According to an embodiment, a method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprises: introducing a cement composition into the subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises: cement; water; and calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) seeds, wherein a test cement composition consisting essentially of: the cement; the water; and the C-S-H seeds, and in the same proportions as in the cement composition, develops a compressive strength of at least 1,200 psi (8.3 MPa) when tested at 24 hours, a temperature of 60° F. (15.6° C.), and a pressure of 3,000 psi (20.7 MPa); and allowing the cement composition to set. According to another embodiment, the C-S-H seeds are mesoscopic particles, nanoparticles, or combinations thereof, and wherein the C-S-H seeds are in a concentration in the range of about 1% to about 5% by weight of the cement.