When To Plant Grass Seed In North Texas

Getting a lush, green lawn in North Texas starts with knowing when to plant grass seed. Timing is everything, and sowing at the right moment makes all the difference for strong roots and healthy growth. This guide will walk you through the optimal windows for seeding, so you can avoid common pitfalls and achieve the lawn you want.

Our climate here is unique, with hot summers and mild winters. This means our grass types and planting schedules are specific to the region. Let’s break down the best times to get your seed in the ground for success.

For North Texas, the primary planting season is the fall. The secondary, and more challenging, season is late spring. The exact dates shift slightly each year, but following these seasonal guides will set you up for the best results.

The Best Season: Fall Planting (Late August to Mid-October)

Fall is the undisputed champion for seeding lawns in our area. The intense summer heat begins to fade, but the soil remains warm. This combination is perfect for seed germination.

Cooler air temperatures reduce stress on young grass seedlings. They also mean less competition from fast-growing summer weeds. The consistent autumn rains (in most years) provide natural irrigation, helping seeds establish without the constant watering needed in summer.

Target Date: Aim for seeding around 45 days before the first expected frost. For much of North Texas, this falls between September 15th and October 15th.
Soil Temperature: Ideal soil temperatures for warm-season grasses are between 70° and 80° F. This typically occurs in early fall.
Key Benefit: Roots develop deeply throughout the fall and winter, creating a sturdy, drought-resistant lawn by next summer.

The Secondary Window: Late Spring Planting (Mid-April to Early June)

Spring planting is possible but comes with significant challenges. It’s often used for repairing winter damage or filling in bare spots rather than starting a whole new lawn from seed.

The window is short. If you seed too early, a late frost can wipe out young grass. If you seed to late, the seedlings will be hit by the full force of the summer heat before their roots are established, often causing them to fail.

Target Date: The safest period is after the last frost date and before temperatures consistently hit the 90s. This is usually a narrow window in May.
Biggest Challenge: Summer weeds germinate aggressively at this time and will compete fiercely with your new grass for water and nutrients.
Increased Maintenance: Spring-seeded lawns require much more attentive watering to survive the impending summer stress.

Grass Types for North Texas Lawns

Choosing the right grass type is just as important as timing. North Texas lawns primarily feature warm-season grasses. These grasses thrive in the heat and go dormant (turn brown) after the first hard frost.

Bermuda Grass

This is the most common grass in the region due to its high heat and drought tolerance. It establishes quickly from seed and spreads aggressively, making it great for full sun areas.

Best Planting Time: Late spring (May) or early fall (September).
Note: It requires full sun and can become invasive in flower beds.

St. Augustine Grass

Known for its wide, flat blades and good shade tolerance, St. Augustine is a popular choice. However, it is almost always established from sod or plugs, not seed. It’s included here because it’s a major North Texas grass.

Best Planting Time for Sod/Plugs: Late spring through summer.

Buffalo Grass

A native grass that is incredibly drought-tolerant and requires less mowing and fertilizer. It’s a great eco-friendly option.

Best Planting Time: Late spring (May-June).
Note: It prefers full sun and goes completely dormant and brown in winter.

Zoysia Grass

Zoysia forms a dense, weed-resistant turf and has good heat tolerance. It establishes slower than Bermuda but creates a very durable lawn. It’s often planted from sod or plugs.

Best Planting Time for Seed (if available): Late spring.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Your Grass Seed

Once you’ve picked your time and grass type, proper planting technique is crucial. Here’s how to do it right.

Step 1: Prepare the Soil

This is the most important step many people skip. Good seed-to-soil contact is essential.

Clear the area of all weeds, rocks, and debris. Use a non-selective herbicide if needed, but allow proper time for it to break down before seeding.
Loosen the top 2-3 inches of soil with a rake or tiller. This allows roots to penetrate easily.
Level the area to prevent water pooling. Fill in low spots and gently knock down high spots.
Add a thin layer (about 1 inch) of compost if your soil is poor. This improves nutrient content and moisture retention.

Step 2: Sow the Seed

Don’t just toss it out! Even coverage prevents patchy results.

Use a broadcast spreader for large areas or hand-sow for small patches.
Check the seed bag for the recommended seeding rate for your grass type. Using to little seed invites weeds; using to much causes overcrowding and weak grass.
Sow half the seed walking in one direction (north-south), then sow the other half walking perpendicular (east-west). This ensures even coverage.

Step 3: Cover and Protect

Seed needs protection from birds and wind, and it must stay moist.

Lightly rake the area to cover the seeds with about 1/4 inch of soil. Don’t bury them to deep.
Apply a starter fertilizer high in phosphorus to promote root growth. Follow package instructions carefully.
Roll the area with a light lawn roller to press the seed into the soil for good contact.

Step 4: Water Consistently

Watering is non-negotiable for germination. The top inch of soil must stay consistently moist, not soggy.

Water lightly 2-3 times per day for the first 7-10 days, or until seeds sprout.
Once grass is about an inch tall, reduce frequency but increase depth to encourage deeper roots. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.
The best time to water is early morning to reduce evaporation and fungal disease.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Knowing what not to do can save you time, money, and frustration.

Planting at the Wrong Time: Seeding in mid-summer almost always fails due to heat stress. Seeding in winter is futile as seeds will not germinate in cold soil.
Poor Soil Prep: Throwing seed on hard, compacted soil or thick thatch leads to very poor germination rates.
Inconsistent Watering: Letting seeds dry out even once during the first two weeks can kill the sprouting process.
Mowing Too Soon or Too Low: Wait until the new grass reaches about 3 inches tall before the first mow. Never remove more than 1/3 of the blade height at once.
Using the Wrong Grass Type: Planting a shade grass in full sun, or a sun grass in deep shade, will never result in a healthy lawn.

FAQs: Planting Grass in North Texas

Can I plant grass seed in North Texas in March?

March is generally to early. Soil temperatures are still to cool for reliable warm-season grass germination, and a late frost is still a real risk. It’s better to wait until late April or May for spring seeding.

What is the best grass seed for North Texas?

The “best” depends on your yard’s conditions. For full sun and durability, Bermuda grass seed is a top choice. For a native, low-water option, look for Buffalo grass seed. Always check the seed label to ensure it’s suited for our climate zone.

How long does it take for grass seed to grow in Texas?

Under ideal fall conditions, most warm-season grasses like Bermuda will begin to sprout in 7-14 days. It will take about 6-8 weeks to establish a lawn sturdy enough for light foot traffic. Full establishment takes a full growing season.

Is October too late to plant grass seed?

Early October is usually fine, but mid-to-late October can be risky. If planted to late, the young grass won’t have enough time to develop a strong root system before winter dormancy, making it vulnerable. It’s better to err on the side of earlier in the fall window.

Can I just throw grass seed on my existing lawn?

This method, called overseeding, has a low success rate without preparation. You must first mow very low and rake vigorously to remove thatch and create soil contact for the new seeds. Simply throwing seed on top of an thick lawn usually wastes seed, as it won’t reach the soil.

By following these guidelines for when to plant grass seed in North Texas, you give your lawn the strongest possible start. Remember, patience and proper preparation in the fall leads to a resilient and beautiful lawn that can handle our tough summers. With the right timing and care, you’ll see great results.