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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. One of the standout features of Tall Fescue is its resistance to black beetle damage, which makes it superior to Ryegrass and Fine Fescue in many regions. This grass thrives in New Zealand’s climate and delivers year-round colour and performance when properly maintained. For these reasons it is a popular choice and the type usually used by producers of ready lawn. When sowing Tall Fescue grass seed the rate is 50 grams per square metre. If you are over-sowing existing grass, use 75 grams per square metre. Tall Fescue is a turf species that can be grown in all regions of NZ.

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. The Kikuyu grass seed sold by The Plant Company has 15% Kikuyu seed and 85% annual Italian ryegrass seed. This Kikuyu grass seed blend is a standard blend across the turf industry with the rye seed necessary to support the Kikuyu grass seedlings as they establish. The annual rye grass dies out at the end of the first summer to leave a pure stand of Kikuyu grass. The ideal mowing height is 25 mm and seeding rate is 40 grams per square metre. Kikuyu lawns are well suited to all regions from Waikato north.

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$60.00
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. This...

From$39.18
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$5.00
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$10.35
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$5.00
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Organic Fertiliser (Organic Fertiliser)

Organic Boost is an organic fertiliser for soil and plants that has been crafted entirely from organically certified products. These ingredients...

From$4.60
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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$153.21
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Transformer - 1L

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

From$462.50
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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$462.50
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Isotoma fluviatilis

Isotoma fluviatilis features small, dark green leaves that give the appearance of a lush, green carpet. The foliage is adorned with masses of small...

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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$415.71
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Callistemon viminalis

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Betula 'Wade's Gold'

Betula 'Wade's Gold' is a striking ornamental birch admired for its vibrant golden foliage and elegant upright form. The bright leaves create a...

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Pyrus salicifolia 'Pendula'

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Viola hederacea (Australian Violet)

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Acer 'Orangeola'

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Acer palmatum 'Shirazz'

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Tall Fescue

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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.

–The Plant Company

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