Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

planting grass seed in spring

Spring in New Zealand is the perfect season for planting grass seed. As days grow warmer and soil begins to thaw from winter’s chill, your lawn gets the opportunity to establish new growth. Whether you're starting a lawn from scratch, reseeding patchy areas, or looking for a lush green upgrade after a tough summer, spring’s conditions—mild temperatures and regular rainfall—give grass seed its best chance to thrive. Taking the right approach to planting will reward you with healthy, vibrant turf for the rest of the year and beyond.

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 typically used where a hard-wearing lawn that establishes quickly is required such as sports grounds or high foot traffic areas. The grass seed should be spread at 50 grams per square metre when a the soil has been worked to a good tilth. Use 75 grams per square metre if you are over-sowing existing grass. Rye Grass seed lawns can be grown in all regions of NZ and is a popular and hardy option compared to other lawn seed options.

Buy Amenity Ryegrass Seed (Lawn Seed)

From $10.35

A Kikuyu grass lawn bordered by a garden.

Pure Kikuyu Seed

4.5

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 Kikuyu 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. It may brown off during winter as it goes dormant, but this is generally only for a short period. The ideal mowing height is 25 mm and seeding rate is 10 grams per square metre. Using less Kikuyu seed than this and weed intrusion can become problematic. Kikuyu lawns are well suited to regions from Waikato north and this product is 100% pure Kikuyu seed.

Buy Pure Kikuyu Seed

From $60.00

Why Choose Spring for Planting Grass Seed?

Planting grass seed in spring means your lawn will have plenty of growing time before the heat of summer sets in. The soil warms enough to encourage quick germination, while consistent moisture from spring rains helps seeds establish roots. Spring also means fewer weeds—giving your new grass seed less competition and a stronger start. If you’re aiming for a new lawn or reseeding, spring is your best window for success.

Selecting the Right Grass Seed for Your Lawn

The best results start with choosing the right seed variety for your location, sunlight, and intended use. In New Zealand, blends designed for durability, colour, and softness do well in most home lawns. Consider these popular options:

Amenity Ryegrass Seed (Lawn Seed): This versatile, fast-germinating option is ideal for lawns needing quick establishment and resilience through frequent use.
Pure Kikuyu Seed: Kikuyu thrives in warm regions, growing rapidly and forming a dense, drought-tolerant carpet.
Tall Fescue: Well-suited for areas requiring deep roots and improved drought resistance.
Kikuyu (Blended Kikuyu Lawn Seed): A premium blend offering the summer toughness of Kikuyu with added lawn quality.

For ornamental areas or borders, consider Lomandra longifolia (Basket Grass), a striking and hardy grass suitable in both sunny and shaded spots.

Preparing Your Lawn for Spring Seeding

Proper preparation ensures your new seeds germinate and grow strongly. Start by removing old weeds and debris, then rake over the soil to break up any hard patches. If your soil is compacted, aerating will loosen it, allowing roots to penetrate. Top-dress with a thin layer of compost or fine soil to create a welcoming bed for seeds. Level and lightly firm up the surface to avoid seed loss from wind or water.

How to Plant Grass Seed in Spring

Once you’ve chosen your seed and prepped the ground, scatter seeds evenly and lightly rake them in to cover with soil. Water gently to keep the area moist but never soggy—consistent moisture is essential for germination. Be patient; most seeds sprout within 7-21 days depending on variety. For best results, avoid foot traffic and refrain from mowing until grass reaches 6-8cm high.

Caring for New Grass Seedlings

After planting grass seed in spring, attentive aftercare is vital. Continue watering daily until seedlings are well established. Once growth begins, gradually reduce watering to encourage deeper roots. Avoid fertiliser until grass reaches its first mowing height, then feed lightly and watch your new lawn flourish.

Whether you prefer the quick establishment of Amenity Ryegrass Seed (Lawn Seed), the warmth-loving Pure Kikuyu Seed, or the drought-tolerance of Tall Fescue, spring is the season your lawn has been waiting for. With the right preparation and care, planting grass seed in spring results in a lush, resilient turf to enjoy all year round.

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.