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How to Manage Pests

The UC Guide to Healthy Lawns

Planting times and rates for grasses that can be established from seed

Not all turf species can be established from seed. Germination of grass seed depends on temperature, moisture, and day-length conditions.

Cool-season grasses

All cool-season grasses can be started from seed. These grasses grow best if seeded in September and October. The next best time to seed cool-season grasses is March - April.

Warm-season grasses

Many warm-season species must be established by a method other than by seed. However, those that can be established by seed are seeded most successfully from mid-April to mid-May.

Time and rate to plant seed

Turf species Time to plant Seeding rate
(lbs. seed / 1000 sq. ft.)
Annual ryegrass
Fall
7 - 9
Bermudagrass (Seeded)
Late spring or early summer
1
Buffalograss
Late spring or early summer
1.5 - 2
Colonial bentgrass
Fall or spring
0.5 - 1
Creeping bentgrass
Fall or spring
0.5 - 1
Dichondra
Late spring or early summer
1
Hard fescue
Fall or spring
5
Kentucky bluegrass
Fall or spring
2 - 3
Perennial ryegrass
Fall or spring
6 - 9
Red fescue
Fall or spring
3.5 - 4.5
Rough bluegrass
Fall or spring
1 - 3
Tall fescue
Fall or spring
8 - 10

Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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