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Common grass seeds

Deciding on what type of grass seed you want for your lawn is a personal choice. There are many cultivars of grass seed to choose from. However, the area in which you live may limit what choices are available to you. To find a grass seed most appropriate to the area in which you live, you will need to know your location's zone.

Knowing your zone

The US is split up into 8 different climate zones. Zone 1 includes warm climate areas such as Florida and the Gulf region. Zone 4 includes areas such as the Midwest and upper Midwest. To find your climate zone, consult a zone map, which can be found on the internet. This will help you determine what types of seed can be grown in your area.

Common cool-season grass seeds

If you live in cool season zone, here is some practical information concerning common cultivars. Most cool season northern states use a mixture of grass types. If general, all of these grasses will brown in summer if they are not given sufficient amounts of water.

  • Kentucky Bluegrass is one of the more popular cool season grasses. This kind of bluegrass seed is both inexpensive and costs very little to maintain. It produces a dense, green sod, with smooth stems that are medium to fine in texture. Kentucky bluegrass grows in almost any type of soil, and is classified as aggressive. Its one major drawback is that it does not do well in drought conditions. It should be mowed to 2 inches in height.
  • Fescue consists of two main cultivars: tall and creeping. Both kinds grow well in slightly acidic, slightly sandy, well-drained soils. This means that they can withstand drought well. Fescue ranges in texture from fine to medium, and stays green year-round. It is an extremely shade tolerant grass, and is often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass.
  • Ryegrass is one of the most common seed types planted in areas that are particularly cold, such as Minnesota or Maine. It grows in green, tight bunches, and is either annual or perennial. Both annual and perennial grow quickly, like ryegrass. Because it grows in clumps, it is rarely uniform in appearance. Hot summers can cause it to turn yellow. It is often combined with fescue or crabgrass.

Common warm-season grass seeds

Warm season grasses are often grown in the southern states. In general, they require less water than cool season grasses. Here are some common types used in lawns.

  • Zoysia is extremely popular right now. It is often sold as sod, as seeds are not readily available, making it more expensive. Zoysia produces a dense, green turf. It prefers full sun, and will turn yellow in colder climates. Easy to maintain, zoysia grows very slowly and only needs to be mowed every 10 to 14 days.
  • Bermuda is a fast growing, dense, and dark green in color. Seed is available in both common and improved varieties. Bermuda spreads by rhizomes and stolons. It is highly drought-resistant, but will turn brown during colder months. Bermuda is considered aggressive; once established, it is hard to get rid of. On the upside, it is fast repairing.
  • St. Augustine is a dark green grass that is course in texture. It grows well in both salty and alkaline soils, and can withstand ocean salt water well. St. Augustine prefers sunny areas, and doesn't thrive in shady areas. As seeds can be hard to find, it is often planted as sod or sprigs. If fertilized well, St. Augustine is naturally weed-resistant.