Pronto Seed Super Speedy Grass Seed Review

There are just two grass seed varieties in this DEFRA-approved mix; annual ryegrass and perennial ryegrass.

Perennial ryegrass is great for a fast-growing and hard-wearing lawn. The fact that it’s a perennial is crucial too. This means that the root structures formed by the plants will produce new leaves year after year. It’s favoured by those who want a low-maintenance lawn that won’t require annual reseeding.

As great as perennial ryegrass may be, this mix is let down by the inclusion of annual ryegrass. Unlike its perennial counterpart, annual ryegrass germinates faster, does well in low temperatures, has wider leaves, and is a lighter colour. 

The problem is that once each plant reaches the end of its lifecycle, it will die, leaving the soil that it once occupied bare. The result would be a patchier lawn that needs over-seeding each year in order to maintain an even, green finish.

This seed mix promises germination in 7-14 days, assuming that the seed has been sown in ideal conditions. I definitely didn’t do that. I sowed them in mid-October, after which they were almost immediately subjected to the hard frosts and bitter storms that are a common feature of autumns and winters in North East Scotland.

So, I was surprised to find that this seed did indeed germinate within the expected timeframe, taking 14 days to pop their heads up. This mix was actually the fastest to germinate out of all of the five grass seed mixes that I tested.

The speed of germination was undeniably impressive, but there’s also an explanation behind it. Again, it comes down to the annual ryegrass in the mix, which germinates a little faster than its perennial relatives. Definitely an advantage if you’re hoping to see results quickly!

Once germinated, this grass seed didn’t slow down. It consistently grew faster and denser than the other mixes that I tested, producing the greenest mini lawn out of the five.

Speedy Seed comes in a box, rather than a bag. There’s no real difference between the two in terms of storage – the only real advantage is that you can sprinkle the seeds out directly from the box rather than having to use your hands with a bag.

Clear instructions are printed on the box, making it easy for beginner gardeners to know what to do. Start by raking your soil to level it out (which the box doesn’t actually tell you to do), before shaking out the grass seed directly from the box. Then, rake the seed in before watering it well.

Since the box is made from cardboard, you can simply throw it into your compost heap once you’re done, assuming you’ve used the whole box. If you haven’t, you’ll need to store the seed securely somewhere as the box can’t be resealed.

This was one of the least expensive of the five grass seed mixes that I tested, making it easy to see why it would appeal to so many. The fact that it was also the fastest to grow adds to this, making it initially seem like fantastic value.

However, don’t forget about the annual ryegrass in this mix. Having to reseed patches of your lawn each year will not only add to its overall cost, but will also require more of your time. As a result, while I would definitely agree that this mix is very cost-effective if instant results are what you’re after, it’s not necessarily the best value if you’re hoping for longevity.

With its low price and impressively fast results, the Pronto Seed Speedy Seed Grass Seed is certainly a strong contender if you’re looking for a quick, lush lawn. It may potentially require annual upkeep but, for many, this would be a small price to pay for the multitude of benefits that this grass seed mix offers.