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lawn seeding rates

Understanding the correct lawn seeding rates is the key to achieving a lush, healthy lawn in New Zealand’s unique climate. Whether you’re repairing patchy areas, renovating an old turf, or laying down a brand-new lawn, choosing the right amount of seed per square metre will dramatically influence your success. This guide will help you navigate the optimal rates for various grass types, offer tips on preparation, and connect you to quality seeds and products that support your lawn’s growth.

An exquisite Tall Fescue lawn.

Tall Fescue

5 from 3 customers

Tall Fescue is an excellent lawn grass choice for New Zealand homeowners seeking a dark green, tough, and attractive lawn. It is widely used by ready lawn producers thanks to its durability and tolerance to a range of soil types and growing conditions.

Kikuyu lawn featuring a lush and dense tuf.

Kikuyu (Blended Kikuyu Lawn Seed)

5 from 4 customers

A Kikuyu lawn is suited to warmer regions and coastal areas where hot and humid summers are less well suited to other turf species. The variety of Kikuyu grass seed sold by The Plant Company is Regal Green which produces a carpet of lush green leaves and tolerates both summer drought and high humidity.

A Kikuyu grass lawn bordered by a garden.
Pure Kikuyu Seed

Kikuyu grass is suited to warmer regions and coastal areas where hot and humid summers are less well suited to other turf species. The variety of...

From$24.95
An immaculate Fine Fescue lawn in a modern and formal garden.
Fine Fescue 'Lawn Seed'

Fine Fescue 'Lawn Seed' is ideal for homeowners seeking a lush, fine-textured lawn that thrives in shaded areas and requires minimal maintenance...

From$28.95
The best new lawn fertiliser in NZ.
New Lawn Fertiliser

Establishing a new lawn requires the proper nutrients to ensure robust root development and healthy growth. Our New Lawn Fertiliser, featuring...

From$5.95
A stunning Amenity Ryegrass lawn.
Amenity Ryegrass Seed (Lawn Seed)

Rye Grass Seed lawns are quick to establish and features dark green leaves year-round. Our Amenity Rye Grass is a popular turf variety that is...

From$16.95
The best lawn fertiliser in NZ with moss killer.
Lawn Fertiliser

Achieve a vibrant, healthy lawn with our premium Lawn Fertiliser, specially formulated for New Zealand conditions. This fertiliser not only...

From$5.95
wetcit-wetting-agent-1
Wetting Agent For Lawns

Wetcit is a wetting and spreading agent which is designed to improve the effectiveness of agrichemicals. When used with glyphosate it improves the...

From$95.20
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Malus 'Red Jade'

Malus 'Red Jade' is a graceful weeping crabapple tree admired for its cascading branches, masses of white spring blossom, colourful red ornamental...

From$387.55
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Transformer - 1 Litre

Transformer is a soil conditioner which is designed to improve the effectiveness with which water moves through soil. It allows water to penetrate...

From$595.00
Betula jacquemontii tree showcasing white stems and an aesthetic form.
Betula utilis 'Jacquemontii'

Betula utilis 'Jacquemontii' (Himalayan Birch) is a spectacular deciduous tree prized for its brilliant white bark and graceful upright form. The...

From$269.91
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Victory Gold - 1 Litre

Victory Gold is an herbicide used to control many types of broadleaf weeds in lawns. Susceptible weeds include: cape daisy, catsear, chickweed...

From$149.95
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Callistemon viminalis

Callistemon viminalis (Weeping Bottlebrush) is a graceful evergreen tree admired for its pendulous branches and vibrant red bottlebrush flowers...

From$27.53
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Pyrus salicifolia 'Pendula'

Pyrus salicifolia 'Pendula' is a graceful ornamental pear admired for its elegant weeping branches and silvery grey foliage. The narrow leaves create...

From$515.35
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Malus ioensis 'Plena'

Malus ioensis 'Plena' is a stunning deciduous flowering crabapple tree admired for its masses of fragrant double pink blossom, attractive green...

From$270.40
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Malus 'Strathmore'

Malus 'Strathmore' is an attractive deciduous crabapple tree admired for its masses of spring blossom, colourful ornamental fruit, and vibrant autumn...

From$270.40
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Prunus 'Kanzan'

Prunus 'Kanzan' is one of the most admired flowering cherry trees for New Zealand gardens, producing an outstanding display of large double pink...

From$349.95
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Acer 'Emerald Lace'

Acer 'Emerald Lace' is a graceful laceleaf Japanese Maple admired for its finely divided soft green foliage and elegant cascading form. The delicate...

From$349.95
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Magnolia 'Strawberry Fields'

Magnolia 'Strawberry Fields' is a striking deciduous tree prized for its richly coloured spring flowers and attractive garden form. The large blooms...

From$515.35
koelreuteria-paniculata-1
Koelreuteria paniculata

Koelreuteria paniculata (Golden Rain Tree) is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its bright yellow flower clusters and attractive foliage. In...

From$270.40
acer-orangeola-
Acer 'Orangeola'

Acer 'Orangeola' is a stunning weeping Japanese Maple admired for its finely cut foliage that emerges bright orange red in spring. The leaves mature...

From$349.95
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Acer palmatum 'Shirazz'

Acer palmatum 'Shirazz' is a stunning variegated Japanese Maple admired for its rich purple red foliage edged with soft pink. The colourful leaves...

From$299.95
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Magnolia 'Charles Raffill'

Magnolia 'Charles Raffill' is an impressive deciduous tree prized for its spectacular spring flowers and handsome garden form. The large blooms...

From$515.35
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Sorbus aucuparia 'Scarlet King'

Sorbus aucuparia 'Scarlet King' is a handsome deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, creamy white spring flowers, brilliant...

From$387.55
sheep-pellets-
Sheep Pellets

Sheep pellets are an easy and convenient source of organic matter which are great for improving the soil structure, encouraging earthworms, and...

From$89.95
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Acer palmatum 'Trompenburg'

Acer palmatum 'Trompenburg' is a striking Japanese Maple admired for its deeply cut rich purple red foliage and distinctive curled leaf edges. The...

From$399.95
betula-jacquemontii-dazzler-3
Betula 'Jacquemontii Dazzler' (Himalayan Birch)

Betula 'Jacquemontii Dazzler' is an outstanding ornamental birch renowned for its exceptionally bright white bark and refined upright form. The...

From$383.29
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Magnolia 'Margaret Helen'

Magnolia 'Margaret Helen' is an elegant deciduous tree prized for its impressive spring flowers and attractive garden form. The large blooms appear...

From$387.55
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Prunus autumnalis 'Rosea'

Prunus autumnalis 'Rosea' is an attractive deciduous flowering tree valued for its delicate pink blossoms and unusually long flowering season. Small...

From$399.95
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Castanospermum australe (Moreton Bay Chestnut)

Castanospermum australe adds distinctive interest to NZ planting. It produces lush, green foilage off upright stems. Clusters of red, peal like...

From$152.64
transformer-
Transformer - 1L

Transformer is a professional soil conditioner designed to improve how effectively water moves through soil and growing media. It helps water...

From$595.00
A large Prumnopitys ferruginea (Miro Tree) with lush, green foliage.
Prumnopitys ferruginea

Prumnopitys ferruginea, commonly known as Miro, is a majestic New Zealand native tree belonging to the Podocarp family. This long lived evergreen...

From$408.85
Tall Fescue

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Malus, or related Categories - Wetting agents, Fertiliser, and Grass Seed.

Search lawn seeding rates

Why Lawn Seeding Rates Matter

Appropriate lawn seeding rates ensure thick coverage, uniform growth, and minimal competition from weeds. Using too little seed leads to sparse lawns, while over-seeding can cause overcrowding, disease, and wasted resources. Every grass species has its own best seeding rate, based on seed size, growth habit, and purpose (such as home lawns, sports fields, or shaded areas).

Recommended Lawn Seeding Rates for New Zealand Grass Types

Choosing the right grass species is step one. Here’s a quick reference guide for popular choices and their ideal lawn seeding rates:

Kikuyu
Kikuyu is renowned for its toughness and rapid spreading, making it perfect for sun-drenched Kiwi lawns. The standard seeding rate is 25–40 grams per square metre. For blends, see Kikuyu (Blended Kikuyu Lawn Seed). If you prefer pure seed, see Pure Kikuyu Seed.

Tall Fescue
Tall Fescue offers drought resistance and soft texture. Sow at 35–45 grams per square metre for robust coverage. Visit Tall Fescue to explore your options.

Fine Fescue
Fine Fescue provides an elegant, velvety lawn ideal for shaded sites. The recommended rate is 25–35 grams per square metre. For premium blends, browse Fine Fescue Lawn Seed.

Factors Affecting Seeding Rates

How to Apply Lawn Seed

Even distribution is crucial. Use a spreader or sow by hand in two passes—one lengthwise, one widthwise—to ensure even coverage. Lightly rake the seed into the soil to maximise contact.

Supporting Healthy Lawn Growth

After seeding, regular moisture is critical. For a strong start, feed your lawn with New Lawn Fertiliser. It supplies essential nutrients for speedy rooting and vibrant growth.

Setting Up Your Best Lawn

Calculating your lawn’s area and matching it with the recommended lawn seeding rates guarantees lush, long-lasting results. With the right seed, proper preparation, and timely fertilisation, your new lawn will showcase the best of New Zealand gardening.

Ready to get started? Explore our specialist seed range, from Kikuyu (Blended Kikuyu Lawn Seed) and Tall Fescue to Fine Fescue Lawn Seed, and give your lawn the strongest start possible.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

We all know Corokia 'Mangatangi' and Avocado 'Reed', but the real surprises come from plants like Feijoa 'Kakariki', Pittosporum 'Limelight' (Kohuhu), and Feijoa 'Apollo'.
–The Plant Company

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