How Long Can Grass Seed Lay Dormant?

Grass seeds only grow when they get the favourable temperature. Like if you are going to go for dormant seeding and want some information about it like How Long Can Grass Seed Lay Dormant? Then this blog is for you.

Just keep in mind that grass seeds stay dormant until they find a specific temperature for growth. There are different factors depending on the dormant period. So, in this blog we will put the main focus on those points.

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Seed Dormancy

This is a very natural mechanism of growing seeds. Like this is the process in which temperature and other environmental factors play a role in preventing seed germination for some time. Like Extreme cold plays a role and freeze the growth of grasses for some time. So, basically dormancy is a condition which freeze the grass seed’s growth when factors are unfavourable and start growing again when they get proper favourable conditions.

How Long Can Grass Seed Lay Dormant 

Normally, grass seeds can stay dormant for several months to years until they get favourable conditions. Two types of grasses are present and their dormant period varies according to their species like;

• Warm season grasses can stay dormant for a longer period then cool season grasses. They start their germination in warm conditions.
• Cool season grasses survive for almost a year but they are less optimal if we compare them with warm season grasses.

Factors 

Some top factors are here which shows you how long can grass seed lay dormant or what factors play a role in affecting dormancy period.

Grass Species

One more important factor which affects the grass dormancy period is the species of grass. The dormancy period varies for different types of grasses. For cool season grasses, you have to germinate them in fall or spring. These grasses can stay dormant for many months whenever they don’t get a favourable environment. 

However, if you want dormant warm seasonal grasses then these grasses like bermuda or zoysia can stay dormant for almost a year and can start germinate when the weather is warm.

Seed Life

Second important factor which affects dormancy is the seed viability and their shelf life. If you store the seeds properly then they will remain viable for almost 1 – 5 years. Normally the germination rate reduces 10% per year over time.

Storage Conditions

Seeds storage is a very important step. Because if your seed is stored properly then their dormancy period may elongate. So, you have to store them in a cool and dry place almost at the temperature of 40–50°F. Then the second point which you may consider while storing seeds is to consider moisture and light. Make sure to avoid moisture. Because if your weather is humid or in moisturised conditions then it may cause seeds to absorb the water and make seeds to germinate prematurely. Avoid storing seeds in the light.

Environmental Conditions

Fourth factor and the most important factor is to consider the environmental conditions. Like extreme heat, extreme cold, lack of water, poor drainage, compacted soil, poor soil quality or many more factors like that plays a role in state of dormancy. So, when you go for dormant seeding. You may have to consider all these factors to make them viable according to your seeds for better growth until your seeds get viable conditions.

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FAQS

Is it true that the germination rate decreases with time?

Yes! Germination rate reduces 10% per year.

What is the optimal temperature for seed storage?

The Optimum temperature of seed storage is 40–50°F.

Why do we have to store seeds in the dark?

Store seeds in dark because if you store them in light the sunlight starts processing and premature germination starts.

Can I check the test Seed viability?

Ofcourse! You can check seed viability by performing a test by placing a damp paper towel.

Is preparing soil for seeding important?

Yes! Preparing soil for seeding is an important step. You just have to loosen the soil, remove debris by raking up.