Best Perennial Grass Seed of 2026

Steven Taylor Avatar
Steven Taylor
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2026

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Perennial grass seed is a popular choice for those looking for a low-maintenance yet lush and green lawn. These grasses are known for their ability to grow back year after year, making them a great investment for homeowners. Perennial grass seed is also known for its resistance to drought and disease, making it a reliable option for those living in areas with harsh weather conditions. With its deep roots, perennial grass can also help prevent soil erosion and improve overall soil health. These qualities make perennial grass seed an excellent option for those looking to create a beautiful and sustainable lawn.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Pennington Smart Seed Perennial Ryegrass 3 lb Cover #TOP 1
Pennington Smart Seed Perennial Ryegrass 3 lb
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Scotts PatchMaster Lawn Repair Mix Sun + Shade Mix Cover #TOP 2
Scotts PatchMaster Lawn Repair Mix Sun + Shade Mix
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Pennington Smart Seed Sun and Shade Grass Mix 3 lb Cover #TOP 3
Pennington Smart Seed Sun and Shade Grass Mix 3 lb
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 3 Perennial Grass Seed

Pennington Smart Seed Perennial Ryegrass 3 lb

100543717
3 lb
Pennington Smart Seed Perennial Ryegrass 3 lb Cover
Pennington Smart Seed Perennial Ryegrass 3 lb

Pennington Perennial Ryegrass is an excellent choice for those seeking a lush, fine-bladed lawn that maintains its color into winter. This grass seed is perfect for areas that receive 4 to 6 hours of sun and can provide results in as little as 8 to 14 days. It is ideal for both permanent cool-season lawns and temporary warm-season lawns. Using up to 30% less water, it is economically efficient, and the grass forms a dense lawn that can come back year after year. Its disease-resistant feature ensures that it can hold up well under foot traffic, making it perfect for those with kids and pets.

What We Like
Quick germination
Thick green coverage
Easy growth in varied climates
Good heat tolerance
Value for money
What We Don't Like
Occasional patchy growth
Possible poor results in some regions

Scotts PatchMaster Lawn Repair Mix Sun + Shade Mix

032247149051
4.75 lb
Scotts PatchMaster Lawn Repair Mix Sun + Shade Mix Cover
Scotts PatchMaster Lawn Repair Mix Sun + Shade Mix, Combination Grass Seed, Fertilizer, and Mulch, 4.75 lbs.

Scotts Lawn Repair Mix is an all-in-one solution for repairing bare spots in your yard. This ready-to-grow mix combines grass seed, mulch, and fertilizer, making it convenient and efficient. With its fast-growing formula, you can expect to see results in as few as 7 days. The mix is designed to adapt to both sunny and shady conditions, thanks to its mixture of premium Perennial Ryegrasses, Fine Fescues, and Kentucky Bluegrass. The 100% recycled mulch helps keep the seeds moist and in place, while the fertilizer promotes fast growth and thick results. This product covers up to 140 sq. ft., providing ample coverage for your lawn repair needs.

What We Like
All-in-one seed, mulch, fertilizer
Easy application process
Works in sun and shade
Fast visible results
Good value for price
What We Don't Like
Filler covers limited area
Results depend on watering

Pennington Smart Seed Sun and Shade Grass Mix 3 lb

100543718
Pennington Smart Seed Sun and Shade Grass Mix 3 lb Cover
Pennington Smart Seed Sun and Shade Grass Mix 3 lb

The Pennington Smart Seed Sun and Shade Grass Mix 3 lb is an ideal grass seed for lawns that receive sun in some parts and moderate shade in others. This mix features a combination of Tall Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue to ensure survival in both sun and shade. It also contains the perfect amount of fertilizer to help your lawn succeed and is guaranteed to grow. Customers have had great success with this product, with some seeing growth in as little as 8 days and others noticing a drastic improvement in their lawns. Although some have experienced difficulty in hot, dry climates, overall this product has been a great success.

What We Like
Fast germination
Works in sun and shade
Thick, lush growth
Successful in difficult areas
Easy to apply
What We Don't Like
Inconsistent results in some regions
Slower or patchy growth
Buying Guide Image

Choose the Best Perennial Grass Seed for Your Needs

Introduction

Perennial grasses are an important part of any landscape. They provide ground cover, prevent erosion, and add visual interest to your yard. Choosing the right perennial grass seed can be a daunting task, but with a little knowledge and some careful planning, you can create a beautiful and sustainable lawn that will thrive for years to come.

Consider Your Climate

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing perennial grass seed is the climate in which you live. Different grasses are adapted to different conditions, so it's important to choose a variety that will thrive in your area. Cool-season grasses, such as fescues and ryegrasses, are best suited to colder climates, while warm-season grasses, such as bermudagrass and zoysiagrass, are better suited to warmer regions.

Determine Your Needs

Before choosing a grass seed, it's important to assess your lawn's needs. Consider the amount of sunlight and shade in your yard, the amount of foot traffic your lawn will receive, and whether you want a low-maintenance or high-maintenance lawn. Different grasses have different requirements and tolerances, so it's important to choose a variety that will meet your lawn's specific needs.

Research Your Options

Once you have a general idea of the type of grass that will work best in your climate and meet your lawn's needs, it's time to start researching your options. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from other gardeners in your area. You can also contact your local cooperative extension office for advice on the best grasses for your region.

Choose a Reputable Brand

When it comes to purchasing grass seed, it's important to choose a reputable brand. Look for seed that is certified by organizations such as the Seed Certification and Inspection Service (SCIS) or the Turfgrass Seed Council (TSC). These organizations ensure that the seed you purchase is of high quality and has been tested for germination and purity.

Conclusion

Choosing the right perennial grass seed can be a challenging task, but with a little research and planning, you can create a beautiful and sustainable lawn. Consider your climate, assess your lawn's needs, research your options, and choose a reputable brand to ensure that your grass will thrive for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does perennial grass seed come back every year?

Yes, perennial grass seed, specifically perennial ryegrass, comes back every year. It goes through its growing season in the fall and winter, becomes dormant during the hot and dry months of summer, and then reawakens and regrows during the next winter.

2. How long does it take perennial grass seed to grow?

Perennial ryegrass, a type of perennial grass seed, has a rapid germination and seedling growth process. It typically germinates in about five to 14 days, provided that the right planting methods are followed.

3. What are the disadvantages of perennial ryegrass?

One of the main disadvantages of perennial ryegrass is its growth habit. Unlike many other turfgrass species, it forms clumps and cannot spread through stolons or rhizomes. This can result in a patchy appearance, requiring regular reseeding of bare spots as they won't fill in on their own.

4. Will grass reseed itself if you let it grow?

If you allow your grass to grow excessively, it will eventually go to seed. This can create issues, as the long blades of grass can be tough on your mower and detrimentally impact the overall appearance of your yard.

5. Can I just throw grass seed down on existing lawn?

Yes, overseeding is a technique where you spread grass seed over your existing lawn to thicken up thin areas and improve its overall appearance. This is different from reseeding, which involves starting over and planting a completely new lawn.

6. How late is too late to plant grass seed in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, the ideal time to plant grass seed is from late October to early December, when temperatures are cold enough for dormant seeding. Once the soil temperature drops below 50 degrees, grass seed will no longer germinate. Any seed planted during this time will remain dormant under the winter snow until spring.

Editor's Notes

During our perennial grass seed research, we found 24 perennial grass seed products and shortlisted 3 quality products. We collected and analyzed 179,841 customer reviews through our big data system to write the perennial grass seed list. We found that most customers choose perennial grass seed with an average price of $17.04.

The perennial grass seed are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of perennial grass seed, including Pennington, Scotts. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Steven Taylor Avatar

Steven Taylor grew up in a small town called Beaufort in South Carolina and his passion for building and woodworking has led him to master the latest garden gadgets. He always holds every chance to patch up or sand down his beloved garden. There are various novel technologies in his articles.