When to Plant Grass Seed in Wisconsin for Optimal Growth

If you’re from Wisconsin and you’re at a loss of when to start planting grass seed in your lawn, this guide will help you with everything you need to know!

So, when to plant grass seed in Wisconsin? August 15 to September 15 are the best days to plant grass seed in the state. You can also try putting down grass seed in spring, from April 1 to 14, but it will take more time for them to germinate.

Ready to know more about planting grass seed in Wisconsin? Finish this article and find out!

Best Time to Plant Grass Seed in Wisconsin

1. Early fall

The most recommended time is in the late summer to early in the fall seasons, specifically from August 15 to September 15. This is also the best time to overseed lawns in Wisconsin, when you want to plant grass into existing lawns.

2. Spring

You can also plant grass seed in the spring in Wisconsin, from April 1 to 14, but germination will start later than usual due to cooler soil temperatures brought by the spring frost.

3. Late fall

Although not generally advised, it is also possible to plant cool-season grasses during the late fall season, preferably in November (not in October) when temperatures are too cold. This allows the grass to begin growing in the following spring instead.

Bear in mind that seeding too early can result in patchy lawns while seeding too late may reduce the chances of your grasses surviving cold temperatures.

Read more: Best time to plant grass seed in Maryland, Colorado and etc.

What Zones is Wisconsin in for Planting?

There are different types of grass in Wisconsin that you can plant. But before that, it is important to first understand the climate background of the state.

Refer to the map below for an easy guide:

As seen in the USDA Hardiness Zone map above, Wisconsin has three general planting zones: Zone 3, Zone 4, and Zone 5, depending on the lowest temperature per area.

So, for example, if you want to plant grass seed in Milwaukee, you have to choose the variety that is hardy to its associated climate. In this case, since the city is in Zone 5B, you can plant perennial ryegrass.

Generally, Wisconsin experiences cool winters as low as -10°F. This means cool-season grasses are the best options for lawn owners and gardeners if they want turf that lasts for a long period of time.

Recommended Wisconsin Grass Types

Below is a grass seed germination temperature chart with characteristics to guide you on the best types of grasses to plant in Wisconsin:

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to grow grass in Wisconsin?

It takes about 5 to 21 days for the grass to start sprouting, depending on the grass seed type. This process may also be affected by site conditions.

When is it too late to plant grass?

It is too late to seed grass 45 to 60 days before frost begins in your area. In Wisconsin, this is because cool-season grasses thrive in soil temperatures above 50°F and could not tolerate anything below that.

Is November too late to plant grass seed?

No. In fact, some lawn owners and gardeners may perform dormant seeding, where they plant grass in November and wait for the grass to germinate in the succeeding spring season.

 What is the best grass seed for sandy soil in Wisconsin?

Fine fescue can tolerate a wide range of soil types and is the best choice for sandy soils in the state. Tall fescues are another recommended grass type, as they do well during periods of drought.

 What temperature to plant grass seed in spring?

It is best to plant grass seed when soil temperatures range from 60°F to 75°F in the early spring. As such, sometime between April 1 to 14 is ideal.

Conclusion

By the end of this article, hopefully, you know when to plant grass seed in Wisconsin. Timing is important so that you can grow long-lasting and attractive turfgrass for your lawns or yards.

You should also keep in mind that when it comes to planting grass seed in the state, you should choose cool-season grass varieties so that they can thrive in the climates of USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 5.