10 Best Grass Seeds to Plant in 2023
Is it really that difficult to achieve a luscious and dewy lawn? Well, not if you select the right seeds and follow all the instructions. Sounds too easy? To be honest, it can get a tad bit complicated, especially if you’re a first-timer and don’t know much about lawn growing and upkeep. It is not […]
Best Grass Seeds
Here’s the list of the 10 best grass seeds, to transform your outdoor space into a verdant paradise.1. Scotts EZ Seed Sun & Shade – Best for Versatile Growing Conditions
The Scotts EZ Seed Sun & Shade is worthy of the top rank as it can grow almost anywhere and even under dense shade. On that note, it is a revolutionary seeding mix that does not require a lot of care and maintenance, yet grows into thick, beautiful grass with minimal soil preparation.- Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade is a...
- EZ Seed Patch & Repair contains a combination of high...
- Superior water retention capacity
- Product contains tackifier to improve bonding with soil
- Can cover up to 420 sq ft of ground
- Seeds are resistant to diseases
- Demands thorough watering throughout the growth phase
2. Jonathan Green 10323 – Best for Disease Resistance
This exclusive product from Jonathan Green lets you grow the lawn of your dreams as it contains a unique mix of components, unlike conventional blends. And on that note, the Black Beauty Mixture has a one-of-a-kind seed composition that grows well in both clay and sandy soils under full sun or partial shade.- ESTABLISHES NEW YARDS & FILLS IN BARE SPOTS - Black Beauty...
- PROVIDES A DARK GREEN LAWN - This grass seed mix produces...
- Seeds have an invisible waxy coating to ward off diseases
- Can grow naturally insect-resistant grass
- Ideal for planting in tough growing conditions
- Capable of growing roots of up to 4 ft deep
- A tad bit expensive
3. Pennington Smart Seed – Best for Shaded Areas
It only makes sense to invest in grass seeds that can ensure high growth while also requiring low amounts of water. Therefore, if you expect your seeds to be super smart and sustainable, we recommend using the Pennington Smart Seed for areas receiving very little sun or covered under dense shade.- This bag covers up to 1,750 sq. ft.
- Uses up to 30% less water versus ordinary grass seed
- Can grow under the thickest of shades
- Penkoted technology protects seed from fungus
- Seeds are disease-resistant
- Beautiful thick grass even in low natural light conditions
- Seeds require some care during the germination phase
4. Scotts EZ Seed Dog Spot Repair
Pet owners can now quit worrying about animal damage and proudly show off their beautiful yards with the help of this excellent product from Scotts. So if you’re looking for a fool-proof solution to keep the lawn unharmed while also letting your furry friends play around on it, give this top-notch item a try.- Scotts EZ Seed Dog Spot Repair Sun and Shade has a special...
- Consists of a combination of high performance grass seed,...
- Ideal for correcting lawn damages caused by pets
- The protectant layer prevents diseases
- Salt neutralizer formula effectively deals with blotches
- Tackifier ensures stronger bonding
- Not meant for growing a full-size lawn
5. JRK Ultra Grass Seed Mix
We are halfway through our recommendations, and now is a good time to introduce the Ultra Dense Shade Grass Seed Mix from JRK Seed. On that note, we’re delighted to include this option on our list as we also want to cater to the gardening needs of those who don’t have the luxury of abundant sunlight.- Designed for shady, moist areas
- Perfect for under dense canopy trees
- Blend contains 7 species of grass seeds
- Ideal for places underneath canopies of trees
- Low fertilizer requirement
- Seeds come packed in breathable clothing bags
- Seeds need a lot of water to germinate and grow
6. Nature’s Seed TURF-FF-500-F
Nature’s Seed is a brand that takes environmental concerns seriously as they not only avoid adding filler or inert matter to their products but also pack them in biodegradable bags. Therefore, if you’re looking to grow your lawn organically, even under dense shade, you can opt for this premium quality blend.- 98% pure live seed. Never any filler.
- Combination of four low-growing fine fescues including hard,...
- Seeds ideal for planting in harsh weather conditions
- Can sustain moderate foot traffic
- Creates a naturalized meadow-look
- Highly adaptable to low-quality soil
- Seeds have a slow establishment rate
7. Water Saver Grass Seed Mixture
If you live in a drought-prone area, the Water Saver Grass Seed Mixture is ideal for you as it’s specifically manufactured for soils that don’t get enough water. Besides, these low-maintenance seeds promote healthy and prolific growth even in extreme weather conditions and provide adequate protection against diseases as well.- THE ONLY SEED YOU WILL EVER NEED: Water Saver is low...
- GROWS GREAT IN SUN OR SHADE: Excellent in the transition...
- Creates a strong root system
- Effectively deals with overseeding and wedding problems
- Retains vibrant green color even under stressful weather conditions
- Ideal for growing grass in drought-prone areas
- Product is relatively expensive
8. Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue
The Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue will surely win over homeowners looking to grow a low-maintenance, grassy lawn. That being said, this high-performing product is best suited for areas that experience snowfall, and it also can be used in places with warmer climates. Therefore, since they’re drought-resistant, these seeds can thrive in most weather conditions. Why Did We Like It? To begin with, these seeds have a high heat tolerance, so you can plant them in any place under the scorching sun. However, the best time to sow the seeds is early spring as they germinate more quickly and produce thick, soft grass, covering an expanse of 350 sq ft/lb. And given the price of the unit, the payoff is pretty amazing as you do not have to stress about upkeep and other plant-related issues. On that note, these grass seeds are also weed and disease-resistant, offering high-quality texture and rich grass pigment. Also, the grass holds up perfectly under heavy traffic, therefore you can freely host a lot of activities on the lawn and even allow children and pets on it. Lastly, to achieve the best results, you should plant them in well-aerated soil, but it’s not essential to ensure maximum sunlight as the seeds also flourish in partly shaded areas. What Could’ve Been Better? We are, for most parts, satisfied with the quality of the product, and we especially like its resistance capacities. However, the grass is light green, and the pigment may further lighten as the weather gets warmer. Nevertheless, the grass does not wilt away, but you may have to make do with a faded appearance.- High heat tolerance, ideal for warmer climates
- High per pound coverage of 350sq ft/lb
- Weed and disease-resistant seeds
- Can sustain under heavy foot traffic
- Light green color can fade in warmer conditions
9. Scotts Patch Master Lawn
The Scotts Patch Master is a premium mixture of perennial ryegrasses, fine fescues, and Kentucky bluegrasses, carefully selected to blend with the existing grass, adapting to sunny or shady conditions. So if you’re dealing with unattractive bare spots in your yard, we recommend using this assortment of seeds for best solutions.- Scotts PatchMaster Lawn Repair Mix Sun + Shade Mix combines...
- Ready-to-grow lawn repair mix starts to grow in as few as 7...
- Seamlessly blends in with the surrounding grass
- Pelletized paper mulch keeps seeds moist
- Fertilizer feeds seedlings for up to 6 weeks
- Faster establishment and quicker results
- Not meant to grow an entire lawn
10. Gulf Kist Seed Centipede Grass Seed Mix
The Gulf Kist Seed Centipede Grass Mix provides coated seeds without added mulch, yielding lawn grass most suitable for areas experiencing hotter climates with medium rainfall. So if you want to create a gorgeous green space without having to deal with a lot of chemical fertilizers, you can rely on this cost-effective option.- IMPROVED GERMINATION AND SURVIVABILITY: Coated grass seeds...
- LOW MAINTENANCE: Once established your Centipede Lawn...
- Grass can thrive in especially hot climates
- Does not require a lot of fertilizers
- Seeds can germinate and grow in acidic soils
- Controls damping-off and downy mildew
- Must carefully follow a series of steps to achieve desirable results
Best Grass Seed Comparison Table
Product | Growth Conditions | Item Weight | Area Coverage |
---|---|---|---|
Scotts EZ Seed Sun & Shade | Full Sun, Full Shade | 20 lbs | 420 sq. ft. |
Jonathan Green 10323 | Full Sun, Partial Shade | 25.00 lbs | 5,000 sq. ft. |
Pennington Smart Seed | Dense Shade | 7 lbs | 1,750 sq. ft. |
Scotts EZ Seed Dog Spot Repair | Full Sun | 2 lbs | 85 sq. ft. |
JRK Ultra Grass Seed Mix | Full sun, Partial shade, Dense shade | 10 lbs | 1000 sq. ft. |
Nature’s Seed TURF-FF-500-F | Shade | 4 lbs | 500 sq. ft. |
Water Saver Grass Seed Mixture | Full Sun | 10 lbs | 1,000 sq. ft. |
Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue | Full sun, Partial shade | 50 lbs | 350 sq. ft. |
Scotts Patch Master Lawn | Full sun, Partial shade, Dense shade | 4.91 lbs | 140 sq. ft. |
Gulf Kist Seed Centipede Grass Seed Mix | Full Sun, Partial Shade | 1.17 lbs | 2,000 sq. ft. |
Buying Guide For The Best Grass Seed
Knowing the 13 best grass seeds available on the market is hardly too much information. You still need to find out which one of these options will grow best in your yard. We have briefly listed some essential factors you need to consider when purchasing grass seeds. Read on to know more…Type of grass
Before investing in a particular product, you must know all about the different mixtures so you can make an informed choice. To explain further, we’ve categorized the types into:Straight Seed
You’ll often find the label ‘straight seed’ on certain grass seed types. That’s because those packages contain only one type of seed. So if you’d instead go with one kind only as that works best in your region, consider this option.Blended Seed Mixtures
Blended seed mixes are composed of different seed varieties of the same species, which capitalize on each other’s qualities. And since the grass seeds all belong to the same genus, the grass, when it grows, has a neat and uniform appearance.Lawn Repair Mix
This variant combines grass seeds, mulch, and fertilizer in one package. We recommend using this for reseeding bare spots in your lawn as it’s far more cost effective than buying fertilizers and seeds separately. Also, the mulch and fertilizer included in the mixture are specifically manufactured for seed in the package.Weather Resistance
Do not only focus on the drought-resistant characteristic of the seeds as you must also weigh in if your lawn grass can survive in extreme climatic conditions. Some seeds can thrive in cold areas but wither in places experiencing high temperatures. Whereas, some grass types can only sustain in zones with considerable rainfall. Therefore, after you choose a type, make sure that the seeds have low water requirements and are more or less self-sufficient in that department.Light Requirement
We cannot stress enough how important this factor is as you do want to buy seeds that fail to germinate due to lack of light. So if the light is an issue and you intend to grow a lawn under shade, make sure that the grass seeds can survive with minimum sunlight and develop fully.Grass Seeds FAQs
The best type of grass seed for your lawn depends on various factors, such as climate, soil type, sunlight exposure, and water availability. Some popular grass seed types include Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescue.
It would be helpful to consult a local gardening expert or conduct research about grass types suitable for your region.
The amount of grass seed required to cover a lawn depends on the size of the area and the specific seed type. Generally, you will need one to three pounds of grass seed per 1,000 square feet.
Check the label of the grass seed package for application rates and adjust according to the size of your lawn.
The best time to plant grass seed depends on the type of grass and your region’s climate. Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass and fescue, are best planted in early fall or spring when soil temperatures are between 50-65°F (10-18°C).
Warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda and centipede, are best planted in late spring or early summer when soil temperatures reach 65-70°F (18-21°C).
Newly planted grass seeds require consistent moisture to germinate and establish roots. You should water the seeds lightly and frequently, keeping the top layer of soil consistently moist.
Typically, watering once or twice a day is recommended for the first two weeks. Gradually reduce the watering frequency as the grass becomes established, eventually transitioning to a deep and infrequent watering schedule.
It is beneficial to apply a starter fertilizer when planting grass seed. Starter fertilizers are specifically formulated to promote seed germination and establish a healthy root system. These fertilizers contain balanced amounts of essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, needed for the early stages of grass growth.
The germination time for grass seeds varies according to the seed type and environmental conditions. Generally, cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass and fescues can germinate within 7-14 days, while warm-season grasses like Bermuda and centipede may take 10-30 days to germinate.
Provide consistent moisture and appropriate temperatures to encourage quick germination.
Preparing your soil properly can ensure successful grass seed germination and growth. Start by removing any debris, such as rocks and sticks, from the area. Use a rototiller or garden fork to loosen the soil to a depth of 4-6 inches.
Level the soil with a rake and fill any low spots or depressions. Apply a starter fertilizer according to package instructions. Finally, use a lawn roller or walk over the area to firm the soil before spreading the grass seed.