how long does it take for ez seed to grow

Waiting on Grass A Guide to EZ Seed Germination Times

Seeded a bare spot or thin lawn with EZ Seed? Now your patience is being tested waiting for those grass sprouts to pop up. When can you expect visible results? Let’s dig into the factors that influence EZ Seed germination.

What is EZ Seed?

EZ Seed is a lawn repair product by Scotts that combines grass seed, fertilizer, and mulch in one bag. The mulch coating protects seeds and retains moisture so you simply sprinkle it on bare soil and keep it watered. No tilling or topsoil required.

EZ Seed contains a mix of perennial ryegrass, creeping red fescue, and Kentucky bluegrass. These cool-season grass varieties are commonly used in northern lawns.

Germination Timeline for EZ Seed

You’ll typically see EZ Seed sprouting in 10-21 days after application. But several variables affect the timeline:

• Seed type – Perennial ryegrass germinates fastest in 5-10 days. Fescue and bluegrass can take 14-21 days.

• Temperatures – Cool-season grasses prefer consistent temps of 55-65°F. Below 50°F, germination stalls.

• Moisture – Seeds need continual dampness. Germination is delayed if soil dries out.

• Sunlight – Part sun is ideal. Too much hot sun can inhibit germination.

• Soil prep – Well-loosened, weed-free, fertile soil enables better germination.

Daily Watering is Key

Proper watering is crucial for quick EZ Seed germination. The mulch coating holds moisture but doesn’t replace watering. Follow these tips:

• Water seeded areas daily to keep the top 1/2 inch of soil moist.

• Avoid runoff. Split watering into shorter, multiple sessions.

• Use a sprinkle setting on hose end nozzles to avoid displacing seeds.

• Water early in the day so leaves dry before nightfall.

• Reduce frequency after sprouts emerge but keep soil damp.

What to Expect from EZ Seed

Under ideal conditions of adequate warmth and moisture, you can expect:

• 5-7 days: Seeds swell and roots form underground.

• 10-14 days: Shoots emerge. Grass reaches 1-2 inches.

• 3-4 weeks: Grass fills in at 2-3 inches tall. Time to mow.

• 6-8 weeks: Thick, established lawn ready for traffic.

Don’t despair if you don’t see sprouts in the 10-14 day window. Allow at least 4 weeks before reseeding areas. Dormant seeds may awaken with warmer temperatures and rainfall.

Caring for EZ Seed After Germination

Once sprouts emerge, continue care to promote vigorous grass:

• Water 1-2 times per week until established.

• Apply starter fertilizer when grass reaches 3 inches.

• Let new grass grow to 3-4 inches before first mowing.

• Mow often at a high setting while grass thickens.

• Reseed bare spots that remain after 4-6 weeks.

EZ Seed delivers convenience for DIY lawn repair. A little patience is required while awaiting germination but is rewarded with the satisfaction of lush, new grass. Proper care after sprouting ensures your seeding success fills in to a uniform lawn.

Follow the watering guidelines, allow time for growth, and soon that bare dirt or thinning patch will be a distant memory. Your lawn will look thicker and greener, thanks to handy EZ Seed.