Centipede grass is a warm season grass and should be used mainly in areas with a generally mild climate. The best time for planting is in the late spring or early summer. Soil temperatures should be consistently above 70 degrees, with all danger of frost passed. As a guideline to knowing the soil temperature, wait until daytime high temperatures are consistently over 80 degrees. This grass can be planted in late fall and left to sprout in spring, but it has a much higher risk of failure due to spring freezes and being crowded out by other, early growing plants.

This type of grass adapts well to sandy, acidic soils in mild climates. It does not need much fertilizer; in fact you don’t want to overdo the fertilizer. It only grows three to five inches tall, requiring infrequent mowing and edging, but it spreads quickly in its territory and helps to crowd out weeds. It does best in full sun or slight shade. Its low spreading growth makes it fairly drought-tolerant.

To prepare for planting into an existing lawn, rake your lawn to remove debris. Fertilize with ten pounds of balanced fertilizer or centipede fertilizer per 1000 square feet. For planting a new lawn, rake the soil up 1/4 to 1/2 inches deep, rake in the fertilizer, and then smooth it out with a rake or roller. Lightly mulch in areas where erosion might become an issue.

Use at least one-fourth pound of seed per 1000 square feet. One-half pound in a new lawn produces a good, thick lawn in two to three months of growth. Spread seed with a lawn spreader for even distribution. Water it consistently until seedlings are established. Mow it often to keep weeds down while the grass grows. After the first year, you will have a lovely green, low-maintenance lawn.

Share This