Grass Seed Germination

Grass seed will germinate at a wide variety of temperatures; the optimum temperatures for germination are in the table below. The temperatures listed are air temperatures which would be almost identical to that in on the surface of the soil barring radiation effects.


Realize though that optimum temperature for seed germination can vary depending on seed age, cultivar, etc. Also, the optimum germination temperature of certain species may not involve a specific temperature but a rhythmic alternation of temperatures. Additionally, the maximum and minimum temperatures for seed germination are poorly defined because of the extreme slowness of germination, especially for the minimums.
Most of our cool season grasses can germinate almost throughout the summer, so there are many other factors control the success of seeding. Poor irrigation, diseases like damping off, and weed pressure are the most common causes of seeding failures.


Optimum Temperatures for Seed Germination

Creeping Bentgrass 59–86°
Annual Bluegrass 68–86°
Kentucky Bluegrass 59–86°
Rough Bluegrass 68–86°
Tall Fescue 68–86°
Red Fescue 59–77°
Sheep fescue 59–77°
Chewings Fescue 69–77°
Perennial Ryegrass 68–86°
Intermediate Ryegrass 45° +
 

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