Typical grass seeding rates
Seeding rates are given in pounds per 1,000 square feet. The figures below are common ranges from university extension guides – always check the label on your bag, because seed blends and coated seed can differ.
| Grass type | New lawn | Overseeding |
|---|---|---|
| Tall fescue | 6–8 lb | 3–5 lb |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 2–3 lb | 1–2 lb |
| Perennial ryegrass | 6–9 lb | 3–5 lb |
| Fine fescue | 4–5 lb | 2–3 lb |
| Bermudagrass (hulled) | 1–2 lb | 0.5–1 lb |
| Zoysiagrass | 1–2 lb | 0.5–1 lb |
| Centipedegrass | 0.25–0.5 lb | 0.25 lb |
| Bahiagrass | 7–10 lb | 4–5 lb |
When to plant grass seed
Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass, ryegrass) do best when seeded in early fall, with spring as a second choice. Warm-season grasses (Bermuda, zoysia, centipede, bahia) should be seeded in late spring to early summer, once soil temperatures stay above about 65 °F.
Don’t over-seed
More seed is not always better. Seeding far above the recommended rate makes seedlings compete for light and water, which leads to a thin, weak lawn. Spread half the seed in one direction and the other half at a right angle for even coverage.