The Type Of Grass You Can Plant In Late Summer For Lush, Colorful Lawn This Fall

While the summer may be coming to an end, that doesn't mean your lawn dreams need to be put on hold until next spring. The best time to plant your grass seed really depends on the type of grass you're using and your location. For example, homeowners living in the Northeast, Midwest, or Pacific Northwest are probably most familiar with cool-season grasses that do well in the moderate summers and cool winters. There are a few cool-season grasses that can still be planted in late summer, as long as it's 45 days before the first frost. If you're looking for a fast-growing grass seed that you can plant right now for a beautiful lawn by fall, consider perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne).

Perennial ryegrass should not be confused with annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum). Instead of dying after one season, perennial ryegrass will return for multiple seasons, especially when established in northern climates. In warmer regions, ryegrass is used to overseed the lawns during the winter. A bunch-type grass, it grows in clumps or tufts instead of spreading through rhizomes or stolons. This grass is valued for how quickly it can germinate from seed and its ability to establish a mowable grass within a month. Hardy in zones 3 through 8, this ryegrass does best in soil that is consistently moist with good drainage. Preferring full sunlight, it will not do well in light conditions that are either too shady or too hot. Perennial ryegrass is often used as turf in golf courses and sports fields, since it is able to tolerate a lot of foot traffic from walking and playing lawn games. It is an excellent choice for lawns, whether as a permanent or temporary option, due to its low-maintenance care needs.

For the best growth conditions, aim to plant your perennial ryegrass when the temperatures are between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Once planted, perennial ryegrass seeds can germinate anywhere between three and five days in ideal climates, like the Pacific Northwest. Sow seeds at around ¼ to ½ inch deep. Make sure your chosen area is free of weeds and big rocks. Homeowners working with a small lawn should plant the seed by hand or use a lawn spreader, followed by light raking to ensure the seeds make contact with the soil. If you have a bigger lawn, a seed drill is recommended. From there, you should water the area every week, with a focus on making sure the top layer stays moist. Note that while perennial ryegrass seeds very quickly, due to its bunching habit, it will not spread that fast. If you're after a lush lawn, it's best to use 8 to 10 pounds of seeds for every 1,000 square feet. Another option is to mix perennial ryegrass with other grass seeds, such as Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis) and fine fescues (Festuca spp.), if you're worried about bare spots. 

In about three weeks, your lawn should be overtaken by a turf of fine, glossy, blade-like stems. Once the lawn is established, you can adjust your watering habit to about 1 inch of water per week, depending on the weather and the amount of rain received. Consider fertilizing with nitrogen-rich blends during its growing season in the fall. If you notice any bald spots in your lawn, you may need to reseed that area in order to trigger growth. As your lawn grows, make it a habit to mow your ryegrass every week. During the fall, its grass height should remain between 1½ and 2½ inches.