Centipede Grass
Centipede Grass is an excellent low-maintenance choice for warm climates, known as the “lazy man’s grass” due to its slow growth and minimal mowing requirements. It thrives in well-drained, acidic soils with at least six hours of direct sunlight. While it boasts excellent heat tolerance, its shallow root system means lower drought tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses.
Centipede Grass has an upright growth habit similar to Zoysia and does not experience true winter dormancy. It’s well-adapted to high heat and humidity, especially during heavy rainfall periods.
Seeding Rates
- New Lawns: 10 grams per square meter (1kg/100m2).
- Overseeding: 5 grams per square meter (1kg/200m2).
For more information see below tabs ‘Description’ and ‘Features’ to see if this grass suits you!
Blade
Medium
Colour
Light green
Growth
Runner
Growth Rate
Slow
Detailed Description
Centipede Grass is an excellent choice for those interested in low-maintenance lawn care. Known as the ‘lazy man’s grass,’ this variety requires very little mowing and maintenance due to its slow growth. It thrives in well-drained, acidic soils in warm climates and grows thick and lush with at least six hours of direct sunlight. While it has excellent heat tolerance, its shallow root system means it has less drought tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses.
Sowing Tips
To start growing Centipede grass from seed, first till the area. Use a rake or roller to level the area after tilling. If there was another type of grass growing in that area previously, remove it before tilling or treat the area with herbicide. After preparing the area, spread the Centipede grass seed and starter fertiliser. Cover 100m² with 1kg of seed. Water thoroughly and keep soil damp until germination is complete.
Optimal Planting Time
Plant during the warm weather of late spring through summer months.
Germination
Germination typically takes between 10 to 28 days.
Water
Once established, water your lawn only when it shows signs of drought stress, such as wilted leaves or a shift in color to a bluish hue. This encourages deep roots. During winter, water occasionally if conditions are dry and windy.
Fertilising
Fertilise using McKays Slow Release Fertiliser 2-3 times per year. This product lasts approximately 3 months in the soil. Liquid fertilisers can be used once your grass is 12 weeks post-germination.
First Mowing
Mow once the grass reaches around 5cm tall and is stable in the soil. Remove no more than 1/3 of the leaf blade using a sharp mower blade to avoid damage.
Aeration
Aerate once per year with a core aerator at the start of summer.
Dethatching
If thatch is 3cm thick or more, break it up with a soft rake and remove it from your lawn.
Centipede Grass Basics
- Drought-tolerant
- Semi shade-tolerant
- Low maintenance
- Warm-season grass
- Color of a Granny Smith apple
- Needs daily sunlight
- Shallow roots compared to other grasses
- Doesn’t tolerate heavy foot traffic
Seed & Package Details
100% Centipede grass. Independently tested for germination and purity.
Ideal Usage
Residential Lawns, Commercial Landscapes.
Have any questions? Feel free to contact us and we’ll help you out.
Locations
Season
Warm season grasses thrive during the warmer months in Spring and Summer and may go dormant in cooler climates through winter.
Cool season grasses thrive during the cooler months in Winter
Seed information
Shade tolerance (Weather)
- Full Sun
- Part Shade
- Heavy Shade
- Full Shade
Drought tolerance (Weather)
- Moderate
- Good
- Excellent
Traffic tolerance (Weather)
- Moderate
- Good
- Excellent
Frost tolerance
- Poor
- Moderate
- Good
- Excellent
Average days to germination
- 2-3 Weeks
- 2-4 Weeks
- 3-4 Weeks
Free Metro Shipping On All Orders Over $75
We provide free standard delivery shipping for all orders to "metro" zones, where the total cart value exceeds $75.00.
Otherwise, to metro zones it's a flat rate of $9 (for orders under $75).
Non-Metro Zones
Standard Delivery
Australia Wide (except Western Australia), at cost from Australia Post.
Orders are dispatched within 24 hours via regular Australia Post (3-5 business days).
Express Post
In a hurry? Express shipping is available at checkout for both Metro and Non-Metro Zones. Priced according to shipment weight.
WA Customers
Due to quarantine restrictions, we have a different product range available for Western Australia.
If you are shopping for delivery to WA, please view our WA site here
Pick-up Not Available
Sorry, we are not able to offer local pick-up.
International
Unfortunately we are not able to ship internationally.