Buzz
Image Credit: Jennifer Smith/Getty ImagesAchieving a lush, green lawn from seed can be time-consuming, but it doesn’t need to be. By selecting the ideal grass for your region and weather conditions, noticeable growth can appear in just a few weeks. However, with numerous grass varieties available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. To simplify the process, we consulted experts to identify the fastest-growing grasses suitable for various climates. Read on to discover the perfect grass to transform your lawn into a vibrant, green oasis quickly.
Bermuda Grass
Credit: Tatyana Consaul/Getty ImagesBermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a widely favored, drought-tolerant turfgrass that excels in the mid to southern regions of the United States. “Bermuda grass performs exceptionally well in hotter climates,” explains Steve Sylva, the owner of Steve’s Services, a landscaping and hardscaping business based in Massachusetts.
This resilient grass can withstand intense sunlight, survive extended dry spells, and adapt to nearly any soil type. These qualities make Bermuda grass a highly adaptable choice for lawns in warm climates—and even golf courses. Known for its rapid growth, it sprouts within just 1-2 weeks. However, its dense nature allows it to spread quickly. Sylva recommends maintaining a mowing height of approximately 1-2 inches.
Zoysia Grass
Image Source: HendSTD/Getty ImagesAmong fast-growing grasses, Zoysia grass (
“Zoysia grass, with its coarse to medium texture, forms a dense, attractive canopy and displays a vibrant apple-green hue, making it a popular choice for enhancing curb appeal,” explains Roger May, PhD, Director of Technical Operations at TruGreen. Germination typically takes around three weeks, but using sod or plugs can speed up the process. To maintain healthy growth, aerate the lawn twice annually and apply fertilizer. “Aerating warm-season grasses in spring and early summer promotes root development before they go dormant in winter,” May adds.
Kentucky Bluegrass
Photo Credit: KacieBuccieri/Getty ImagesKentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is a rapidly growing grass ideal for cooler climates. Known for its rich blueish-green hue, it is a favored choice in the northern U.S. While not highly drought-resistant, this grass boasts a smooth texture and excellent durability under foot traffic. Germination typically takes 2-3 weeks. “Kentucky Bluegrass needs consistent watering and should be maintained at a height of 2.5 to 3 inches,” advises Sylva.
Centipede Grass
Centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) is a low-maintenance warm-season grass, especially suited for the Southeastern U.S. Its vibrant apple-green color and minimal need for mowing or irrigation—provided there is regular rainfall—make it a practical choice. It thrives in sandy soils, which explains its popularity in states such as Florida and South Carolina.
Centipede grass typically germinates within 2-3 weeks and requires less fertilizer compared to other turf grasses. However, it is less resilient to foot traffic and should be protected from heavy use.
Ryegrass
Photo Credit: undefined undefined/Getty ImagesPerennial ryegrass thrives in cool, temperate climates and grows rapidly. Known for its durability, it is often used in grass blends, complementing Kentucky Bluegrass effectively. While it prefers full sun, it lacks drought tolerance and needs consistent watering.
“Ryegrass sprouts rapidly and should be maintained at a height of 2-3 inches,” recommends Sylva. As one of the quickest-growing grasses, it can begin germination in as little as 5 days. However, it may grow unevenly, requiring reseeding in certain areas.
Fescue
Image Credit: Sheryl Watson/Getty ImagesFescue grass (Lolium arundinaceum) is an excellent choice for shaded lawns, taking approximately 2-3 weeks to germinate. “Fescue, ideal for cooler regions, should be mowed to a height of 3- inches,” says Sylva. It comes in various types, such as tall, blue, and fine fescue, often blended together or combined with grasses like Kentucky bluegrass.
Fescue is a resilient grass that withstands heat, drought, and heavy foot traffic, making it a popular choice for fields and golf courses nationwide. “Unlike other fast-growing grasses, tall fescue grows in clumps and doesn’t spread naturally, so homeowners should reseed every fall to cover bare patches,” explains May. Otherwise, fescue grasses are low-maintenance, requiring minimal watering or fertilizing. Their deep roots allow them to absorb more nutrients from the soil compared to other cool-weather grasses.
Buffalo Grass
groworganic.comBuffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides), native to North America, is a drought-resistant, low-maintenance warm-season grass that thrives in heat. May recommends planting in late spring or early summer, during its peak growth period when temperatures average around 80°F. Germination takes about 2-3 weeks. This soft, dense grass spreads rapidly via rhizomes and stolons. For a natural aesthetic, buffalo grass can be left unmowed, potentially flowering and attracting butterflies and pollinators.
St. Augustine Grass
Image Credit: Jennifer Smith/Getty ImagesFor those seeking a lush, vibrant lawn, St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is a premium warm-season option. Known for its drought resistance and ability to suppress weeds, it’s ideal for hot, dry climates. “Warm-season grasses are naturally suited to arid conditions and require less water than those thriving in cooler, moist environments,” notes Dr. May.
May recommends watering warm-weather grasses like St. Augustine with 1-2 inches of water weekly, preferably in the morning. This grass needs consistent watering and fertilization. While it thrives in full sun, it can tolerate shade. However, St. Augustine grass is only available as sod or plugs, making it a costlier option compared to seed-based grasses.
