Growing and maintaining a lush lawn in Canada can be an arduous task, but with the right grass seed, you’re assured of green and healthy grassland. The best Canadian lawns are usually a mix of various types of grass species resistant to pest attack and other unfavourable conditions.
Best Grass Seed in Canada
Are you starting a lawn soon? Do you know the right grass seed to plant? Here’s a list of some of the best grass seeds to plant in Canada:
1. Kentucky Bluegrass Seed
The premium quality seed thrives best in sunny or moderate shade conditions. You’re more likely to see the seed growing in high-density, winter-hardy or heat-tolerant areas.
Considered the ideal grass for a lawn, Kentucky bluegrass seed produces a beautiful, lush scenery that will draw you in. Though bluegrass is a hardy species, it flourishes under sunny conditions.
The seeds are best planted during late summer or early fall so roots can develop before winter begins. Bluegrass seeds grown in summer are less likely to be attacked by weeds.
The warm season enables the seed to retain water and nutrients, enhancing germination. Want to invest in good seeds that develop in a dense, luxuriant lawn? Turf Builder Kentucky Bluegrass is a popular choice.
2. Perennial Ryegrass
Also known as English ryegrass, perennial ryegrass is distinguished for its turf quality and resistant features. The species withstand heavy foot traffic, has shallow roots and requires consistent watering.
The cool-season variety doubles as a forage crop for animals. It makes good silage as well. In recent times, it’s been used as turf grass globally.
When the seed is planted, it grows to about 6 to 8 metres. Perennial ryegrass is dark green, glossy with fine texture. If you’re looking for low maintenance and disease-resistant species for your space, Ryegrass is an ideal choice.
3. Tall Fescue
Another cool-season grass that thrives in sunny areas, tall fescue, is suitable for commercial grounds, residential homes and playgrounds. Initially grown for forage, tall fescue is now grown for recreational purposes.
The drought-resistant species is deeply rooted so it can absorb water for growth. Once planted, it starts sprouting within two weeks. When cut down, it regrows at a fast rate and blends with other types of grass. Its adaptable features make it one of the best grass seeds in Canada.
4. Annual Ryegrass
Annual ryegrass thrives under cool climates with adequate rainfall and highly fertile soil. In Ontario, the cool-season grass is used as forage or cover crop in crop rotation. The coarse light green grass germinates within 5-7 days.
It’s usually planted in the spring and harvested in the fall. Shallow seeds start growing between autumn and early winter. Annual ryegrass is adaptable to nitrogen and moisture.
5. Creeping Bentgrass
Popularly used on golf courses, creeping bentgrass is the most distinguishable among the cool-season grasses due to its rich colour, dense nature and low-growing ability. It’s best suited for cool, humid environments.
Bent grasses are of three types: colonial, creeping and velvet. From climate to salt tolerance, colour and structure, each type have distinct characteristics. Are you thinking of building a golf course in your home? Bentgrass will be a good, luxurious grass.
6. Canada Bluegrass
Low maintenance and fine texture best describe this grass species. Also referred to as flattened meadow grass, Canada bluegrass develops in old wall tops, sandy camping sites, dry stony grassland and waste areas.
The perennial grass species stand tall at 48cm, possess distinct flat stems with blue-green or dark green leaves.
7. Bermuda grass
Bermuda grass grows best in warm, hot weather with adequate water. The seed grows into a short lawn requiring lots of sunlight. During the summer, the warm-season grass can be combined with perennial ryegrass to give a beautiful lawn.
If you like your lawn short, you should opt for Bermuda grass seed.
How to Choose The Best Grass Seed For Your Lawn
Your choice of grass seed depends on your preference. Before you choose the best option, consider the following questions:
- Are you planting a new lawn, or you need to cover up some patches?
- Does your space provide enough shade?
- Which variety of grass seeds do you prefer? Or do you prefer to combine different seed varieties?
- Would you set out time to maintain your lawn?
- Do you prefer a low-maintenance seed type that doesn’t require lots of watering?
- Which soil type exists in your area?
The questions above will help you in choosing the best grass seed for your lawn. Also, make sure that you water your lawn grass at the right times.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best and fastest growing grass seed?
Bermuda grass is the fastest growing grass seed that germinates within 10 days.
How long does it take for grass seed to start growing?
Typically, it takes 7 to 30 days for grass seed to germinate.
Will grass seed grow if you just throw it on the ground?
While grass seed grows quickly when thrown on the ground, it’s however not advised to plant seeds in that manner.