Centipede Grass
Centipede grass is an excellent choice for those interested in low-maintenance lawn care. Termed ‘lazy man’s grass’ this variety requires very little mowing and maintenance due to its slow growth. It is far less demanding than other grasses in terms of attention and input, so it is a favorite among lawn owners.
Centipede grass is a beautiful lawn that’s full of color and texture that prefers well-drained, acidic soil in warm climates. It will grow thick and lush if it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. It does not tolerate being in full shade. Centipede grass has an outstanding tolerance to heat, but has less drought tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses, due to its relatively shallow root system that spreads by runners (stolons). It should be noted that Centipede grass does has very specific climate and soil requirements which limits its use primarily to warmer areas, with good rainfall. It is more sensitive to cold than many other warm-season grasses.
Centipede grass has a more upright growth habit than Bermuda Couch and is more similar to Zoysia. Centipede grass does not have a true period of winter dormancy like warm-season Zoysia and Couch. It is well adapted to high heat and humidity conditions, 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 for Description and Features to see if this grass suits you!
Blade
Medium
Colour
Light green
Growth
Runner
Growth Rate
Slow
Description
Centipede grass is an excellent choice for those interested in low-maintenance lawn care. Termed ‘lazy man’s grass’ this variety requires very little mowing and maintenance due to its slow growth. It is far less demanding than other grasses in terms of attention and input, so it is a favorite among lawn owners.
Sowing Tips: To start growing Centipede grass from seed, first till the area. Use a rake or roller to level the area after it has been tilled. If there was another type of grass growing in that area previously, you can either remove it before tilling or treat the area with herbicide.
After the area has been prepared, spread the centipede grass seed and starter fertiliser. 1kg of centipede grass seed will cover 100m2. After seeding water thoroughly and water to keep the soil damp at all times until germination is complete.
Optimal Planting Time: Warm weather of the late spring through summer months.
Germination: It usually takes between 10 to 28 days for the seeds to germinate.
Water: Once established, water your lawn only when it begins to show signs of drought stress, such as wilted leaves, footprints that stay on the grass, or a shift in color to a bluish hue. This will encourage deep roots. During the winter, water occasionally if conditions have been dry and windy.
Fertilising: Fertilise using McKays Slow Release Fertiliser 2-3 times per year. This product should last approx 3 months in the soil. Liquid fertilisers and liquid products can be used once your grass is 12 weeks post germination.
First mowing: Once your grass is around 5cm tall and the grass is stable in the soil you can mow taking off no more than 1/3 of the leaf blade. Ensure you use a sharp mower blade to avoid damaging the grass.
Aeration: Aerate once per year with a core aerator at the start of the summer.
Dethatching: If you notice thatch an 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.
Where can I sow this grass in Australia? Area 1,2,3 some areas of 4,5,7
Shade tolerance: Good
Daily Sunlight Required: 6+ hours
Drought tolerance: Excellent
Frost Resistance: Poor
Traffic Tolerance: Poor
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
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