Black Beauty® Sun & Shade Grass Seed
Starting at
$7.99
- Grows well in both full sun and partial shade
- Naturally insect and disease resistant
- Fills in bare spots and thickens the entire lawn
- Germinates in 7 - 14 days
- Description
- Directions
- Specifications
- Spreader Settings
- Reviews (32)
Jonathan Green Black Beauty® Sun & Shade Grass Seed performs exceptionally well in either full sun or partial shade growing conditions. This mix is perfect for overseeding and will fill in bare spots quickly to improve the appearance of an entire lawn. Sun & Shade contains the four families of cool-season turfgrasses: turf-type tall fescues, Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and fine fescue, making this our most versatile grass seed mixture. This seed germinates in 7 – 14 days.
For the best results, follow the directions below for establishing a new lawn or overseeding an existing one.
Prepare:
- Mow – Mow the lawn at the lowest mower setting before seeding to allow the seed to reach the soil.
- Rake – Rake over the existing grass with a metal rake to remove the thatch layer and any debris to loosen the soil. Add additional topsoil to fill in holes and level the ground.
- Check soil pH level – Have a soil test taken to check your soil’s pH level. The optimum soil pH should be between 6.2 to 7.0. For a pH below 6.2 use Jonathan Green MAG-I-CAL® Plus for Acidic & Hard Soil to rapidly increase pH. If the pH is above 7.0 use MAG-I-CAL® Plus for Alkaline & Hard Soil to rapidly decrease the soil pH.
Seed:
- When to apply – The best time to apply seed is mid-August to mid-October while the ground is still warm and the nights are cooler. Mid-March through mid-May is the next best time to plant when the soil temperature reaches 55º+ Fahrenheit and the temperature of the air stays consistently warm.
- Spread seed – Apply half of the seed with a rotary spreader in one direction (north to south) and the remainder in the opposite direction (east to west). It is beneficial to spread a new seeding fertilizer that is high in phosphorus at this time as well.
- Rake seed – Rake lightly into the ground with a metal rake. Walk with light, even footsteps on the seedbed to firm the soil around the seed. Do not bury the seed more than one-fourth of an inch deep.
Maintain:
- Water – For best germination, water daily to keep the seedbed moist. Continue watering regularly for a few weeks until the grass plants reach a height of 2 – 2.5 inches.
- Mow – Begin mowing when the new grass has reached a height of 3 – 4 inches. Make sure the mower has sharp blades. Be careful not to scalp the lawn, low mowing will stress the root system and encourage the growth of weeds.
Coverage:
- 1 lb Bag
-
- Overseeding – Seeds up to 750 sq. ft.
- New Lawns – Seeds up to 375 sq. ft.
- 3 lb Bag
-
- Overseeding – Seeds up to 2,250 sq. ft.
- New Lawns – Seeds up to 1,125 sq. ft.
- 7 lb Bag
-
- Overseeding – Seeds up to 5,250 sq. ft.
- New Lawns – Seeds up to 2,625 sq. ft.
- 15 lb Bag
-
- Overseeding – Seeds up to 11,250 sq. ft.
- New Lawns – Seeds up to 5,625 sq. ft.
- 25 lb Bag
-
- Overseeding – Seeds up to 18,750 sq. ft.
- New Lawns – Seeds up to 9,375 sq. ft.
- 50 lb Bag
-
- Overseeding – Seeds up to 37,500 sq. ft.
- New Lawns – Seeds up to 18,750 sq. ft.
Grass Type: Tall Fescue, Perennial Rye, Kentucky Bluegrass & Fine Fescue
Grass Color: Dark green
Recommended Planting Months: For cool-season grasses
- Mid-August through mid-October
- Mid-March through mid-May
Sun Tolerance: Excellent
Shade Tolerance: Excellent
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade (4 – 8 hours of sun)
Drought Tolerance: Excellent
Insect & Disease Resistance: Good
High Traffic Tolerance: Good
Planting Depth: ¼ inches
Germination Time: 7 – 14 days
The spreader settings listed are approximate. Spreader condition, rate of walk, and humidity are just some of the variables that can affect the rate of application. Please refer to the product label link on this page, or the back of the bag, for further details along with application rates and precautionary statements. You may need to adjust settings for proper coverage if circumstances described on the label are applicable. In all cases, the user should read and follow label instructions before applying any product, and assumes all responsibility when using this spreader settings tool.
ok I did an experiment during my lawn repair this season. I had some bald spots in my lawn due to 1. Leaving disposal bins too long on the grass beside my house. 2. Spreading weed killer by hand resulting in grass burning up and dying and 3 normal wear and tear. Anyway I used Scotts, Pennington initially and also Jonathan Green dense shade and sun and shade for the seeding. I wanted to see which of these seeds would work best. OMG Jonathan Green dense shade and sun and shade won hands down. I would say Pennington came in second while Scotts finished dead last. This experiment started in mid April and while the JG and Pennington is now fully germinated and the spots filled, the Scotts produce only patches of grass and stopped growing. I had to reseed with JG sun and shade and is getting germination after 1 week. I prepared the soil well, I tested the PH it is 7.0. I added JG love your soil, I added topsoil and compose with starter fertilizer, and I watered at least twice a day when there is no natural rain. Sorry Scotts I have to go with JG going forward.
I use this seed in my own lawn, and most of the lawns i install for customers. Great success and results from every time I’ve used the product. Soil testing, correct nutrient application and watering will also add to the positive results.
I used this in the middle of September and am happy with the results. It has a dark color and filled in all the bare spots.
Absolutely disappointed after aeration and seeding fertilizing in ideal growing conditions 14 days later nothing kept watered this product is awful will not waste my time or lots of money on this don’t do it would if gotten better with a cheap bad if crap fescue
JG Response: You don’t say what state you are in but tall fescues takes 14-21 days to germinate and soil temperatures must be at or above 60° for it to do that. Please email through our FAQ site for help.
Almost every house on my street have Kentucky Blue Grass but I tried Johnathan Green Black Beauty Ultra in September 18 and it is been about 3 weeks, lawn is very nice…. Can\’t wait for first mow and next Spring. I picked this seeds because I want low maintenance and use less water. This is not Kentucky 31 so the blade and the color are very nice!
When you buy cheap, you get cheap. Words to live by. Overseeded last fall with this product, starter fert and Love Your Soil. Did core aeration first and did not water due to rainy weather at the time. I\\\’m very happy with the result. I highly recommend the JG product line and encourage all you lawn care nuts (like me) who are obsessive about your lawn to use them. Spend the extra money for superior product; in a couple years you won\\\’t miss it and you\\\’ll love the result.
I bought a bag of the sun and shade mix to do an over seed for this fall but I had some patches in my front yard that were bare ground and they were driving me crazy of so I decided to plant some seed. It’s been in the 90s and I know this isn’t the time of year to do it but by God when I pulled up to the house this morning after just four days I’ve got little strands of grass working their way out of the soil. I’m impressed
I had posted a review in October of 2020 and I was amazed at the lawn now it’s May of 2021 and the grass I grew in October is amazing . It’s thick and Very healthy. The true test is the hot summer. Just an FYI I am trying the 4 step program this year . I also live in the NE if that helps , so it’s cool weather grass . So far I love the product and will never go back to the old stuff.
I have a part of my lawn that just dropped dead in the summer with competitors product and I re did the lawn with this sun and shade and it looks amazing . I will keep over seeding with the Sun and Shade and I believe it will keep its beauty.
I have a part of my lawn that just dropped dead in the summer with competitors product and I re did the lawn with this sun and shade and it looks amazing . I will keep over seeding with the Sun and Shade and I believe it will keep its beauty.
Best grass ever grew in no time .
Fantastic product! Grass Seed grew quickly, really green & thick! beautiful turf! Wonderful product. Does exactly as it says!
Perfect this grass seed.
I tried from home depot but doesn’t work.
Only Jonathan Green product is worked..
Highly recommended.
Even when I just spread on the garden it
After a few days growing up..
I love it…
I am happy with this grass seed. It grew fast and is very green. Make sure top 3 inches or so of soil is loose and not compacted and water regularly. I will buy again
Working great. Thanks got the patching. Lawn looks great!
Sprouted in the sun and shade, good soil and bad, including a large area around a patio we just built. If nothing else it appears to be holding the fort until the native grass moves in.
Winter has come and gone and this grass persisted and is pressing on nicely.
These grass seeds work! Make your dead brown winter lawn…dark green and healthy looking with Black Beauty rye grass seed of dark green! I put these seeds out where there was no summer grass…in a few days…sprouts of green popped up! Now the rye grass is spreading to the dead summer grass. I have never seen snow on green grass before! Just beautiful! Just be sure to water it…after you put out the seeds. We now have the prettiest and greenest winter lawn in OUR area! Sit back and enjoy your beautiful fall and winter lawn. Sooooooo very EASY to use and do! Take pride in growing a healthy lawn, DIY!!!!
This a truly good grass seed. I have tried them all. Expensive but worth the money
Works good
Very fast germination
BEST, BEST, BEST GRASS SEED EVER!
good stuff
Wow! Germinated in 5 days and is still growing strong after 4 weeks! Just keep it damp and don’t let it dry out.
Seed sprouted well and has filled in nicely.
So many to choose from. Choose this with confidence
Works very well!
I planted this seed about 3 weeks ago, and I can see the blades coming up… it’s not totally grown out yet, but I’m pleased. The blades are very straight and narrow compared to what most people grow around here – which is fescue.
Focus on where you can see the grass in the pics. There is grass growing everywhere, but given the lighting, only the ‘patches’ that are really concentrated can be seen in the picture. But when you walk around and see it in person, there are blades everywhere. It looks very promising.
I will revisit this review after 3 months, when the lawn should be fully, fully grown out. But for those who want to see what this looks like 20-25 days after planting, and even after very strong storms, here are some pics.
Grass looks great!
Great success in using it. High and fast rate of germination.
Grew well in Massachusetts in early fall. Four stars because there were patches. I suppose a five star grass would be perfect.
Sprouts fast, just what I needed.
This is the best grass seed we have tried. And we have tried several. It is night and day better than Scott’s.
Frequently Bought Together
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Green-Up Fertilizer for Seeding & Sodding
Lawn Food for use on newly planted seed & sod producing healthy, deep roots. -
Love Your Soil®
Soil food that stimulates microbes to build topsoil while loosening hard, compacted soil. -
Mag-I-Cal® for Lawns in Acidic Soil
Concentrated calcium soil food with humates that rapidly raises & balances soil pH. -
New American Lawn® Deluxe Rotary Spreader
Spreader with large 12 inch tires that holds up to 60 lbs of product.
