The Best Grass Seed for Hot Full Sun

Most grass seed will take root and thrive in an area with full and hot sun. The biggest consideration when selecting seed is to know what is recommended for your area. Cold-season grasses are best for the northern states, while warm-season grasses are preferred in the South. To find the best type of grass for your area, it is a good idea to consult a professional.

Tall fescue is a cool-season grass that does well in the hot, full sun. Primarily used in the northern half of the country, tall fescue does not require a lot of maintenance and is generally resistant to drought and high heat. The reason it can withstand dry conditions is that it has deep roots that draw water from the ground. It also grows from seed quickly and usually germinates in 10 to 14 days. It is resistant to disease and provides a lawn with a deep green color. Tall fescue also grows in various kinds of soils, and does well on slopes and hilly areas.

Bermuda grass thrives in full sun and is often found on golf courses, lawns and sports fields in the southern states. It can handle heavy traffic, is drought resistant and quickly builds thatch. It is a common warm-weather grass and grows well from seed. It also does well in coastal areas in soil that contains salt. Bermuda grass does require some care, maintenance and mowing. Bermuda grass is found in over 100 countries in the tropical and subtropical areas of the planet. It has a fine to medium texture and fills bare spots quickly by spreading.

Buffalo grass is one of the slowest to germinate and usually needs two weeks to a month to grow. Once it takes root, however, it does well under a hot sun. Buffalo grass is native to North America and received its name because buffalo on the hot plains ate it. This grass is durable, holds up well in extreme weather, and does not require a lot of care. It is also used as a lawn grass in states like Texas or Arizona. Buffalo grass is tolerant to long periods of drought and spreads itself with surface runners. It has a fine texture and a soft blue-green color.

Perennial rye grasses thrive in areas that are hot and receive a lot of sun. They are cool-season grasses, can withstand high heat and are resistant to droughts. Their deep green color makes them a common choice for lawns in the more northern states. The fine texture of perennial rye grasses also makes them easy to mow and maintain. Perennial rye grasses can handle a lot of foot traffic and mix well with other types of grasses. They usually germinate between 10 and 14 days. Their quick growth makes them a good choice for covering slopes and bare patches.

Zoysia is a warm-weather grass that does well in the full sun. Zoysia's deep roots draw water from the ground, making it drought resistant. Zoysia withstands high heat, handles heavy foot traffic and overtakes other grasses in the area by spreading. It has a slow growth and germination rate, but builds thatch quickly once it takes hold. Although it can tolerate drought conditions, it will do better if watered. It has a fine to medium texture and can grow in an area with some shade.