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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.

This depends on the type of grass seed, as some types do better in different environmental conditions. Cool-season grasses go dormant during the summer months when the soil temperature exceeds 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Once exposed to regular doses of heat, the germination rates decline, with seedling death not far behind. 

As for warm-season seeds, they come from tropical parts of the world and thrive in heat. They actively grow in warm air temperatures between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and they prefer soil temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Once temperatures dip and frost rolls in, if you don’t store them properly, warm-season grass seeds will die quickly.

Foxtail self-seeds and dispurses them among other grasses and pastures. The seeds can spread by wind and by attaching themselves to animals and humans. Seeds will germinate in their new location and become a new plant, which continues the spread of foxtail. Unfortunately, foxtail spreads easily, making it difficult to remove unless it’s caught quickly.

In general, cool-season grasses such as fescue grass, ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass are best for creating a striped lawn. Warm-season grasses like bermuda and zoysia grass don't curl as much, so grass stripes aren't as easy to see. If you live in a climate that’s better suited for warm-season grass, zoysia grass will typically be your best option.