table of contents
- Germination time
- Accelerate the germination process
- frequently asked Questions
race is probably the most maintenance-intensive area of the garden. It starts with the germination of the seeds, which can vary depending on the type of lawn. And not all grasses germinate the same way.
In a nutshell
- Germination is the basis for the success of the lawn seed
- Lawn seeds are endowed with a dormancy that must be overcome
- prevents germination and takes different lengths of time
- The germination time is usually between a few days and several weeks
Germination time
The germination of lawns requires certain conditions. The actual germination time is determined by the type of lawn and its germination capacity. Of course, factors such as watering, temperature and oxygen supply also play an important role. But they cannot accelerate the germination process. Depending on the seed, germination occurs within six to 28 days. For the most common varieties it looks like this:
- German ryegrass (Lolium perenne) takes 7-15 days
- Red fescue (Festuca rubra) and fescue (F. arundinacea) about 10-18 days
- Sheep fescue (Festuca ovina) between 11 and 19 days
- Ostrich grasses (Agrostis spp.) Germinate after approx. 12-20 days
- Meadow and lager panicle (Poa pratensis / supina) after 14-21 resp. 24 days
If the germination of the lawn is interrupted, for example due to a lack of moisture, the Dry up lawn seeds. If they don't get enough oxygen, they will wither away. But too much heat and overwatering can hinder germination. As already mentioned, there are also differences in the germination capacity of the seeds. While it is 80% for German ryegrass, it is 75% for meadow panicle, red fescue and sheep fescue.
Note: All commercially available lawn seeds must meet certain minimum requirements, which are regulated in the Seed Act. The research company for landscape development and landscaping even specifies a germination rate of at least 85% for standard seed mixtures.
Accelerate the germination process
If the time for your lawn to germinate is too long, you have the option of shortening this process through various measures. This includes an appropriate start fertilization, adherence to the ideal sowing time, a good one Preparation of the subsoil, regular watering or an extensive covering of the affected area Area.
- Preferably lay out the lawn in early autumn
- sandy loamy soils ideally suited
- use soil activator if necessary
- clayey and pure sandy soils unsuitable
- keep new seeds constantly moist
- Cover already sown lawn with fleece or growth film
Tip: An ideal microclimate is created under the fleece or the growth film, which can shorten the germination time. It is placed flat on the seed surface and attached at the ends with ground anchors, stones or the like.
frequently asked Questions
The lack of germination or incomplete emergence can have several causes. It is possible that the time for sowing was poorly chosen or that poor-quality seeds were used. The soil may be too compacted, too dry, or too damp. Or part of the seed has been lost due to bird damage.
It is best to dig it up to a depth of about 20 cm and then loosen it up with a rake. Visible roots of weeds are removed and the area is leveled. The soil is fertilized about two weeks before sowing.
So that germination can run optimally, the soil should have relatively constant temperatures of at least eight to ten degrees.
After four weeks at the earliest, you can enter the area to mow once. However, it should not be used yet.
These turbo seeds are lawn seeds with certain additives that are supposed to promote germination. With up to 30% faster germination or with a germination time of less than seven days, they should be particularly suitable for large-area reseeding.