After about four years storage the seed quality begins to decline. Not all of the seed germinates when the right conditions arise, some will lay dormant in the ground until next time. This is the seed's natural defence against false starts. It ensures that if the first seedlings do not survive then there are more seeds to germinate when the right conditions occur again. The best time to sow is just before rain during warmer months.
Germination usually occurs within eight days of rain with optimum conditions.
The success of the reseeding program is dependent on root development before a dry period. Maximise the opportunity for success by selecting the right grasses for the job, sowing viable seed, and by paying attention to details like sowing depth. When the right rainfall is received, germination will occur and over time a healthy and persistent grass stand will establish. Then judicious management will allow the established stand to persist and spread. Where native grasses have been carefully selected they can provide good levels of production and good protection to the soil on a range of soil types without disrupting the natural balance of species that often occurs when invasive introduced species are used.