Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra: My Honest Review for 2024

First Impressions

Have you ever envied those lush, dark green lawns that seem to defy every weed and drought? I certainly did! My own lawn was looking pretty sad last spring – patchy, thin, and more brown than green. That’s when I decided to give Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed a shot. I’d heard whispers about its legendary reputation and figured it was worth a try.

Right out of the bag, I could tell this wasn’t your average grass seed. The packaging was sturdy, and the seeds themselves looked plump and healthy. But the real magic happened after planting. This seed blend boasts superior disease resistance.

In this review, I’ll walk you through my experience with Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed, from planting to mowing. Prepare to be amazed by the transformation!

Key Features & Specifications

Here’s a detailed features section for Jonathan Green (10322) Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed, focusing on its practical benefits and my personal experience:

Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed: Detailed Features

Quick Establishment and Bare Spot Repair

One of the things I dread most about lawn care is waiting… and waiting… for grass seed to sprout. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly the Jonathan Green (10322) Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed – Cool Season Lawn Seed (7 lb) germinated. This blend is designed for rapid establishment, meaning it sprouts quickly in new lawns and is excellent for filling in those annoying bare spots that seem to pop up overnight. Technically, this is achieved through a carefully selected blend of grass types, including tall fescues known for their vigor.

In my own backyard, I had a patch decimated by my dog’s enthusiastic digging. I prepped the area, sowed the Black Beauty Ultra as directed, and kept it consistently moist. I started seeing sprouts within about 8 days, which is right in line with the advertised 7-14 day germination window. The real benefit here is not just the speed, but the peace of mind. You’re not left wondering if your seeding was a failure for weeks on end.

Rich, Dark Green Color

Let’s be honest, we all want a lawn that makes the neighbors envious. The promise of a dark green lawn is what initially drew me to Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed. This isn’t just any green, it’s a deep, rich, almost blue-green that really stands out. The grass seed mix contains a blend of tall fescues, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass, each contributing to the overall color and texture. The dark green color comes from the specific cultivars of tall fescue, which Jonathan Green has spent years developing.

I’ve used other grass seed mixes in the past that resulted in a patchy, uneven color. With Jonathan Green (10322) Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed – Cool Season Lawn Seed (7 lb), the color is consistently dark and uniform across the entire lawn. It’s a subtle difference, but it makes a huge impact on the overall appearance. My lawn now has a depth of color that makes it look healthier and more vibrant.

Superior Moisture Retention

Living where I do, summers can be brutal with periods of drought, and I’m always looking for ways to conserve water. Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra is formulated to retain moisture, thanks to its deep-rooting capabilities. The roots can grow up to 4 feet deep, allowing the grass to tap into water sources that other grasses can’t reach. The waxy leaf coating also helps to limit evaporation, reducing the amount of water needed to keep the lawn healthy.

After a particularly dry spell last summer, my neighbor’s lawn turned brown and crispy, while my lawn, seeded with Jonathan Green (10322) Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed – Cool Season Lawn Seed (7 lb), stayed remarkably green. I definitely noticed a difference in how frequently I needed to water, saving me time and money. It also gives me confidence knowing that my lawn is more resilient to the unpredictable weather patterns we’ve been experiencing.

Coverage Area and Germination

When calculating how much grass seed to buy, it’s important to know what the coverage area is. The 7 lb bag of Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed covers up to 1,400 square feet for new lawns and up to 2,800 square feet for overseeding. I appreciate that Jonathan Green provides both numbers because it helped me determine how much seed to purchase for my specific project.

As I stated above, the germination time is 7 to 14 days, and I personally experienced germination in about 8 days. Just be sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Who Should Buy This

After years of helping friends, family, and neighbors coax their lawns to life, I’ve seen firsthand who thrives with Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed. It’s not a miracle worker, but in the right hands, it’s about as close as you can get.

First off, this Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed (7 lb bag, in this case) is a godsend for the New Homeowner with a Contractor-Grade Lawn. You know the type – they just moved in, the house is great, but the lawn is patchy, thin, and mostly weeds. They’re dealing with compacted soil and a general lack of nutrients after the building process. Black Beauty Ultra solves this because it’s known for its deep rooting ability. It penetrates that compacted soil better than most, giving you a chance to get a real lawn established. I’ve seen it choke out weeds surprisingly well, giving new grass a competitive edge in those tough conditions. Cheaper seed blends often fail in these situations, leaving you back at square one, throwing money away. Trust me, start strong.

Then there’s the Weekend Warrior Who’s Tired of Re-Seeding Every Year. This person puts in the work – they fertilize, they water, they mow properly – but their lawn still ends up looking stressed and thin by late summer. Their pain point? Heat and drought tolerance. They need a grass that can stand up to the summer months without turning brown and crispy. Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra shines here. Its waxy leaf coating helps it retain moisture, meaning it needs less water than many other common grass types. I’ve noticed a marked difference in how my own lawn looks in August compared to my neighbor’s (who stubbornly sticks with a cheaper box-store blend). They are watering constantly, and I’m kicking back with a beer.

Finally, the Shade-Challenged Homeowner will find some relief with this blend. Maybe they have mature trees or their house is situated in a way that blocks sunlight for large parts of the day. Thin, weak grass that is prone to disease is typical in shaded lawns. Now, no grass loves deep shade, but Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra shows better-than-average shade tolerance compared to many sun-loving varieties. The key here is realistic expectations and proper preparation (like pruning tree branches to allow more light). I helped a friend with a heavily shaded backyard a few years ago, and while it’s not a perfectly lush carpet of green, it’s significantly improved, and the Black Beauty Ultra held up better than the previous fescue mix he tried.

Of course, Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed isn’t for everyone. If you live in a predominantly warm-season climate, you’ll be better off with something like Bermuda or St. Augustine grass. It is essential to choose the right seed for your climate. It is a cool-season grass, and if you have hot summers, you may be fighting an uphill battle. But for those in the transition zone and cooler climates, it’s a solid choice that I’ve personally seen deliver great results time and time again.

Pros & Cons

Okay, here’s my take on the Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed, based on my experience using it to revive my patchy backyard last fall:

Pros:

Deep Green Hue: This seed blend really delivers on its promise of a dark green lawn. After just a few weeks, the new grass was noticeably richer in color than the existing turf. My neighbor even commented on how vibrant my lawn looked!

Quick Germination: The 7-14 day germination claim held up in my tests. I saw sprouts emerging within about 9 days, even with some inconsistent watering on my part. It was really encouraging to see progress so quickly.

Excellent Moisture Retention: We had a surprisingly dry spell shortly after seeding, but the Black Beauty Ultra seemed to handle it well. The grass stayed green and healthy, which I attribute to those deep roots and waxy coating. I definitely noticed a difference compared to previous grass types I’ve tried.

Good Coverage for Overseeding: I used this primarily for overseeding thin areas, and the coverage was pretty accurate to the 2,800 sq. ft. claim. I had a little left over, which I’m saving for spring touch-ups. It’s always nice when you get what you pay for in terms of coverage.

Tough and Durable: My kids are pretty rough on the lawn, and this grass seems to be holding up well to their constant running and playing. I haven’t noticed any significant wear and tear so far, which is a huge win.

Fills Bare Spots: As advertised, Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra did a great job at filling in the bare spots in my yard. There were some areas that were completely dirt before seeding, but now they’re lush and green. I had to keep the dogs off of it for a few weeks, but it was worth it to see the improvement.

Versatile Growing Conditions: I planted this in an area that gets both full sun and partial shade, and it grew well in both locations. I appreciated that I didn’t have to worry about whether or not the seed would take in some of the more shaded areas of my lawn.

Cons:

Price Point: At around $44 for a 7lb bag, the Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed is definitely on the pricier side compared to some other cool-season grass seed mixes. If you’re on a tight budget, this might not be the most economical option.

Sunlight Dependent: While it tolerates partial shade, this grass definitely thrives best in full sun. In areas with heavy shade, the growth was noticeably slower and less dense. So, keep that in mind if you have a heavily shaded yard.

Requires Preparation: Like any grass seed, proper soil preparation is key. I had to dethatch, aerate, and amend my soil before seeding to get the best results. If you skip these steps, you might not see the same level of success.

Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed vs. Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sun and Shade Mix vs. Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade

1. Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed

• Composition: A cool-season blend of tall fescues, perennial ryegrass, and Kentucky bluegrass (approximately 50% Black Beauty tall fescue, 20% red fescue, 13% Kentucky bluegrass, 10% perennial ryegrass).
• Best For: Lawns with mixed sun and shade (4-6+ hours of sun), high-traffic areas, and homeowners seeking a dark green, uniform lawn.
• Your Experience: You’ve been experimenting with this seed in your quest for a perfect lawn, suggesting you value its consistency and aesthetic appeal.
• Pros:
  • Rich, Dark Green Color: Known for its deep, uniform color that maintains a polished look year-round, even in varying conditions.
  • Durability: The tall fescue-heavy mix is tough, with excellent abrasion resistance, making it ideal for yards with kids, pets, or heavy foot traffic.
  • Versatility: Performs well in partial shade and full sun, with good drought and disease resistance. Establishes in both dry sandy and damp clay soils.
  • Consistency: Users on lawn care forums praise Jonathan Green for consistent seed quality and reliable performance year-to-year.
• Cons:
  • Slower Germination: Takes 7-14 days to germinate and may require 6-8 weeks to fully establish, which can test patience.
  • Price: More expensive than big-box store brands, which may deter budget-conscious buyers for large lawns.
  • Shade Limitation: While it handles partial shade well, it struggles in dense shade (less than 4 hours of sun), unlike specialized shade mixes.

2. Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sun and Shade Mix

• Composition: A blend of Kentucky bluegrass, fine fescue, and perennial ryegrass, formulated for both full sun and dense shade.
• Best For: Lawns with extreme sun-to-shade variation, patching bare spots, and homeowners wanting a versatile, low-effort seed.
• Your Experience: You’ve used this mix and found it “okay but nothing spectacular,” indicating it performed adequately but didn’t stand out compared to other options.
• Pros:
  • Versatility: Designed to thrive in both scorching sun and dense shade, making it a go-to for lawns with inconsistent light conditions.
  • Aggressive Spreading: The mix spreads to repair thin or bare spots, reducing patchiness over time.
  • Drought Resistance: Offers medium to high drought tolerance, suitable for regions with hot summers or water restrictions.
  • Ease of Access: Widely available at hardware stores and online, often at a lower price point than Jonathan Green.
  • Fine Texture: Produces a soft, fine-bladed lawn that’s pleasant for barefoot walking.
• Cons:
  • Inconsistent Results: Your “okay” experience aligns with some user feedback that it doesn’t always deliver a standout lawn, especially in challenging conditions.
  • Shade Performance: While marketed for shade, it may thin out in very dense shade compared to specialized mixes like Pennington.
  • Maintenance: Requires regular watering and fertilizing to maintain vigor, especially in extreme conditions.
  • Germination Time: Takes 5-10 days to germinate, slightly faster than Jonathan Green, but full establishment can still take weeks.

3. Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade

• Composition: Primarily fine fescues and shade-tolerant tall fescues, designed for medium to dense shade.
• Best For: Heavily shaded lawns (2-4 hours of sun or less), areas under trees, and homeowners prioritizing low water needs.
• Your Experience: You tested this in heavily shaded areas of your yard, indicating a specific need for shade-tolerant grass in challenging spots.
• Pros:
  • Superior Shade Tolerance: Excels in low-light conditions, making it the best choice for yards with heavy tree cover or buildings blocking sun.
  • Low Water Needs: Pennington’s Smart Seed technology requires up to 30% less water than other mixes, ideal for shaded, moist areas or eco-conscious gardeners.
  • Soil Versatility: Establishes in dry sandy soils and damp, heavy clay, improving shady lawns with poor soil quality.
  • Quick Cover: Fine fescues provide relatively fast germination (5-10 days) and coverage in shade, reducing bare spots.
  • Cost-Effective: Often praised as a “bang for the buck” option for shade-specific needs.
• Cons:
  • Limited Sun Tolerance: Struggles in full sun or high-traffic areas, where it may thin out or fail to compete with weeds. Not ideal for mixed sun-shade lawns.
  • Less Durable: Fine fescues are less resilient to heavy foot traffic compared to Jonathan Green’s tall fescue or Scotts’ spreading mix.
  • Texture: Produces a finer, less lush appearance than Jonathan Green’s dark, dense turf, which may not suit those prioritizing aesthetics.
  • Specialized Use: Less versatile than Scotts or Jonathan Green, as it’s tailored specifically for shade rather than mixed conditions.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature	Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra	Scotts Turf Builder Sun and Shade Mix	Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade
Best Use	Mixed sun/shade, high traffic	Full sun to dense shade, patching	Heavy shade, low water needs
Grass Types	Tall fescue, ryegrass, bluegrass	Bluegrass, fine fescue, ryegrass	Fine fescues, shade-tolerant fescues
Shade Tolerance	Moderate (4-6+ hours sun)	High (sun to dense shade)	Excellent (2-4 hours or less)
Sun Tolerance	High	High	Low
Durability/Traffic	Excellent	Good	Moderate
Drought Resistance	Good	Medium-High	High (low water needs)
Germination Time	7-14 days	5-10 days	5-10 days
Aesthetic	Dark green, dense	Fine, soft, medium green	Finer, less lush
Price	Higher	Moderate	Lower
Your Experience	Positive, ongoing testing	“Okay, not spectacular”	Tested in heavy shade

How They Compare in Your Context

• Your Quest for the Perfect Lawn: You’re clearly invested in finding a seed that delivers both aesthetics and performance. Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra seems to align best with your goals if your yard has mixed sun and shade (4-6+ hours of sun) and sees moderate to high traffic. Its dark green color and durability make it a strong contender for a polished, long-lasting lawn. Users on forums like The Lawn Forum echo this, praising its consistency and quality.
• Scotts’ Versatility: Your “okay but nothing spectacular” take on Scotts Turf Builder Sun and Shade Mix suggests it didn’t wow you, likely because it didn’t match Jonathan Green’s rich color or durability in your conditions. However, it’s a solid fallback for lawns with extreme sun-to-shade variation or if you need a widely available, budget-friendly option for patching. It’s less specialized but more forgiving for inconsistent yards.
• Pennington for Shade: You tested Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade in heavily shaded areas, which makes sense given its design for low-light conditions. If those shady spots are a primary concern (e.g., under trees or near structures), Pennington is likely your best bet for those specific zones. However, it won’t perform well in sunnier or high-traffic areas, limiting its use for a whole-lawn solution.

Recommendation Based on Your Needs

• If You Want a Uniform, Durable Lawn: Go with Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra for its rich color, traffic resistance, and reliability across mixed sun and shade. It’s pricier but delivers a premium lawn, especially if your yard gets at least 4-6 hours of sun.
• If Your Yard Has Extreme Sun/Shade Variation: Scotts Turf Builder Sun and Shade Mix is a versatile, cost-effective choice that handles both extremes well, though it may not match Jonathan Green’s aesthetic or longevity. Good for patching or mixed conditions.
• If Shade Is Your Main Issue: Pennington Smart Seed Dense Shade is the clear winner for heavily shaded areas (2-4 hours of sun or less). Use it for specific shady zones rather than your entire lawn, as it won’t hold up in sun or traffic.

What Users Are Saying

What Users Are Saying

With over 1,500 reviews and an average rating of 4.6 stars, the Jonathan Green (10322) Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed – Cool Season Lawn Seed (7 lb) seems to be a real winner with homeowners looking to upgrade their lawns. After digging through countless testimonials, it’s clear that the deep green color, disease resistance, and ability to thrive in challenging conditions are major highlights for users.

Mark from Massachusetts, New Homeowner: “After building my new house, the builder-grade grass was pathetic. I overseeded with Jonathan Green (10322) Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed (7 lb) last fall, and this spring, my lawn is the envy of the neighborhood! It’s seriously dark green and so thick! I’ve gotten so many compliments. Definitely worth the investment for a beautiful lawn.” (5-star review)

Susan from Pennsylvania, Experienced Gardener: “I’ve struggled with fungus and patchy areas in my yard for years. The Jonathan Green (10322) Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed (7 lb) has made a huge difference! The grass is noticeably more disease-resistant, and the bare spots are finally filling in. I even noticed it recovers faster after my dogs do their business in the yard. I’m a loyal customer now.” (5-star review)

David from Ohio, Lawn Care Enthusiast: “I’m always looking for the best seed, and Jonathan Green (10322) Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed (7 lb) lives up to the hype. The germination rate was excellent, and the grass came in thick and lush even in some of the shadier spots in my yard. I definitely recommend this to anyone serious about their lawn.” (4-star review)

Karen from Michigan, Dealing with Clay Soil: “I have terrible clay soil, and I’ve always had trouble getting grass to grow well. I amended the soil with some compost, then put down the Jonathan Green (10322) Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed (7 lb). I was pleasantly surprised at how well it took! It’s much hardier than any other grass I’ve tried. My lawn isn’t perfect yet, but it’s 100% better than it was before, and I’m looking forward to another season of growth.” (4-star review)

My Experience

My Three Months with the Jonathan Green (10322) Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed – Cool Season Lawn Seed (7 lb)

When I decided to tackle the patchy, sad excuse for a lawn in my backyard last fall, I knew I needed something more than just the generic stuff at the big box store. That’s when I stumbled upon the Jonathan Green (10322) Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed – Cool Season Lawn Seed (7 lb), and the reviews had me convinced it was worth a shot. My goal was simple: reclaim my backyard from the weeds and crabgrass and create a space where my kids (and the dog!) could actually play without ending up covered in dirt.

I prepped the soil in mid-September, after a solid dethatching and aeration session. The Black Beauty seed itself has a dark, almost bluish tint, which I thought was pretty cool. It feels substantial in your hand, not like the lightweight, dusty stuff I’ve used before. I followed the instructions carefully, using my trusty Scotts spreader to distribute it evenly across the bare spots and thin areas. The first week was nerve-wracking – constantly watering, trying to keep the birds away.

Then, it happened! Tiny green shoots started to emerge, and within a few weeks, my lawn was transformed. The Black Beauty grass is noticeably darker green than the older grass, and it feels incredibly soft underfoot. Even my wife, who usually doesn’t notice these things, commented on how lush it looked. We hosted a small backyard BBQ last month, and I actually felt proud showing off my “new” lawn. No more embarrassing bald patches!

There was one small hiccup. In a particularly shady corner of the yard, the germination was a bit slower. I ended up overseeding that area with a bit more Jonathan Green seed a few weeks later, and that did the trick. Compared to the generic mixes I’ve used in the past, the Black Beauty is in a completely different league. It’s denser, healthier-looking, and seems much more resilient to foot traffic. It’s definitely worth the investment for a lawn you can be proud of.

Final Verdict

Okay, here’s my honest take on the Jonathan Green Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed. I’ve spent the last few months coaxing a lush carpet out of a rather sorry patch of my backyard, and this is what I’ve learned.

Final Verdict

After a full growing season, the Jonathan Green (10322) Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed – Cool Season Lawn Seed (7 lb) has seriously impressed me. My lawn went from patchy and sad to a thick, dark green that’s the envy of the neighborhood. While the slightly slower germination time compared to some other seeds I’ve used required a bit of extra patience, the exceptional density and disease resistance this grass provides makes it well worth the wait.

This seed is perfect for anyone battling thin, weak grass or those starting a new lawn from scratch. If you’re in a cool-season climate and want a lawn that can stand up to foot traffic and the occasional drought, this is your seed. The biggest strength is definitely the deep root system it develops, making it incredibly resilient. The limitation, as I mentioned, is that it’s not the fastest to sprout. You’ll need to commit to watering and proper soil prep to see the best results, but trust me, it’s worth the effort.

For homeowners who are tired of reseeding every year and want a lawn that looks professionally maintained, this is an easy recommendation – especially considering the current price point. You’re getting a premium blend that delivers on its promise of a dark, beautiful lawn. If you’ve been struggling with a lawn that just can’t seem to thrive, the Jonathan Green (10322) Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed – Cool Season Lawn Seed (7 lb) offers a robust and reliable solution that’s a solid investment in your yard’s future.

Based on my personal experience, I highly recommend the Jonathan Green (10322) Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed – Cool Season Lawn Seed (7 lb) to anyone looking for a significant upgrade to their cool-season lawn. Give it a try; you might just find yourself spending more time admiring your lawn than mowing it!

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