The lawn is probably the most maintenance-intensive part of the garden. This starts with the germination of the seeds, which can vary depending on the type of lawn. And not all grasses germinate equally.
In a nutshell
- Germination is the basis for the success of the lawn seed
- Lawn seeds are equipped with a dormancy that must be overcome
- prevents germination and lasts for different lengths of time
- Germination time is usually between a few days and several weeks
duration of germination
Lawn germination requires certain conditions. The actual germination time is determined by the type of lawn and its germination capacity. Of course, factors such as irrigation, temperature and oxygen supply also play an important role. However, they cannot accelerate the germination process. Depending on the seed, germination occurs within six to 28 days. For the most common types, this looks like this:
- Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) takes 7-15 days
- Red fescue (Festuca rubra) and tall fescue (F. arundinacea) about 10-18 days
- Sheep fescue (Festuca ovina) between 11 and 19 days
- Bent grasses (Agrostis spp.) germinate after about 12-20 days
- Meadow and meadow panicle (Poa pratensis/supina) after 14-21 or 24 days
If the germination of the lawn is interrupted, for example due to a lack of moisture, the lawn seeds will dry up. If they don't get enough oxygen, they will wither. But too much heat and overwatering can also hamper germination. As already mentioned, there are also differences in the germination capacity of the seeds. While it is 80% for perennial ryegrass, it is 75% for meadow meadow grass, red fescue and sheep's fescue.
Notice: All commercially available lawn seeds must meet certain minimum requirements that are regulated in the Seed Act. The Research Society for Landscape Development and Landscaping even specifies a germination rate of at least 85% for standard seed mixtures.
speed up the germination process
If the time it takes for your lawn to germinate is too long, you can use various measures to shorten this process. This includes appropriate initial fertilization, adhering to the ideal sowing time, good preparation of the subsoil, regular watering or extensive coverage of the area in question.
- Lay the lawn preferably in early autumn
- sandy loamy soils ideally suited
- Use soil activator if necessary
- clayey and pure sandy soils unsuitable
- keep new seed constantly moist
- Cover lawns that have already been sown with fleece or growth film
Tip: An ideal microclimate is created under the fleece or the growth film that can shorten the germination time. It is placed flat on the sowing area and fixed at the ends with ground anchors, stones or similar.
frequently asked Questions
What if germination fails or is very patchy?The absence of germination or incomplete emergence can have several causes. It is possible that the time for sowing was chosen poorly or that inferior seed quality was used. The soil may be too compacted, too dry or too moist. Or part of the seed has been lost due to bird damage.
How to prepare the soil for germination?It is best to dig it up to a depth of about 20 cm and then loosen it up with a rake. Visible weed roots are removed and the area leveled. About two weeks before sowing, the soil is fertilized.
At what temperature does the lawn germinate?So that germination can take place optimally, the soil should have relatively constant temperatures of at least eight to ten degrees.
When can sprouted lawn be walked on for the first time?After four weeks at the earliest, you can enter the area once for mowing. However, it should not yet be used.
What about the germination time for the so-called turbo seed?These turbo seeds are lawn seeds with certain additives that are intended to promote germination. With up to 30% faster germination or a germination time of less than seven days, they are said to be particularly suitable for extensive reseeding.