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Yes, Bahia grass spreads on its own thanks to its short stolon system. However, it might not seem like your Bahia grass spreads well due to its slow growth. Bahia grass takes around 3 to 4 weeks to germinate and an additional two weeks to grow thicker. 

During this time, fast-growing, competitive weeds may pop up, so weed your lawn to give your Bahia grass a chance to grow. This grass can take up to two years to become established. Once established, Bahia grass typically does well in suitable climates.

The amount of time it takes for grass to germinate varies depending on the grass species. Even after germination, it’s going to take a while to see grass blades start emerging from soil. Some grasses germinate quickly and emerge after several days of growth (and healthy watering). Others may take up to three weeks to show themselves. Cool-season grasses tend to take the longest to germinate at one month.

While hydroseeding is typically meant for bare soil, it is possible to hydroseed over an existing lawn with some adjustments. For the new seed to germinate and thrive, it needs good seed-to-soil contact. Without it, most of the seed may not take root and will die. To improve your chances of success when repairing a patchy area, mow any existing grass as low as possible and loosen any exposed soil before application. It is also recommended to use a finer mulch mixture when spraying, as this will help the seeds reach the soil and root without suffocating the existing grass.

Aerating a lawn before seeding it or adding new grass seed is a smart decision. By loosening up compact soil and allowing it to take in more air and water, your seeds will have an easier time establishing roots and growing. Aerating beforehand also means your seeds will have better contact with the soil, so more of your seeds have a chance to germinate. If you do plan to aerate your lawn before seeding, aerate about two days before you plan to start seeding.