How to Identify Kikuyu Grass | Key Features & Tips

Kikuyu grass is a favourite across Australia, known for thriving in warm climates and bouncing back from heavy use. 

Its rapid growth and resilience make it perfect for homes, parks, and sports fields. But identifying Kikuyu isn’t always easy. 

In this guide, you’ll learn how to spot its unique features and distinguish it from other lawn types.

How to Identify Kikuyu Grass?

Identify Kikuyu Grass by its vibrant green colour, coarse blades, and aggressive, sprawling growth with creeping stolons. It’s common in warm, sunny lawns and forms a dense turf.

Key Takeaways

• Kikuyu grass is a popular choice for Australian lawns due to its rapid growth, resilience, and ability to withstand foot traffic.
• You can identify Kikuyu by its bright green leaves, aggressive runners, and dense coverage.
• Kikuyu grows faster than other grass types like Buffalo, Couch, and Zoysia.
• Regular mowing, fertilising, and edging are essential to maintaining and controlling Kikuyu grass.
• Flatbed or tow dolly methods can safely transport cars with locked transmissions without damage.

Why is Kikuyu Grass So Popular in Australia?

Before diving into identification, it helps to understand why Kikuyu grass is so widely used in Australia.

1. Thrives in Warm Climates

Kikuyu is native to East Africa, so it’s well-adapted to Australia’s warm and sunny conditions. 

It grows best in regions with mild winters and hot summers, making it a perfect fit for much of the country, particularly Queensland, New South Wales, and parts of Victoria.

2. Rapid Growth and Coverage

One of Kikuyu’s standout features is its fast growth rate. It spreads quickly through runners (stolons and rhizomes), covering bare patches faster than most other grasses.

3. Resilient and Self-Repairing

Kikuyu can withstand heavy foot traffic and quickly recover from damage. This makes it ideal for family backyards, sports fields, and areas with high use.

With these benefits in mind, it’s no wonder that Kikuyu is a preferred choice for Australian lawns. 

However, because of its vigorous growth, it can sometimes become invasive, spreading into garden beds or neighbouring properties if not properly managed.

Key Characteristics of Kikuyu Grass

To correctly identify Kikuyu grass, you need to look closely at its leaves, stems, and growth habits.

1. Leaf Structure

Kikuyu grass has broad, flat leaves that are a vibrant bright green. Approximately 3-5mm wide.

The leaves are soft to touch but have a slightly coarse feel when fully grown. In well-maintained lawns, the colour is consistent and rich.

Unlike other grasses, Kikuyu’s leaf blades may develop hairs near the base, which is a key identifying feature.

2. Runners and Growth Pattern

Kikuyu is a runner grass, meaning it spreads through both Runners above the ground that help it spread horizontally.

Underground runners that establish new growth areas. These runners allow Kikuyu to cover large areas quickly and fill in bare spots. 

If you notice fast-spreading, creeping runners around your lawn, there’s a strong chance it’s Kikuyu.

3. Height and Growth Habit

Kikuyu grows rapidly and can reach heights of 10-15cm if left unmowed. Regular mowing keeps it dense and lush, but its natural growth habit is vigorous and sprawling.

4. Root System

Kikuyu develops a deep and robust root system, which helps it tolerate drought conditions. This strong root network contributes to its resilience but can also make it difficult to control.

How Does Kikuyu Compare to Other Australian Lawn Grasses?

Kikuyu is often confused with other warm-season grasses like Buffalo, Couch, and Zoysia. Here’s how you can tell them apart:

Kikuyu vs Buffalo Grass

Leaf width: Buffalo grass has wider leaves than Kikuyu. Buffalo is often a darker green. Buffalo is less aggressive, with fewer runners than Kikuyu.

Kikuyu vs Couch Grass

Couch grass has narrower, finer leaves than Kikuyu. Couch is slower-growing and doesn’t spread as aggressively. Couch grass feels softer and more delicate underfoot.

Kikuyu vs Zoysia Grass

Zoysia grass is thicker and stiffer than Kikuyu. Zoysia grows more slowly and requires less mowing. 

Both grasses are drought-resistant, but Kikuyu is faster to recover after dry periods.

By observing these differences, you can easily distinguish Kikuyu from other grasses in your lawn.

Common Signs You Have Kikuyu Grass

Here are some clear indicators that Kikuyu grass might be taking over your lawn:

Rapid Spreading Across Bare Areas

If you notice your grass quickly filling in empty spots with creeping runners, it’s likely Kikuyu. Its stolons and rhizomes allow it to outpace other grass types.

Bright Green Colour

A healthy Kikuyu lawn has a distinct bright green hue, especially during the warmer months.

Need for Frequent Mowing

Kikuyu’s rapid growth means it needs to be mowed more often than other grasses, typically once every 1-2 weeks during peak growing seasons.

Thick, Dense Lawn Coverage

Kikuyu naturally forms a thick, dense lawn, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. However, this density can also crowd out other plants if not managed.

How to Maintain and Control Kikuyu Grass

Once you’ve identified Kikuyu, proper maintenance is key to keeping it healthy and under control.

Regular Mowing

Frequent mowing helps maintain Kikuyu’s dense, even appearance. Aim to keep the grass height at 2.5-4cm to prevent overgrowth.

Fertilising

Kikuyu thrives with seasonal fertilising, especially in spring and summer. Use a nitrogen-rich lawn fertiliser to promote healthy growth.

Watering

Although Kikuyu is drought-tolerant, regular watering during dry spells will keep it green and vibrant. Water deeply once or twice a week rather than frequent light watering.

Controlling Invasiveness

To prevent Kikuyu from spreading into garden beds or neighbouring lawns:

• Install garden edging to block runners.
• Regularly trim back creeping stolons.
• Apply a selective herbicide if necessary to control unwanted growth.

When to Consider Replanting or Overseeding

If your Kikuyu lawn is patchy or thinning, you may need to overseed it with fresh grass seed. Look for Kikuyu-specific seed varieties that are suited to your region’s climate.

Replanting can also help improve lawn uniformity and fill in bare areas caused by pests, disease, or poor soil conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I tell if my grass is Kikuyu?

Look for broad, bright green leaves with soft hairs near the base. Kikuyu spreads through above-ground runners (stolons) and has a fast growth rate, forming dense coverage.

2. Is Kikuyu grass invasive?

Yes, Kikuyu can become invasive if not managed. Its runners can spread into garden beds and neighbouring properties. Use edging and regular trimming to control its growth.

3. What is the best way to maintain Kikuyu grass?

Maintain Kikuyu with regular mowing, seasonal fertilising, and deep watering during dry periods. Trim back runners and use edging to prevent it from spreading.

Conclusion

Kikuyu grass is a hardy, fast-growing lawn variety that thrives in Australia’s warm climate. Its aggressive spreading and resilience make it ideal for high-traffic areas, but proper identification and maintenance are essential to keep it looking its best.

By recognising Kikuyu’s distinct characteristics—including its leaf structure, growth pattern, and vibrant colour—you can confidently manage your lawn. Whether you want to embrace Kikuyu or control its invasiveness, understanding how it behaves will help you make informed decisions about your outdoor space.

Take the time to observe your lawn carefully, and you’ll soon become an expert at spotting Kikuyu grass and keeping it under control.