How Long Does Grass Seed Last in a Bag?

Gro-Sure Smart Lawn Seed is the lawn seed thats guaranteed to grow*. It’s unique blend of ingredients means it grows in a range of challenging conditions. Smart Lawn Seed reduces seed losses due to erratic watering and the Aqua Gel soaks up to 400 times its weight in water. It’s also ideal for over-seeding worn grass or filling in bare patches too. Additionally, Gro-Sure Smart Lawn Seed keeps working all year round.

Gro-Sure Smart Seed is a blend of unique hard wearing lawn seed varieties that is ideal for over-seeding worn grass or filling in bare patches,

Seeds are treated with Aqua Gel technology for improved germination. Aqua Gel can absorb 400 x its weight in water, and slowly releases it back to the seeds, when the seeds require it to germinate. The Aqua Gel coating also deters birds from eating the seeds.

Gro-sure Smart Lawn Seed is guaranteed to grow in any condition. You will see a strong and healthy lawn in hot and dry conditions, lush green grass in shady areas and it will bring lawns back to life in worn areas and bare patches.

In good conditions blades of grass can usually be seen in under 2 weeks, however if the conditions are unfavourable this may take considerably longer.

Lawn seed may be sown from March to October. However, for best results, sow lawn seed in the spring from March to May, and in the early autumn from mid September through to mid October.

Best Conditions: Lawn seed grows best when the soil temperature is consistently around 10°—18°C. If conditions stray out of this range, time and rate of germination can be negatively impacted

Water the area thoroughly using a fine-rose watering can or sprinkler, taking care not to wash the seeds away.

2. Gradually lower the cutting height to about 2.5cm (1 inch). Do not remove more than 1/3 of the grass leaf at any one time

3. Feed your lawn after at least 2 cuts. Our recommended lawn feeds are: Westland SafeLawn, Aftercut Triple Care, Aftercut Lawn Thickener

The overseeding of your existing lawn is an essential part of your annual lawn maintenance. All lawns are affected by the specific growing environment. This includes their level of use and general weather conditions. As a result of these conditions, its key to understand the basic principles of overseeding. Its also important to choose the right seed mix to achieve a greener and healthier lawn.

How to recover your lawn after a hot summer

After the hot weather and droughts of summer, lush green lawns all around the country turn into barren, dry patches. However, believe it or not…

Choosing the right seed:

• Mow your lawn to approx 25mm.
• Use a spring tine rake to break up and remove the layer of dead matted grass (thatch). If the depth opf the thatch is quite dense use a scaryfing rake, as this will ensure the seed make contact with the soil allowing it to germinate
• Using a garden fork or aerator to spike the lawn at 300mm intervals
• If your lawn has not been fed in the last 4 months we recommend feeding the lawn before overseeding. Your lawn can then be overseeded 3 to 4 days after applying lawn fertiliser. However, please note you will usually need to wait about 4 weeks after applying a feed, weed & moss killer. (Check the instructions on the product for this.)
• Sow the seed evenly across the lawn
• Our range of seed can be mixed with lawn seeding soil and applied to the lawn jointly. This will save a bit of time and effort working the topdressing and seed into the surface
• The seeded area must now be kept moist. Therefore, water your lawn after 2 or 3 days if no rain has fallen.
• Specific bare patches can be reseeded without treating the whole lawn. Apply the same procedure as above
• To protect specific areas from birds consider covering with netting or garden fleece. This should be removed when new shoots start to come through the soil
• Try to keep traffic on your freshly overseeded lawn to a minimum for 7 to 21 days
• Raise mowing heights to approximately 50mm for the initial 2 or 3 cuts, then reduce down to 25mm over the next 2 or 3 cuts

• Children and pets need not be excluded from the treated areas
• Store in a cool, frost-free place away from children, pets and foodstuffs
• Use contents within season of purchase
• Contents may settle in transit

Q. Should I cover the seed?

A. The seed should be sown and lightly raked in to the soil surface and no deeper than 1-2cm. A germination sheet can be used to speed up the germination stage but should still be removed upon emergence.

Q. When can I use a Weed Feed & Moss Killer?

A. Your lawn must be older than a year before using products like these.

Q. Is it okay to store unused seed for next year?

A. It is always best to use seed in the season of purchase. Seed that has been stored in the box for a long time will have less vigour and will not germinate as well.

For any questions or advice, please contact our technical advice line on 01480 443789 (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm) or email [email protected]

Does Grass Seed Expire?

FAQ

Does grass seed go bad in the bag?

• Viability Diminishes:

  Grass seed, like other seeds, is subject to a natural decline in viability over time. This means the percentage of seeds that will germinate decreases as they age. 

• Factors Affecting Longevity:

  • Storage Conditions: Keeping grass seed in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, is essential for preserving its viability. 

  • Seed Type: Different grass species have varying shelf lives, with some cool-season grasses potentially remaining viable for longer than warm-season grasses. 

  • Quality: The quality of the seed at the time of purchase also plays a role in its lifespan. 

• How Long Does it Last?

  • General Rule: Properly stored grass seed can typically last for 2-3 years before germination rates start to noticeably decline. 

  • Testing Viability: If you suspect your grass seed may be old, you can test it by putting a few seeds on a damp paper towel in a warm, sunny area and checking for germination. 

  • Signs of Bad Seed: If the seed smells musty or discolored, or if you notice mold or clumping, it’s likely no longer viable. 

• Best Practices for Storage:

  • Cool, Dry Place: Store grass seed in a cool, dry place, like a garage or shed, away from direct sunlight and moisture. 

  • Airtight Container: Consider storing the seed in an airtight container to further protect it from moisture and air. 

How do you know if grass seed is still good?

• Visual Inspection:

  • Color: Look for seeds that are splotchy, faded, or dull, or have become darker in color. 

  • Mold or Fungus: Visible mold or fungus is a sure sign that the seed is no longer viable. 

  • Clumping: If the seed is clumping or has an unpleasant odor, it’s likely gone bad. 

• Simple Germination Test:

  • Water Test: Place a handful of seeds in a container of water. If the seeds sink, they are likely still viable; if they float, they probably will not sprout. 

  • Towel Test: Place a few seeds on a damp paper towel, seal it in a plastic bag, and keep it in a warm place. Check for germination after a week or two. 

  • Planting Test: Plant a small amount of the seed in a container with moist soil and watch for germination. 

• Storage:

  • Proper Storage: Store grass seed in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to extend its viability. 

  • Airtight Containers: Use airtight containers to prevent moisture from damaging the seeds. 

• Expiration Dates:

  • Check the Package: Look for an expiration date or “sell by” date on the seed packaging. 

  • General Shelf Life: Grass seed generally lasts 1-2 years if stored properly, but germination rates may decline over time. 

Will 2 year old grass seed germinate?

• Storage Matters:

  Proper storage in a cool, dry place can extend the viability of grass seed for up to 2-3 years, but germination rates will decline over time. 

• Reduced Germination:

  While older seed can still grow, you might need to use more seed to achieve the same coverage as with fresh seed. 

• Testing Viability:

  You can test the viability of your grass seed by placing a few seeds on a damp paper towel, folding it up, and putting it in a warm place for a week. If more than half of the seeds sprout, the seed is still viable. 

• Factors Affecting Germination:

  Besides age, other factors like seed quality, soil conditions, temperature, and moisture also play a role in germination. 

• Signs of Bad Seed:

  Look for discolored seeds, musty smells, or seeds that feel brittle or lightweight, which could indicate that the seed has gone bad. 

• Best Practices:

  For best results, use fresh seed and plant it within a year, but if you have older seed, store it properly, test its viability, and consider using more seed than you would with fresh seed. 

How long can you store grass seed?

• Ideal Storage:

  Store grass seed in a cool, dry place, ideally between 32°F and 60°F (0°C and 15°C). A sealed container in the refrigerator is the best option if space allows. 

• Factors Affecting Viability:

  Seed viability is influenced by factors like species, storage conditions, and overall quality. 

• Checking Viability:

  If you’re unsure about the viability of older seed, conduct a simple germination test by moistening a paper towel, placing seeds on it, and keeping it in a warm spot for 7-10 days. 

• Signs of Bad Seed:

  Discolored, musty, or brittle seeds are signs that the seed has gone bad. 

• Freezing:

  Freezing can help maintain seed viability, especially for long-term storage, but ensure the seed is completely dry and stored in an airtight container. 

• When to Plant:

  The best time to plant grass seed depends on the type of grass (cool-season or warm-season) and your location. 

How long does grass seed last in a bag?

The viability of grass seed in the bag depends upon how it was managed. If seeds are stored in a proper dry condition and placed in a cool place, your seed will be viable for up to 5 years! However, it is so tough to preserve seed with 100% accuracy. As a result, it will not be a wise decision to keep seeds stored in a bag for a long time.

How long does grass seed last after opening?

If kept in a cool, dry place, sealed, and away from direct sunlight, grass seed can last for up to 3 years. However, once the bag is opened, other factors come into play. After you open a bag of grass seed, the seed is exposed to air and moisture, which can hasten its decline. So, how long does grass seed last once opened?

How long does Kentucky bluegrass seed last?

For Kentucky bluegrass seed, that same germination rate could be obtained after 3 to 5 years, and for creeping bentgrass, after 5 or more years. Seed quality is a major influence on grass seed germination and shelf life.

How long do seeds last in a bag?

If seeds are stored in a proper dry condition and placed in a cool place, your seed will be viable for up to 5 years! However, it is so tough to preserve seed with 100% accuracy. As a result, it will not be a wise decision to keep seeds stored in a bag for a long time. Rather, you should try to plant your seed within 2-3 years.

How long do bentgrass seeds last?

The longevity of grass seed depends on the grass species, seed type, grass type, and storage environment. Research by Oregon State University scholars reveals that keeping an entire bag of creeping bentgrass seeds in storage for five years will reduce their ability to sprout by 50 percent.

Does grass seed expire?

Check the grass seed expiration. You can determine the viability of a seed bag by checking the expiration date stamped on the pack. It is always a good idea to buy fresh seed from reputable seed producers. Although there are many reasons to make a grass seed expire, they do not go bad in the same manner as edible food.