Grass Seed

• Are your grass seeds genetically modified?

  No, Jonathan Green grass seed varieties are not genetically modified. The advancements in our varieties are obtained by traditional cross-hybridization, otherwise known as cross-breeding. This is accomplished by selecting parent plants for their specific traits, then transferring the pollen from one plant to the pistillate parts of the other plant, creating a new generation of...

• Can new grass seed blend in with my existing lawn?

  Yes, Jonathan Green Black Beauty grass seed should blend in with most cool-season grass varieties. Jonathan Green grass seed is formulated to grow best in the northern half of the U.S. therefore we don’t recommend overseeding warm-season lawns with our seed if you want it to blend in nicely with your existing grass.  Overseeding your...

• Dense Shade vs Shady Nooks Grass Seed?

  Jonathan Green’s Black Beauty® Shady Nooks Grass Seed is our most shade-tolerant grass seed mixture. It survives well in either damp or dry soils, of up to 90% deep shade, where other grasses fail. Black Beauty® Dense Shade Grass Seed contains shade-tolerant varieties that will grow well under trees and in up to 70% shade...

• Does grass seed expire?

  If grass seed was kept dry and out of the sun, it should be good for 2 years from the purchase date. For all other products, they are fine to use if kept dry and out of the sun. If any clumps have occurred due to humidity, break up the clumps before spreading.

• How do I plant grass seed?

  To plant grass seed, you should first consider the following factors: the time of year and the type of grass seed you have. Keep in mind that the ideal seasons to plant cool-season grass seed are fall and spring (mid-August to early October for fall; mid-March to mid-May for spring). Do not plant grass seed...

• How do I seed and prevent crabgrass?

  In order to prevent crabgrass, you should first know how its life cycle works. The life cycle of the crabgrass plant begins when the soil temperature reaches 55°F for four or five consecutive days and the seeds start to germinate. Crabgrass seeds often germinate from early spring to late summer. They grow all the way...

• How much grass seed do I need?

  Every lawn is different! Determining how much grass seed you need depends on a few factors:  The size of the area you would like to cover in grass If you’re overseeding an existing lawn or planting a new lawn Use this formula for calculating how much grass seed you will need:  The length of your...

• How to grow grass in the shade?

  Growing a lawn in the shade can be challenging. Our number one recommendation is to use a grass seed mixture designed for the shade like Jonathan Green Shady Nooks or Dense Shade.   Here are some other tips: Remove trees or thin out some branches to allow more sunlight to enter the area Apply Jonathan Green Mag-I-Cal...

• How to store grass seed?

  Store grass seed in a cool, dry place out of the sun. Leave it in its original bag and place it on something that will allow air to flow under it, like a milk crate for example. 

• Should I fertilize when seeding?

  Yes, we recommend applying fertilizer prior to seeding to supply your lawn with the necessary nutrients it needs to support adequate grass growth. In order to promote strong root development for your new seedlings, you should choose a fertilizer high in phosphorus. Remember to pay close attention to and follow the directions on the back...

• What is in each of your grass seed mixtures?

  Please visit our Product Fact Sheets for a list of varieties in each mixture.   

• What is the difference between Black Beauty Original vs Ultra?

  The main difference is Black Beauty Original® Grass Seed is a blend of 3 turf-type tall fescue grasses, and Black Beauty Ultra® Grass Seed is a mixture of primarily turf-type tall fescue grasses along with the additional varieties of Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass. Black Beauty Ultra combines all the benefits of our Black Beauty...

• What is your most heat tolerant grass seed?

  Our Black Beauty Original is the most heat tolerant as it contains a blend of 3 tall fescues. 

• When do I plant grass seed?

  Determining when to plant grass seed is dependent on two things: the type of grass seed you have and the climate you live in.  If you have cool-season grass seed, the most ideal time to plant is in the fall, from mid-August to mid-October, and preferably when daytime temperatures are between 60ºF to 75ºF and...

• Why did my grass not grow?

  There are many reasons that contribute to why grass seed does not grow as expected. It is important to identify why your grass seed did not grow in order to be successful in the future and to avoid experiencing additional frustrations. Oftentimes, the problem is believed to be the grass seed, but there are numerous...

• Will Black Beauty grass seed hurt my septic system leach field?

  No. Despite Black Beauty grass seed’s deep root system, it will not negatively impact your leach field. Keep your field in great shape by keeping the soil loose, aerated, and free of excess water. Planting grass can help with this as the grass plants will prevent erosion and suck up some of the excess moisture...

• Will Jonathan Green grass grow in my area?

  Jonathan Green’s grass seed, including all Black Beauty varieties, are cool-season grasses, and will grow in the yellow areas show on the diagram below. If you live in any of the yellow highlighted regions of the map than our grass seed is right for your area.