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

seeding lawn in summer

Seeding lawn in summer in New Zealand can deliver excellent results when you choose the right methods and grass varieties suited to warmer weather. Whether you’re establishing a new lawn or overseeding thin patches, summer brings unique challenges and opportunities for lawn seeding. With careful planning, proper watering, and the right seed, your summer lawn can thrive—resulting in a lush, green space that’s the envy of your neighbourhood.

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

Kikuyu lawn featuring a lush and dense tuf.

Kikuyu (Blended Kikuyu Lawn Seed)

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.

Buy Kikuyu (Blended Kikuyu Lawn Seed)

From $45.12

Why Seed Your Lawn in Summer?

While spring and autumn are often preferred for lawn seeding, seeding lawn in summer is possible and sometimes even advantageous. Warmer soil temperatures promote rapid seed germination, and longer days give young grass plenty of sunlight. However, successful summer seeding requires attentive watering and choosing grass varieties known for heat and drought tolerance.

Choosing the Right Grass Seed for Summer

Selecting suitable seed is the first step to a vibrant summer lawn. For New Zealand properties, popular options for summer seeding include:

Kikuyu (Blended Kikuyu Lawn Seed): This variety thrives in sunny, hot conditions and is renowned for its drought tolerance. Kikuyu can bounce back from heavy use and repairs itself quickly, making it ideal for high-traffic areas and family lawns.
Amenity Ryegrass Seed (Lawn Seed): Ryegrass provides quick ground cover and establishes well even in the summer heat. It’s a popular choice for overseeding, and its fine texture creates a visually appealing lawn.
Tall Fescue: Tall Fescue is known for its deep root system, making it excellent for water retention during warm months. It produces a dense, attractive turf that can withstand summer conditions.

Tips for Successful Summer Lawn Seeding

Prepare Your Soil Thoroughly: Remove weeds, loosen compacted soil, and add quality topsoil if needed. This gives young roots the best chance to establish.
Seed Evenly: Use a spreader to distribute your selected seed variety uniformly across the area.
Water Consistently: Summer-sown lawns require frequent, light watering to keep the seed and topsoil moist. Early morning or evening is best to reduce evaporation.
Mow Gently: Once the new grass reaches 5-7cm, mow carefully using sharp blades. Avoid cutting the grass too short.
Feed and Mulch: Use a slow-release fertiliser suitable for new lawns. Light mulching can help retain moisture and protect emerging seedlings.

What to Plant Alongside Your Summer Lawn

Creating contrast with attractive trees and hedges can complete your outdoor haven. Consider planting Salix vitellina Pendula Aurea for a graceful, golden-foliaged weeping willow, or Betula 'Wade's Gold' for striking winter bark and summer shade.