If you are looking for the best grass seed to grow your lawn, the essential factors to consider include the climate, sun exposure, and traffic level. Below, I have handpicked my favorite products based on these features. Continue reading to learn more about why they might be important to you.
There’s nothing like the feeling of a soft, green lawn under your feet. A thick, healthy lawn can make your home look beautiful and inviting. But how do you go about growing one? What is the best grass seed to use? There are several grass seed types to consider, so you will need to understand your soil and climate.
Fortunately, I already did the hard work for you. I researched the best grass seed types on the market today to give you that luxurious and enviable lawn. Some grow year-round in the sun, while the other seeds are more suitable in the shade. Each product includes a detailed review and specs, so you can easily compare them to each other.
I will also discuss the factors to consider before finalizing your decision, to ensure you are buying the right grass seed for your needs. Whether you are starting a new lawn from scratch or repairing an existing lawn, I’ve included the best options to fit many conditions. If you have further questions about growing grass, there is also an FAQ section below the reviews.
Below are the top picks for growing a lush, green lawn.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
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7 Best Grass Seed Options for Your Lawn
Below are the seven best grass seeds for your lawn. Each seed pack can help you grow your lawn from scratch or simply patch up bald areas.
1. Jonathan Green Magic Grass Seed – Editor’s Pick
The first grass seed pack on our list is the Jonathan Green Magic Grass Seed.
This 25-pound bag contains naturally insect-resistant grass. Each bag can cover a wide area of 12,500 square feet, ideal for use on established lawns or new lawns.
And unlike other grass seeds on the market, these seeds offer deep-rooted grass that is specially formulated for successful germination. In fact, it can sprout seedlings in as short as 10 to 14 days. So whether you need to improve your garden or start a new lawn within a short period, this grass seed is definitely worth considering.
Moreover, this grass seed can grow in both sun and shade areas. It can repair previous grass or lawns that were damaged by the sun. And in replacement, it produces a healthy, dark green grass suitable for your home.
Finally, if you want to take full advantage of this grass seed, the manufacturer recommends planting it during fall seasons from September to November. For complete instructions, you can see their seeding guide on the website or the actual packaging of the material.
Most importantly, customer reviews for this seed grass pack were positive. However, there are still a few users who said that the grass grew in patches, even after following the right directions.
But the pros far outweigh the cons. For this reason, I deemed the Jonathan Green Magic as the best grass seed for your lawn.
Pros:
- Wide area of coverage up to 12,500 square feet
- Deep-rooted grass for healthy and low-maintenance green lawn
- It can germinate in 10 to 14 days
- Grass seed can successfully grow in both sun and shade
Cons:
- Some users noticed patches on their lawn, even when they planted the grass properly
2. Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra Supreme Grass Seed Mixture – Runner-Up
The Black Beauty Ultra Mixture is another excellent grass seed from the brand Jonathan Green.
It features naturally insect-resistant grass with an invisible waxy coating. Both of this help prevent pests or diseases from damaging your lawn. The coating even maintains the moisture in the leaf to offer superior drought tolerance.
This grass seed also comprises various species, including Black Beauty Tall Fescues, elite Kentucky Bluegrass and elite Perennial Ryegrass. When combined together, they produce a dark-green hue, which looks stunning in the backyard.
Furthermore, this Ultra Mixture grass seed sprouts in clay or sandy soils. In terms of sunlight exposure, the plant prefers to be in full sun or partial shade to achieve its full growth.
On top of all these benefits, each 25-pound bag can cover up to 10,000 square feet of area. So whether you want to grow a lawn in front of your home or patch up some bald areas, this grass seed can help you achieve that.
However, before buying this grass seed, it is best to know its downsides. First, some users said the grass seed is slow to germinate. Second, a few users complained that the color of the grass is pale green and not the advertised deep and lush green hue.
Nevertheless, I still think the Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra Supreme Mixture is still among the best grass seeds on the market.
Pros:
- Natural insect-resistant grass with an invisible waxy coating
- It includes three unique species to produce a dark-green hue
- Drought-tolerant grass best suited during spring and fall under direct sunlight
- A wide coverage area of up to 10,000 square feet
- The grass seed can grow in full sun or partial shade
Cons:
- It takes weeks to months for the grass to germinate
- Some users said the grass is pale green instead of deep green
3. Pennington Tall Fescue Grass Seed
If you are looking for a low-maintenance lawn, it is best to consider growing the Pennington Tall Fescue Grass Seed.
It can adapt to a wide range of soils, such as clay and poorly drained areas. At the same time, this grass seed requires less mowing than other fescue seeds.
Additionally, the Pennington smart seed does not take much time to grow fully. In as short as seven to 21 days, it can germinate to cover your lawn, even if you are living in areas with a cool season.
What’s more, this grass seed uses the exclusive Penkoted technology from Pennington. This innovation can improve each seed’s ability to grow into a healthy plant. Thus, it ultimately ensures a thick, beautiful lawn, ideal for your backyard or garden.
Plus, this Pennington smart seed can cover a relatively wide area of 4,000 square feet per 20-pound bag. So whether you need to start a lawn from scratch or patch up bald areas, it is worth considering.
Despite these benefits, it is still best to consider its downsides. First, some users who live in hot areas said the grass started green and healthy but ended up dying due to the warm temperatures. Second, a few customers noticed that it grows inconsistently, leaving their lawns with bare spots.
But considering its other advantages, I still recommend the Pennington Tall Fescue Grass Seed for those living in areas with a cool season.
Pros:
- Exclusive Penkoted technology guarantees a thick and beautiful green lawn
- Adaptable seedling can grow in different types of grass soils, including poorly drained areas
- A cool season grass with a relatively short germination time
- It can cover 4,000 square feet, ideal for starting a garden or patching up an existing lawn
Cons:
- The cool season grass seed is not heat or drought-resistant
- Some users said that it left bald spots on their lawn, even when fully grown
4. Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sun and Shade Mix
Do you live in an area with extremely high temperatures? If so, consider getting the Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sun and Shade Mix.
It features a 4-in-1 WaterSmart Plus Coating that absorbs more water and feeds with essential nutrients. This way, it can withstand medium to high drought or any extreme weather conditions. At the same time, this coating can protect the grass seedlings from catching diseases.
Additionally, Scotts Turf uses a versatile mix of grass seed species. Thus, it gives you a healthy and thick dark green lawn, even under the scorching sun, in shady areas, or during the cold season.
Moreover, it can sprout seedlings as quickly as five to ten days. However, this grass seed can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days to grow fully. Fret not, though! As long as you water the grass daily, the root system can successfully germinate.
I also recommend planting this grass seed when temperatures are between 60 and 80F°, preferably during fall. This way, the lawn has time to grow due to the shorter days, cooler nights, and heavier dews. Once you consistently take care of this seed, it can aggressively spread to fill bare and thin spots up to 8,000 square feet.
However, there are still a few downsides to consider before buying this grass seed. First, some users were disappointed with the coating as this type of grass seed will only germinate if the soil conditions are acceptable. Second, a few noticed that the grass is fragile and gives in easily when someone steps over it.
Nevertheless, the Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sun and Shade Mix is still among the best grass seed mixes on the market. This type of grass seed is ideal for shady areas, cold weather, and even summer heat.
Pros:
- 4-in-1 WaterSmart Plus Coating can effectively absorb water and feed with nutrients
- Versatile types of grass seed give you versatility
- It can germinate as quickly as five days
- A wide coverage area of up to 8,000 square feet
Cons:
- Subpar special coating, according to several users
- A few customers said that the grass is fragile
5. GreenView Perennial Ryegrass Grass Seed Blend
Those who want to see quick growth can invest in the GreenView Perennial Ryegrass Grass Seed Blend.
It boasts fast seed germination that gives you a full, healthy lawn in just seven to 10 days. Plus, this grass seed can cover 5,000 square feet, ideal for growing a new lawn. But if you already have an existing garden, it can offer up to 10,000 square feet of coverage.
Additionally, this grass seed is an excellent choice for areas with compacted soil. It can also germinate in both warm and cool months.
Furthermore, the Perennial Ryegrass Grass Seed features a wide range of top-rated and premium quality grass seed blends. It can even produce a healthy lawn in green color, ideal for your backyard.
Finally, this warm and cool season grasses can give you a biodegradable mulch if you use a fertilizer for protection against diseases.
Despite these advantages, there are still a few cons to consider. First, some users had difficulty growing this cool and warm season grass seed because of the soil and drought conditions. Second, a few customers noticed weeds once the lawn was fully germinated.
Fortunately, GreenView Yard offers a warranty. So if you are not satisfied with the product, the manufacturer can refund your money.
For this reason and the other benefits of this item, I included the GreenView Perennial Ryegrass in this list of the best grass seed.
Pros:
- Premium quality fescue seed blends for a healthy and thick lawn
- Fast seed germination can give you a fully grown grass by seven to 10 days
- Cool season grasses and warm season grasses can grow in impacted soil and harsh weather conditions
- Money-back guarantee if you were not satisfied with the grass seed
Cons:
- It can be difficult to grow in some soil conditions, which does not make it a low-maintenance annual ryegrass
- Some users noticed weeds
6. Southland Sod 3 Marathon II Grass Seed Mix
If you want to achieve a compact lawn and do not mind a slow-growing period, the Southland Sod 3 Marathon II Grass Seed Mix is worth considering.
This grass seed has a greater density, slightly narrower leaves, and a deeper green hue to give you a more manicured look.
Additionally, it includes a second-generation dwarf that is primarily exclusive in the Southland sod farms and Southern Californian market. This grass seed offers more improved and taller fescue.
Moreover, it can preserve the durability of the species. So whether you accidentally stepped on your lawn or mow it, this grass would not give in easily.
The only cons include the slow growth rates, especially in the winter, and the rare chance of weeds growing.
Otherwise, the Southland Sod 3 Marathon II Grass Seed Mix is an excellent grass seed to improve your lawn.
Pros:
- Improved tall and durable fescue can withstand harsh weather conditions
- Greater density and slightly narrower leaves give you a more compact and carpet-like appearance
- Lower mowing height and finer grass texture looks greats in your lawn
Cons:
- Slow growth rate, particularly during winter months
- A few users noticed weeds growing in clumps
7. Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Bermudagrass
The last product on our list is the Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Bermudagrass.
It features an exclusive 4-in-1 WaterSmart Plus Coating that helps the seed absorb more water and essential nutrients. Plus, this coating offers protection against diseases.
Additionally, the Scotts Builder Grass Seed can survive long periods of scorching temperatures, drought, and even bare spots. It can also germinate under the full sun and high traffic areas.
Moreover, these seeds can grow in as short as five to 12 days. The variety of grass can also aggressively spread to fill in bare spots and cover weeds in your existing lawn. The maximum coverage area of this grass seed is rated at 10,000 square feet, which is more than enough for your lawn.
However, before buying this grass seedling, it is best to consider its downsides. First, some users said the item did not grow fast enough. Second, a few users even experienced that not a single seed germinated.
Nevertheless, the Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Bermudagrass is still worth considering, especially if you live in humid climates.
Pros:
- Exclusive grass coating helps the seed absorb more water and feed essential nutrients
- Fast seed germination can give you a fully grown grass with green color by seven to 10 days
- A wide coverage area of up to 10,000 square feet
- It can withstand scorching temperatures and drought conditions
Cons:
- Some users said the grass seeds grow slow in some kinds of soil
- A few were disappointed that not a single seed germinated
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Grass Seed
Before buying the best grass seed for your lawn, it is wise to consider several important factors. Below, I will discuss each item in full detail so you have an idea of why they matter.
Climate
One of the first things to consider when buying a grass seed is the climate of your area. Always remember that not all seeds grow in extreme temperatures.
So it is best to know your climate and what grass types to help you manage your lawn better. Some grass seeds grow with minimal maintenance and watering, while others require constant attention.
Sun Exposure
Another factor to think about is the amount of sun exposure the plant will have. Some grass types, such as Bermuda grass, need full sunlight to germinate successfully. However, other types like tall fescue can do well in partial shade.
So before buying a grass seed mix, consider the sun exposure of your lawn and what kind of grass demands full shade or full sun.
Traffic Level
Grass seedlings react differently in foot traffic. So if you have kids or plan to use your lawn as an area for play, think about the grass type carefully.
Some grass species, such as Zoysia and Bermuda, can tolerate heavy foot traffic. However, other types like fescue grow poorly in highly active areas.
Maintenance
Finally, every grass type requires a different maintenance plan.
If you do not have time to maintain a yard, consider getting a low-maintenance grass seed like Bermuda. However, those who enjoy fussing over their lawns can get a Zoysia grass or perennial ryegrass, which requires annual dethatching or patching.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant grass seed?
In general, grass seedlings successfully germinate when the temperatures are not too hot or cold. They also thrive in semi-warm soil in slightly cooler evenings. For this reason, planting during spring or fall is typically recommended.
Be sure to prepare the site well before seeding it. Lawn rollers are great tool. Also, check out our lawn care guide for more tips here.
Which grass seed grows the fastest?
It depends on the climate. If you live in a humid or hot area, consider planting Bermuda as it is the fastest-growing plant in the warm seasons. Those residing in cooler climates can invest in Ryegrass seedlings.
How often do you need to water grass seed?
You need to water the grass seed at least once or twice a day until it sprouts. But at the end of the day, the frequency of watering will depend on where you live and what the weather is like.
Just remember to keep the top layer of the soil moist. Then when the seedlings grow about an inch tall, you can switch to watering every other day. And once the grass fully germinates, it is perfectly fine to water once a week or every two weeks.
Conclusion
That summarizes my top picks for the best grass seedlings for your lawn! Each one can give you beautiful and healthy grass that can enhance the appearance of your garden.
But if I can only suggest one, it would be the Jonathan Green Magic Grass Seed. It offers deep-rooted grass that can successfully germinate as quickly as 10 to 14 days. This grass seedling can also grow in both sun and shade areas. Furthermore, it can cover a wide area of 12,500 square feet, which is more than enough to start a lawn. Finally, the grass is insect-resistant, so you do not have to worry about a withered lawn.
