8 Fast-Growing Grasses to Upgrade Your Lawn

Growing the perfect lawn from seed to green can take a long time—but it doesn't have to. If you pick the right grass for your location and climate, you could start seeing results within a couple of weeks. But, with so many different types of grasses out there, it can be hard to sort through all the options. So, we asked experts about the best fast-growing grasses for a range of climates. Keep reading to find a grass that will help you achieve the green lawn of your dreams in no time.

Bermuda Grass

Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a popular, drought-resistant turfgrass that does particularly well in the mid to southern United States. “Bermuda grass thrives in warmer climates,” says Steve Sylva, owner and operator of Steve’s Services, a Massachusetts-based landscaping and hardscaping company.

This grass can handle lots of direct sunlight, endure long periods without water, and grow in pretty much any soil type. Together, these features make Bermuda grass a versatile option for warm weather lawns—and golf courses. This fast-growing grass germinates in only 1-2 weeks. However, Bermuda grass is also dense and can quickly spread. Sylva says it should be mowed to a height of around 1-2 inches.

Zoysia Grass

Of the fast-growing grasses, Zoysia grass (Zoysia Japonica) has comparatively slow vertical growth. But it is fast spreading, thanks to its modified stems: rhizomes and stolons. Zoysia grass is a warm-weather grass, but it can tolerate colder temperatures. However, it is susceptible to diseases in the spring and fall, so it requires a bit more attention.

“Zoysia grass is a coarse to medium-textured turf grass that offers an attractive dense canopy and apple-green color, making it a common choice for curb appeal,” says Roger May, PhD, Director of Technical Operations at TruGreen. Zoysia grass takes about three weeks to germinate. For a quicker uptake, use sod or grass plugs. To encourage continuous growth, aerate twice a year and apply fertilizer. “Warm-season grasses are best aerated in the spring and early summer to help build new roots before going dormant in winter,” May says.

Kentucky Bluegrass

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) is a fast-growing grass for cooler regions. It can have a dark blueish-green color and is a popular choice in the northern United States. Kentucky bluegrass is not very drought-tolerant, but this even-growing grass has a soft texture and handles foot traffic well. This grass seed takes around 2-3 weeks to germinate. “Kentucky Bluegrass requires regular watering and should be mowed at 2.5 to 3 inches,” says Sylva.

Centipede Grass

Centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) is a low-maintenance option for warm-weather regions, particularly in the Southeastern states. With its apple-green color, centipede grass does not need regular mowing or irrigation, as long as your area gets frequent rain. This grass also grows best in sandy soil, hence its popularity in states like Florida and South Carolina.

Centipede grass takes about 2-3 weeks to germinate and uses less fertilizer than other common turf grasses. However, this grass needs to be protected from foot traffic because it does not wear well.

Ryegrass

Perennial ryegrass is fast growing in cool, temperate weather. Durable on its own, ryegrass also makes a great companion seed in grass blends—it pairs well with Kentucky Bluegrass. Ryegrass likes full sun but is not drought-tolerant and needs regular watering. 

“Ryegrass germinates quickly and should be mowed at 2-3 inches,” advises Sylva. As one of the fastest growing grasses, it can germinate as early as 5 days. However, it can grow patchily, and you may need to re-seed some areas.

Fescue

For shadier lawns, turn to fescue grass (Lolium arundinaceum), which takes about 2-3 weeks to germinate. “Fescue, which is suitable for cooler climates, should be kept at a mowing height of 3-3.5 inches,” Sylva says. There are many variations of fescue grass, like tall, blue, and fine fescue. Those seeds are often mixed together or with other grasses like Kentucky bluegrass.

Fescue is also a hardy grass that handles heat, droughts, and foot traffic, so it’s often used for fields and golf courses across the country. “Unlike the other fast-growing grasses, tall fescue is a bunch-type grass and does not spread on its own, so homeowners will need to seed every fall to fill in bare spots,” says May. Otherwise, fescue grasses are considered low-maintenance because they don’t require frequent watering or fertilizing. They have deeper roots than other cool-weather grasses and can draw more nutrients from the soil.

Buffalo Grass

Native to North America, buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) is a drought-tolerant, low-maintenance grass option. As a warm-season grass, it tolerates heat well. May says the best time to plant is in late spring or early summer, the grass' most active growing period in temperatures averaging about 80 F. It takes about 2-3 weeks for Buffalo grass to germinate. It is a soft and dense grass that spreads quickly through rhizomes and stolons. If you're going for a more natural look, buffalo grass is a great choice to leave unmowed—it may flower and attract butterflies and pollinators. 

St. Augustine Grass

If you’re willing to splurge for a thick and vibrant green lawn, St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is an upscale warm-season grass option. This grass is drought-tolerant and effective at controlling weed growth. “Warm-season grasses are well-adapted for hot, dry climates, and as such, have lower water requirements than species that thrive in cool, moist conditions,” explains Dr. May.

As a general rule of thumb for warm-weather grasses, May suggests 1-2 inches of water once a week, earlier in the day. St. Augustine grass requires regular watering and fertilization. Though it also prefers full sun, it is a shade-tolerant grass. However, St. Augustine grass is only available in sod or plug form, making it a more expensive choice compared to seed grasses.