9 Grass Seeds Guaranteed to Fill In Those Bald Spots Fast

I get it, a patchy yard is no fun. You work hard to keep your place looking good, only to have bare spots throw off your whole lawn game. It’s annoying. So, like any good weekend warrior, I dove into figuring out how to fix it fast.

I’ve tried a bunch of different grass seeds to see which ones actually deliver on that promise of turning sparse into lush. Now, I’m ready to pass on what I’ve learned.

Here’s the best fast-growing grass seeds that’ll cover up those bald spots and get your yard looking back to its best.

Kentucky Bluegrass

If you’ve got a busy yard with kids and pets running around, Kentucky bluegrass is your best bet. This grass is tough—it can handle a lot of foot traffic and still look great. It grows into a dense, dark-green lawn that’s pretty much the gold standard for homes all over the states.

It does take a while to establish, so if you’re in a hurry, go for sod to get quick results. Mixed with some perennial ryegrass, it’s even tougher.

Just remember, it likes the cool weather, so if your summers are hot, make sure there’s a sprinkler for the kids to run through to keep it from getting stressed.

Annual Ryegrass

Annual ryegrass is your quick fix when you need to cover ground fast. It’s great for overseeding Bermuda during its dormant winter months, and the results are always impressive.

This grass sprouts in just days, providing a lush, green carpet in no time. However, keep in mind that ‘annual’ means it’s a one-season wonder. It’s perfect for temporary coverage or as part of a seed mix that includes longer-lasting varieties.

If you’ve got a party coming up or you just need to green up a patch fast, annual ryegrass won’t let you down.

Creeping Red Fescue

Turning to the shadier parts of your garden? Creeping red fescue is your ally here. It’s a great option for spots that don’t bask in the sun all day.

You’ll see germination in about two to three weeks, and while it tolerates shade better than most, deep shade can still be a challenge.

For best results, this grass prefers a regular watering schedule to really thrive. It’s ideal for those cooler spots that get some sun but could use a touch more green without constant upkeep.

Zoysia Grass

Zoysia is a great option for any warm-weather yard with its dense, dark green blades. It’s a champ in the sun, requiring less watering than many other grasses that thrive in similar conditions.

The trade-off? It’s not the cheapest option on the market, and like most warm-season types, it will turn a pale brown in winter.

If you’re looking for a finer texture, Zoysia and Paspalum are excellent choices, though they might be a bit pricier and less readily available compared to the quick-establishing Palmetto St Augustine grass, which is a bit coarser.

For a quicker fix, consider laying down Zoysia sod to enjoy its beauty without the wait.

Buffalo Grass

If you’re in a region that feels the burn of hot summers, Buffalo grass could be your go-to. Native to warm-season areas, this grass stands out by staying green even under extreme heat, where others might falter and fade.

It’s a low-maintenance dream, requiring less mowing and watering due to its slow growth and drought tolerance. Opting for sod can speed up the establishment process, letting you have a lush, green lawn faster.

Jonathan Green 7# Fast Grow Grass Seed Mix

This blend is like a turbo boost for your lawn, ideal for quickly patching up those annoying bare spots or getting a new yard off to a roaring start. It packs a variety of grass types, making it a great option for different climates.

You’ll see sprouts in just about a week and a lush, thick lawn in less than a month. It’s perfect for areas with plenty of sunshine, and the best times to lay it down are late summer to fall or early spring.

Just one 7-lb bag can cover up to 1,750 square feet for new lawns, or double that for overseeding. Plus, it creates a disease-resistant turf that keeps looking great with minimal fuss.

Perennial Ryegrass

If you’re looking to green up those bare spots quickly, perennial ryegrass should be at the top of your list. It’s one of the speediest growers, germinating in as little as five days. You can practically watch it fill in your lawn in real-time, establishing a full cover in just a few weeks.

It’s a popular pick for cool-season lawns, often mixed with Kentucky bluegrass to balance out the latter’s slower start. Just a heads up though—perennial ryegrass isn’t the toughest when it comes to extreme heat or cold.

Fine Fescue(s)

For those shady spots in your yard, fine fescue is your go-to. It doesn’t just cope with low light; it thrives in it. Plus, it’s pretty low on the maintenance scale, not needing much fertilizer or fuss.

It’s ideal for places that don’t see much foot traffic since it doesn’t take kindly to being trampled. Watch out when the temperature climbs, though, as it tends to duck out during the heat.

Give it a little time, and within a couple of months, you’ll have a sturdy, well-established lawn that makes those shaded areas look lush.

Carex (Sedge)

Looking for something low-key but still sharp? Carex, or sedge, is a solid choice. It’s great for those parts of your garden where you don’t really walk much but still want to look good.

This stuff forms a neat, evergreen cover that doesn’t need much mowing or fuss. It comes in different colors like gold, cream, and green, and you can keep it trimmed for a clean look or let it grow out for a more natural look.

If you mix it with some taller perennials, you’ll get a cool prairie look that’s easy on the eyes and great for attracting bees and butterflies.