Grass seed can begin to germinate in around a week to ten days when conditions are favourable; the RHS gives that guide for a newly sown lawn. Treat it as an indication, not a deadline. Soil temperature, moisture, seed-to-soil contact and the grasses in the mixture all affect how quickly shoots appear.
Different grasses in a mixture can emerge at different times. A patchy start does not necessarily mean every part has failed, and visible shoots are only the beginning of establishment.
What affects germination?
Soil warmth: Cold ground can slow germination even when the afternoon air feels mild. A sheltered sunny patch and an exposed or shaded corner may progress differently. Our guide to when to sow grass seed explains the seasonal choices.
Moisture: Check the seedbed regularly and water gently when rainfall is insufficient. The surface should stay moist without puddles or runoff. See how to water new grass seed for practical checks.
Seed and soil: A prepared surface helps seed contact the soil. Follow the packet’s sowing directions rather than burying seed deeply or leaving it on thick debris. The supplier’s guidance for the particular mixture is more useful than a single promise for every lawn.
What if nothing is showing?
Consider the weather since sowing and inspect the surface: has it dried out, become saturated, or been disturbed by heavy rain or traffic? If conditions have been cold, allow more time. Address the likely problem before adding more seed, and check the mixture’s instructions for its expected germination.
Once seedlings appear, keep traffic off them and continue aftercare. Wait until the grass and ground are ready for the first mow.