One of the easiest ways to narrow down your grass seed choices is to determine what type of grass grows best where you live. Grass seed falls into three main categories: cool-season grass seed, warm-season grass seed, and transition-zone grass seed. Cool-season grass seed is best suited for areas with colder winters and more moderate summers. Warm-season grass seed performs well in hotter climates. And for areas that sit between warm- and cool-season regions, you need a specially blended grass seed mix designed for seasonal temperature swings.
Find out what type of grass seed you need by exploring our climate-based collections below.
Once you’ve identified whether you need warm- or cold-weather grass seed, you can zero in on exactly what variety will work best for your specific growing conditions.
The best warm-weather grass seeds have high heat- and drought- tolerance. This type of grass seed typically performs best when air and soil temperatures are between 80 and 95 degrees F. Some of the most popular hot climate grass seeds include:
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Cold-hardy grass seed produces lush, green lawns in spring and fall, while growth slows in summer and goes fully dormant in winter. The ideal soil temperature for germination for these types of seeds is between 50 and 65 degrees F.
Top choices for cool climate grass seed include:
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Transition zone grass seeds are specially formulated blends designed to tolerate temperature extremes – scorching summer heat and freezing winters. These dual-climate grass seed mixes generally produce deep roots for gathering moisture and are resilient in the face of challenging weather conditions.
Shop transition-zone seed ›Climate is a great place to start when figuring out what type of grass seed will help you grow the healthiest lawn. But there are other factors to consider, including:
Need help narrowing down your options? Our lawn seed experts can suggest the best grass seed based on your specific needs. Contact us.
The primary difference between warm-season and cool-season grasses is that cool-season grasses have the most active growth during the spring and fall seasons, while warm-season grasses grow most actively during the warm summer months.
The best type of grass seed to grow in the southern part of the U.S. is Bermudagrass, a warm-season variety with high heat- and drought-tolerance. If you live in a Southern state in the transition zone such as Oklahoma, Virginia, or the Carolinas, consider a Tall Fescue grass seed blend.
Find the best type of lawn grass seed for every state in our comprehensive guide.
The best time to plant grass seed depends on the type of grass you choose. Cool-season grasses should be planted in early fall, about 6 to 8 weeks before your first hard frost, while warm-season grass seed should be sown in late spring or early summer, when soil temperatures reach 80 degrees.
Have additional questions? Contact us and our seed experts can help you find the right grass seed for your climate and growing conditions.
