately, I haven’t found that very product yet.
Wendell says
A product which I find the best is The Zenith Zoysia Mulch Grass Seed. All my family is excited about the fact it stays green for a long period of time.
Denice says
My neighbors have the best grass I’ve ever seen. it’s like in a saying when neighbor’s grass always looks better, but it’s true! And I can’t ask them which brand is it just because we don’t communicate close. I hoped I’d find something here but I don’t really know what they use.
William says
What do you guys think about Greenview? I’m thinking about buying GreenView Fairway Formula but not sure it a result. I just can’t understand whether this brand good or not.
Zack says
Zoysia grass seed which there’s in the editor’s choice list is my favorite option. I noticed this grass when I was at my elder sister’s house, and I wanted to buy the same. Of course, there were some fears that I wouldn’t get such an amazing result, but happily, they haven’t come true.
Kendrick says
How much I like the color of Jonathan Green 10322 Black Beauty! So dark and deep. Also, it’s a great option for those who don’t want to fight with insects in the future.
Anthony K. says
We don’t have much sun, so the variant which will grow no matter of the direct sun lights was a must for us. I can recommend Pennington’s Smart Seed Dense Shade to everyone who has the same situation. You’ll probably like the result as I do.
Liam says
I live in a region with a very dry climate so the best option for me is WaterSaver 11205. I recommend it to everyone in the same situation. The quality is great and correlates with the price.
Ali says
It was always hard for me to choose grass seed, and I still don’t know which option is the most suitable for me and for a climate I live in.
Tina H. says
I thought my mother helped me with purchasing the best grass seed, but I understood nobody can help me, even the internet and this page. Maybe, gardening is not my cup of tea?