Penn State Grass Seed Germination Time

Instructions will specify the right time of year to plant based on whether the grass seed is a warm season or a cool season variety.

Penn state grass seed germination time. Seeds or seed mixtures containing timothy meadow fescue orchardgrass tall oatgrass annual ryegrass or clover are generally not suggested for turfgrass use. Try your best to keep them out of the. If this approach fails to prevent weed infestation herbicides that will control most turfgrass weeds are available. Keep the area well watered until the seeds germinate and the seedlings have grown sufficiently to establish a lawn then water as needed.

Landschoot associate professor of turf grass science at penn state said penn state does provide suggestions for grass seed mixes but he doesn t have any idea where the story originated. Sow the grass seed by evenly spreading according to the recommended seeding rates. Don t disrupt the seeds. Pick the right time.

Besides birds kids and pets can disrupt your grass seed. If you want your grass seed to germinate quickly pay close attention to the conditions and timing. According to the penn state center for turfgrass science late summer and early fall is the best time to sow grass seed no later than october for most of pennsylvania. By law turfgrass seed cannot have more than 0 5 undesirable grass seed in the container.

These chemicals should be applied prior to weed seed germination in early to mid spring depending on the location in the state. A lot of companies market something called penn state mix he adds. For best results the test date should be within nine months of purchase. Although you can successfully seed and germinate fescue in the spring early summer heat might cause severe dieback among the viable seeds.

Use a soil thermometer to pick the right time. For a more detailed look at how to complete each step read our article how to plant grass seed. Keeping the seeds moist during the germination period is the most important step to ensure seedling growth. Read the label to learn the grass species included the percentage of each seed and the date of the germination test.

The best time to plant grass. You want the soil temperatures to match up correctly. Penn state college of. While i knew that the actual origins of the seed mixture said to have been developed at penn state university is fogged in the mists of time.

This gives the grass the benefit of two cool growing cycles before the summer heat sets in. Rake harrow or otherwise work the seed into the soil deep.