When to Plant Winter Grass in Arizona: The Perfect Time

Written by

William Golder

FACT-CHECKED BY

Dorian Goodwin

when to plant winter grass in arizona

When the seasons change, it’s time to consider when to plant winter grass in Arizona that makes it grow and flourish.

In order to give the seeds of cool-season grasses enough time to germinate and grow, they should be planted in early September, which is around the 1st – 15th of September.

In this article, we’ll explore in more detail the best time to plant winter grass in AZ and some extra tips to maintain the freshness of your plant.

Best Time to Plant Winter Grass in Arizona

1. Early September

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In order to give the seeds of cool-season grasses enough time to germinate and develop before the onset of cold weather, people should overseed lawn in fall, with early September being a perfect time for growing grass in Arizona.

More specifically, experts often recommend to plant rye grass in Arizona, from the 1st-15th of September, which usually results in a healthy crop.

To grow winter grass in September, it’s important to consider the proper time and conditions for optimal growth.

  • Since winter grasses benefit from cold and even freezing temperatures, it’s preferable to wait until nighttime temperature drops, right about 55° F (12.78 °C). Or better, if the soil temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4.44 °C), premature germination can be avoided.
  • The cool-season grass-growing season ends when temperatures go beyond 80 °F. After that, the warm season takes control, and winter grass die in AZ.

2. Early October

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If you miss the ideal planting window in September, it’s still possible to seed your lawn in October (late seeding), though there are some significant factors to keep in mind.

  • When you don’t plant grass seed in Arizona at the right time, you may see that the lawn isn’t as strong and healthy as expected.
  • Make sure to choose a period when the lows will be around 55° F (as mentioned before). In most years, this takes place during the second week of October.

Some Notes for Overseeding Winter Grass

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If you’re planning to overseeding winter grass in Arizona, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure successful growth and a healthy lawn:

  • The type of winter grass seeds chosen will determine whether you should overseed your grass. Thus, make sure to ask the seller for the best knowledge to do it.
  • For most species, Arizona overseeding schedule is best done in the fall
  • Before planting, the soil must be aerated and scraped. Get rid of the stones and debris, and make sure your seed spreader is correctly filled.
  • Temperatures between 50-65 ° F are ideal for grass seed germination.
  • If frost or snow is expected, seeding should be postponed.
  • Keep a steady watering schedule to maintain the moisture level until the seeds sprout. Following that, gradually reduce watering until it reaches consistent freezing temperatures.
  • You should stop mowing the grass once it has filled in and achieved a height of at least an inch (2.5 cm).

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best grass seed for Arizona winter?

Among many popular choices, perennial is the best rye grass seed for Arizona. Both annual ryegrass and perennial ryegrass are viable options. While perennial grass is more expensive, it is the better choice in the long run.

How long do you water winter grass in Arizona?

Once the winter lawn Arizona has become established, you should water it every 1-2 weeks. During the first two weeks of April, you should refrain from watering your winter lawn to eradicate ryegrass.

Is it too late to plant winter grass in Arizona?

If you want your lawn to look lush and green in the winter, you must seed it before November 1. When you seed your plants any later than this, you risk disrupting their germination when the night temperature begins to drop.

When is the perfect time for overseeding summer grass in Arizona?

Planting warm-season grasses such as Bermudagrass is best done around mid-May to early July.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you want to maintain a lush and healthy lawn in Arizona throughout the colder months, jot down the best winter grass for Arizona and the best date to grow it.

The best time to plant grass in Arizona is during the fall season, specifically in late September or early October, when the soil is still warm enough to promote growth, but the temperatures are beginning to cool down.

We hope that you have found the thorough answers to the question “When to plant winter grass in Arizona”. Now, you can enjoy a lawn throughout the winter months in Arizona!

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