Imagine stepping onto a lush, green lawn just weeks after planting. Sounds like a dream, right? Many homeowners crave that instant transformation, but finding a fast-growing lawn seed that actually delivers can feel like a frustrating guessing game. You see bags promising quick results, but sometimes you end up with patchy, slow growth instead of the carpet of green you hoped for.
Choosing the perfect fast-growing seed involves more than just picking the first bag you see. You worry about the seed taking hold quickly, surviving your local weather, and looking great all season. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the different grass types and labels.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly what to look for in a fast-growing seed. You will learn the secrets to getting a thick, speedy lawn without the usual headaches. Get ready to discover the best seeds for fast results!
Top Fast Growing Lawn Seed Recommendations
- QUICKLY GROWS TURF - This rapidly establishing grass seed mixture grows quick-turf for problem areas. It's designed to fill in troubled areas in lawns or grow an entirely new lawn quickly. It germinates in 7 -10 days.
- FULL SUN TO MEDIUM SHADE - Fast Grow Grass Seed contains annual ryegrasses, tall fescues, and fine fescues. It grows in full sun to medium shaded yard areas.
- PROVIDES A DARK GREEN LAWN - This grass seed mix produces healthy, dense, and attractive turf with a dark-green color. The best time to apply is mid-August to mid-October, or mid-March through mid-May. It grows in full sun to moderate shade.
- OVERSEED WITH BLACK BEAUTY GRASS SEED - Fast Grow is a temporary grass seed solution that lasts throughout one season. Lawns grown from Fast Grow should be overseeded with any Black Beauty Grass Seed for a thick lawn that will persist for years to come.
- COMPLETE COVERAGE - This 3 lb bag will seed up to 750 sq. ft. for new lawns. For overseeding, this bag will seed up to 1,500 sq. ft.
- Grow Thick, Green Turf: Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sun & Shade Mix features Root-Building Nutrition crafted to help establish deep roots to build a better, stronger lawn
- Sun and Shade Grass: this combination grass seed, fertilizer, and soil improver thrives in a variety of conditions
- Usage: This grass seed mix is designed for full sun and dense shade, and has medium drought resistance with medium to high durability
- Application: Use to seed a new lawn or overseed an existing lawn in the spring or fall when temperatures are between 60°F and 80°F
- Coverage: One 5.6 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sun & Shade Mix has a new lawn coverage of 745 sq. ft. and an overseeding coverage of 2,240 sq. ft
- Scotts EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade is a revolutionary grass seeding product designed to fill in bare spots and repair lawn damage
- EZ Seed Patch & Repair contains a combination of high performance grass seed, mulch that expands to surround the seed, controlled release fertilizer, tackifier to help keep seed from washing away and a protectant to help keep seedlings safe
- Scotts EZ Seed Sun and Shade grass seed grows in tough conditions such as full sun, dense shade, high traffic areas and on slopes
- Plant seed in the spring or fall when daily average soil temperatures are consistently between 55°F and 70°F, or air temperatures between 60°F and 80°F
- EZ Seed Patch & Repair Sun and Shade contains a combination of mulch, grass seed, and fertilizer to cover up to 85 sq. ft. in 3 easy steps
- Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue is the original turf for your home
- Provides a durable, economical lawn
- Thick blades of grass stand up to hot summers and heavy rains
- For use in full sun to medium-shaded areas
- Produces a lighter green, drought-resistant turf
- Fast Growing Grass Seed: Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Tall Fescue Mix grows grass 2X faster than seed alone (when applied at the new lawn rate, subject to proper care)
- Tall Fescue Mix: Revolutionary mix of grass seed and fertilizer grows full, green grass in just weeks
- Usage: This grass seed mix is for overseeding large problem areas in your lawn and establishing new grass
- Application: Apply this lawn care product in the spring or fall when temperatures are between 60°F and 80°F
- Coverage: One 5.6 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Tall Fescue Mix has a new lawn coverage of 615 sq. ft. and an overseeding coverage of 1,845 sq. ft.
- Fast Growing Grass Seed: Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Sun & Shade grows grass 2X faster than seed alone (when applied at the new lawn rate, subject to proper care)
- Sun and Shade Grass: Revolutionary mix of grass seed and fertilizer grows full, green grass in just weeks
- Usage: This grass seed mix is for overseeding large problem areas in your lawn and establishing new grass
- Application: Apply this lawn care product in the spring or fall when temperatures are between 60°F and 80°F
- Coverage: One 5.6 lb. bag of Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Sun & Shade Mix has a new lawn coverage of 839 sq. ft. and an overseeding coverage of 2,800 sq. ft.
- PREMIUM GRASS SEED BLEND: Expertly formulated with perennial ryegrass, fine fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass for a fast-growing, dense, sun and shade lawn. Great for climates in central and northern regions. Lush Green Grass in Weeks!
- COVERS LARGE AREAS: A 3 lb bag covers 2,100 sq ft for existing lawns or 1,050 sq ft for new lawns, making it flawless for creating lush turf. Works for high-traffic areas, dogs, and hydroseeding projects.
- MOISTURE BOOST TECHNOLOGY: Designed for rapid germination, this mix absorbs 50% more water than paper, promoting greener & denser growth. For lawns in sun or full shade, it thrives in cool-season climates and handles high-traffic areas with ease.
- Transform your lawn into a lush, emerald oasis with our 99.9% weed-free grass seeds. Well-suited for creating a dense, vibrant turf, these seeds thrive in full shade or sun, are ideal for high-traffic areas, and feature fast-growing varieties.
- VERSATILE FOR NEW AND OLD LAWNS: Revitalize bare spots, rejuvenate summer-damaged grasses, or establish new dense lawns. Superb for high-traffic areas, cool-season growth, and complete lawn care year-round.
- Scotts PatchMaster Lawn Repair Mix Sun + Shade Mix combines grass seed, mulch, and fertilizer to provide all-in-one bare spot repair for your yard
- Ready-to-grow lawn repair mix starts to grow in as few as 7 days, feeds up to 6 weeks, and absorbs 3x its weight in water
- This lawn care product contains a mixture of premium Perennial Ryegrasses, Fine Fescues, and Kentucky Bluegrass to adapt to sunny or shady conditions, 100% recycled mulch to help keep seeds moist and in place, and fertilizer for fast growth and thick results
- Apply this grass seed mix in the fall or spring when daytime temperatures are between 60°F and 80°F
- One 4.75 lb. bag of Scotts PatchMaster Lawn Repair Mix Sun + Shade Mix covers up to 140 sq. ft.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Fast Growing Lawn Seed
Want a lush, green lawn in a hurry? Fast-growing lawn seed is your answer! But not all seed mixes are the same. This guide helps you pick the perfect bag for your yard.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at seed bags, check these important things first. These features tell you how fast and how well your lawn will grow.
1. Germination Rate
This number shows how many seeds are likely to sprout. Look for a high percentage, ideally 85% or more. A higher rate means more grass for your effort.
2. Seed Mix Composition
Fast-growing grass often means a mix of different grass types. Check the label to see what’s inside. Common fast growers include Perennial Ryegrass and certain types of Fescue.
3. Drought Tolerance
Some fast-growing seeds need lots of water. If you live where it gets hot or dry, choose a mix that resists drought. This saves you time and water later.
4. Shade Tolerance
Does your yard have big trees? If so, you need seeds that grow well in the shade. Most fast-growing mixes prefer full sun, so read the label carefully if you have shady spots.
Important Materials in Your Seed Bag
The quality of the seed matters a lot. You are buying tiny plants, so make sure they are healthy!
Seed Purity
Purity is how much of the bag is actual grass seed. High-quality seed has very little “filler”—things like weed seeds or inert matter (dead bits). Always choose a bag with 95% purity or higher.
Coating vs. Uncoated Seed
Some seeds come coated with a protective layer, often containing fertilizer or fungicide. This coating helps the seed start strong. Uncoated seeds are usually cheaper but might need more initial care.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one bag better than another? It often comes down to what’s not in the bag and how the seed is stored.
Factors That Improve Quality
- New Crop Year: Seeds are living things. Freshly harvested seed grows better than old seed. Check the packaging date if possible.
- Variety Selection: Good mixes use improved, high-performing grass varieties developed for your region.
Factors That Reduce Quality
- Weed Seeds: If the purity is low, you might accidentally plant invasive weeds. These compete with your new grass.
- Damage During Storage: Seeds exposed to extreme heat or moisture lose their ability to sprout. Buy from reputable stores that keep their inventory dry.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about why you need fast grass. Different situations require different seeds.
Quick Fixes (Patching Bare Spots)
If you only need to fix a small hole where the dog dug, look for small bags focused heavily on fast-sprouting Ryegrass. These germinate in days.
New Lawn Installation
For starting a whole new lawn, you need a balanced mix. It should include fast starters for quick coverage, plus slower, tougher grasses for long-term health.
Seasonal Planting
Fast-growing seeds often do best when planted at the right time. Most cool-season grasses sprout best in early fall or early spring. Planting in the middle of summer heat will slow down growth, even with fast-growing varieties.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Fast Growing Lawn Seed
Q: How fast is “fast growing”?
A: Usually, “fast growing” means you will see tiny green sprouts within 5 to 10 days, especially if conditions like temperature and moisture are perfect.
Q: Can I use fast-growing seed in the summer?
A: It is risky. Many fast growers are cool-season grasses. Intense summer heat often burns them before they get strong roots. Spring or fall is better.
Q: Do I need fertilizer with this seed?
A: Yes. Most fast-growing seeds benefit greatly from a starter fertilizer. This gives the new seedlings the energy they need to grow quickly.
Q: What is the difference between perennial and annual rye?
A: Perennial ryegrass comes back every year. Annual ryegrass dies when winter hits but is often used for very fast, temporary cover.
Q: Will this seed grow in clay soil?
A: Most grass seeds struggle in heavy clay. You must amend the soil first by mixing in compost or peat moss to help drainage.
Q: How often should I water the new seed?
A: Keep the top layer of soil constantly moist until the grass is about two inches tall. This often means light watering several times a day.
Q: Does fast-growing seed mean weaker grass later?
A: Not always. Good mixes combine fast germination with tough, long-lasting varieties. Cheap mixes might use only annuals, which leads to a weak lawn later.
Q: Should I use a spreader?
A: Yes. Using a broadcast spreader helps you apply the seed evenly. Uneven application leads to patchy areas and thick clumps.
Q: How deep should I plant the seed?
A: You should not plant it deep at all! Most grass seed needs light contact with the soil to germinate. Lightly rake it in, then cover it with a very thin layer of peat moss or topsoil.
Q: What if the seed doesn’t sprout after two weeks?
A: Check your watering. The soil is probably too dry. If the soil is wet, the temperature might be too cold for that specific seed type to activate.