Perennial Ryegrass

Perennial ryegrass is one of the quickest germinating and establishing grasses on the market for homeowners in the cool season region of the country, according to Ryan Walts, a lawn expert with an extensive background in turfgrass management and maintenance and business coach at Lawn Squad, Perennial ryegrass can germinate in five to 10 days and be fully established in two to three weeks. "Because of its quick germination rates and slender leaf blades, perennial ryegrass is often used in popular lawn mixes with Kentucky bluegrass, which generally takes longer to germinate and establish," he says.

While perennial ryegrass can do well in sunny locations, Walts notes it can struggle in high heat and drought conditions. "Perennial ryegrass may also not be as cold tolerant as other cool-season species," Walts says.

• Classification: Cool season
• Care requirements: Well-drained, black, fertile soil; full sun to partial shade; mowing height of 2 to 3 inches

Fine Fescue(s)

Fine fescue grass handles shade really well, so Walts says this grass variety is a popular choice for homeowners who have shady lawn conditions. "Fine fescues typically require less nutritional input than other popular grass species such as perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass, or turf-type tall fescue, making them a lower maintenance turf option for homeowners," he says, adding that because of their fine leaf texture, fine fescues are less tolerant to mechanical stresses such as foot and machine traffic. 

Walts also notes that high temperatures can also be an issue for this type of fast-growing grass. "Fine fescues can be temperamental in high heat situations and may tend to go ‘heat dormant’ during high heat periods of the season," he says. That being said, this grass is great for anyone looking for turf that will germinate in five to 14 days and become fully established in five to eight weeks. 

• Classification: Cool season 
• Care requirements: Well-drained to dry soil (can survive in sandy, rocky, or clay soils); partial sun to shade; mowing height of 2.5 to 3.5 inches

Tall Fescue

Turf-type tall fescue is becoming more of a popular option, according to Walts, who says that homeowners in both cool-season and warm-season transition zones can benefit from using this grass. "This is because of its ability to handle heat and drought extremely well, while also being a finer-bladed grass," he says. "Turf-type tall fescue is also tolerant to mechanical stresses such as foot and machine traffic, making it a great option in high-use areas such as sports fields."

But, there are some things homeowners should be aware of before spreading this seed on their lawns. "The downside to turf-type tall fescue is its recuperative capabilities," he says. "Unfortunately, due to its bunch-type growth habit, any damaged or thin areas of a turf-type tall fescue grass stand will need to be reseeded to regain full grass coverage." For those who don’t mind a little extra work, this grass will grow quickly, germinating in seven to 21 days and establishing itself in three to four weeks. 

• Classification: Cool season/Transition zone
• Care requirements: Well-drained, clay soils; does well in sun and shade; mowing height of 2.5 to 3.5 inches

Bermudagrass

Warm-season homeowners looking for a fast-growing grass seed may want to consider Bermudagrass, according to Walts. "Bermudagrass is an extremely aggressive grass that can quickly grow over concrete edges or into landscape bedding," he says, noting that this type of grass may require a bit of extra maintenance from homeowners. "However, aggressive growth is not always a bad thing. This aggressive nature means Bermudagrass can quickly fill in thin or bare areas without the need to replant." Bermudagrass germinates in seven to 10 days and is established in five to six weeks.

Walts adds that Bermudagrass can be a bit of a nitrogen hog, requiring ample nutrition through fertilization throughout the growing season to maintain its healthy appearance. 

Bermudagrass prefers sunny lawns and can be intolerant of shady spots, says Walts. When Bermudagrass is planted in shaded locations, it may not perform well and thin out. "Because it is considered a 'warm season' variety, it will also tend to turn brown and go dormant in cool or cold temperatures," he says.

• Classification: Warm season 
• Care requirements: Well-drained soils (can grow in clay or sandy conditions); full sun; mowing height of 1 to 2 inches

Annual Ryegrass

Sam Niemann, garden and landscape expert and founder of Bleume, says the fastest-growing grass seed he has ever grown is annual ryegrass. "In my garden in San Diego, I would use annual ryegrass to overseed my Bermuda lawn when it went dormant in the winter," he says. “Annual rye is a cool-season grass that will germinate in just a couple of days after planting."

But, pay attention to the name—this type of grass is an annual. "Unfortunately, annual ryegrass is, as the name suggests, an annual variety of grass," Niemann says. "This means it will only live for one season. Due to the annual nature, I recommend using annual ryegrass as part of a mix of longer-lasting lawn seeds or in areas where you need coverage very quickly."

• Classification: Cool season
• Care requirements: Drought tolerant; full sun; mowing height of 3 to 4 inches

Creeping Red Fescue

If you are growing grass in a shady area, Niemann recommends using creeping red fescue seeds. "Creeping red fescue will germinate in two to three weeks after planting and is a cool-season variety," he says, noting that while this grass variety can handle more shade than other grasses, it will not do well in deep shade. 

He adds that while creeping red fescue can handle somewhat dryer conditions, you should still water it regularly for the best results. 

• Classification: Cool season
• Care requirements: Well-draining soil; full sun to partial shade; mowing height of 3 to 4 inches