Kikuyu Grass Seed

Description

Kikuyu is a runner variety of grass that can spread rapidly via its Rhizomes and Stolons. It may appear that the leaves of the grass are attached to a thick cord, which is more visible than the cords of other warm season runner variety grasses. It is native to East Africa.

Kikuyu is a warm season grass that is hardy, self repairing and drought tolerant. It has a soft, bright green leaf and when mowed regularly makes a beautiful lawn that requires minimal lawn care to remain healthy.

Kikuyu seed is quick to propagate and grows rapidly. Kikuyu has always been the number one choice for any lawn areas which are expected to be under high traffic conditions, including trampling by cattle and vehicles, as this grass repairs itself quicker than almost any other grass.

As Kikuyu is a warm season grass the active growing phase is during the warmer months in Spring and Summer. Kikuyu becomes dormant in Winter, however unlike most Kikuyu varieties, our seed will not go yellow after one frost in the winter. It will eventually go yellow after multiple frosts, however it has been shown to be resistant to colder weather in the winter. Kikuyu will return to its green color when the warmer weather returns. Kikuyu can be oversown with a Perennial Ryegrass to provide a year round green lawn and protection of the grass while dormant.

Seeding rates:

• New Lawns: 10 grams per square meter (1kg/100m2).
• Overseeding: 5 grams per square meter (1kg/200m2).

Please note: Seed may be coated for protection and to enhance germination. Batches may vary.

Optimal pH: Kikuyu performs best in soils with moderate acidity (pH 5.5-7.0), but tolerates a pH as low as 4.5

Sowing Tips: Kikuyu prefers fertile, moderately drained, light to medium textured soils. Broadcast the seed at, or very near, the soil surface and incorporate lightly with raking. To ensure best coverage and avoid seed wastage we recommend using an appropriate seed spreader for the size of your area.

Optimal Planting Time: The best time for sowing Kikuyu is late Spring to late Summer. As long as the temperature is within the optimum temperatures of 18-29°C you can expect germination.

For cooler areas of Australia allow enough time after sowing for seedlings to establish to enable them to withstand the first cold days of Winter and frost. A guide for this is approximately 6 weeks post germination. Therefore, sowing early Autumn is usually the latest timeframe recommended for these areas, with Spring to late Summer being preferred.

Grows best between 15 and 25^oC but will tolerate up to 40^o C.  Growth ceases when exposed to regular heavy frosts.

Germination: Within 10–21 days fine Kikuyu hairs should appear, however this is condition and climate dependent.

Water: With the seed so close to the surface, it should be watered quite frequently with light water applications to maintain soil moisture consistently until germination is complete. This will keep the seedlings from drying out as they sprout. Once established it tolerates low water and drought conditions well. It can tolerate some waterlogging as well as moderate salinity levels.

Fertilising: Kikuyu is particularly demanding for Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P). The McKays Slow Release Fertiliser is the perfect fertiliser for the needs of Kikuyu. This can also be used in combination with the seed when sowing.

First Mowing: First mowing should occur when the runners are approximately 20cm long (not high) and have taken root.

Mowing Frequency: Kikuyu should be kept to around 5cm in height to reduce thatching of the grass. It is one of the fastest growing warm season grasses and will have increased mowing requirements through the active growth phase in the warmer months. During dormancy in the winter months the growth of Kikuyu will slow significantly and reduce the mowing requirements.

Disadvantages of Kikuyu:

• Pasture dominated by Kikuyu is unsuitable for horses to graze
• More mowing requirement than some other warm season varieties
• Can be susceptible to diseases such as Kikuyu Yellows
• Easily spreads into other vegetation and areas where it is not required to grow, grass clippings should not be used in compost as this can cause seeds collected via mowing to germinate

Seed & package details: 100% Kikuyu Seed

Independently Tested: 85% Min Germination, 98% purity. A seed testing certificate is available upon request.

Ideal Usage: Residential lawns, paddocks, coastal areas, acreages, sporting fields, playgrounds, airports, pastures, caravan parks.

Where can I sow this grass in Australia? Areas: AUSTRALIA WIDE

**Please note this product can not currently be sent to WA due to quarantine restrictions**

Shade tolerance: Fine

Daily Sunlight Required: 6+ hours

Drought tolerance:  Excellent

Frost Resistance: Moderate

Traffic Tolerance: Excellent