
When should I plant Bahia grass seed?
Seeding a new bahiagrass lawn should be done during the spring or early summer months. A bahiagrass lawn can also be planted in the fall via the use of a nurse crop. Annual Rye is commonly used as a nurse crop when preparing a seed bed in the fall.
Is Bahia hard to grow from seed?
It's not hard to grow bahiagrass from seed, but patience is key. This grass has a long and variable germination time. Once established, however, bahia is hardy and durable. The best time to plant your seeds is in the spring, but fall seeding is possible in hot climates.
What is the best bahiagrass seed for my lawn?
Pennington Argentine Bahiagrass Grass Seed has a broader range, finer leaf texture and darker, more attractive lawn color. Its deep roots and drought and disease tolerance combine with very low growth and low maintenance needs. Bahiagrass seed germinates slowly but establishes well, so you can enjoy the benefits of starting a lawn from seed.
What happens if you over water bahiagrass?
Overwatering weakens Bahiagrass and leaves it susceptible to lawn disease. 1 Continue to mow Bahiagrass lawns at the recommended height of 2 to 3 inches. Heavy seed production is typical for this grass. Abundant V-shaped seed heads and stiff seed stalks rise taller than the low-growing blades.

Will Bahia grass spread on its own?
Bahia grass spreads by reseeding itself, or by short wood-like underground stems. During the summer, seed stalks with two or three branches develop. Seed stalks can be up to three feet in height. Bahia grass will grow well on high, dry, sandy soil as well as on low, moist ones.
How long does it take for Bahia grass to reseed itself?
Seed Size and Dormancy Bahiagrass seed have variable germination rates. Some seeds germinate quickly after planting while others may not germinate until the following year. Generally, 50 to 60 percent of the seed will germinate within 30 days.
How do you reseed a Bahia lawn?
Using a broadcast spreader, spread the Bahiagrass and apply 1 pound of seed per 100 square feet of lawn. Rake the soil again to mix the seed and topsoil together in an even mixture. After seeding, water the lawn with a fine mist and continue to water daily after.
What is a disadvantage of bahiagrass?
3 Disadvantages of Bahia Grass. 3.1 Patchy and Uneven Appearance. 3.2 Dies In the Shade. 3.3 Cannot Handle Traffic. 3.4 Hard to Maintain and Control.
Will grass spread to bare spots?
Some grass grows laterally and will naturally fill in bare spots on the lawn. These are either Rhizome grasses or Stolon grasses. Rhizome grasses grow with spreading root systems underneath the soil. These grass types tend to grow aggressively and might even be considered invasive species.
Does Bahia grass go dormant in winter?
As weeds go, bahiagrass is a really tricky one. It tends to die back during the cool season, but it's a perennial grass, so it comes back every year. When it gets cold it will die off but shoots right back up in spring. During the cool season you can spray with Roundup if the surrounding turf is completely dormant.
How do you maintain bahiagrass?
Mowing and Maintaining Bahia Grass Bahia grass typically requires mowing every one to two weeks from spring to fall with the goal to keep a height of three to four inches. Bahia grass requires feeding with an iron containing lawn food two to four times annually beginning in the spring.
Does Bahia grass need dethatching?
Dethatching and aeration Since bahiagrass is most often grown on sandy soils, aeration is not necessary. In addition, bahiagrass is not a grass that typically develops high levels of thatch.
Should you aerate Bahia grass?
Bahia lawns require aeration and need to be aerated at least once a year. Use a core or plug type aerator when aerating. Most Bahia lawns are on sandy soils. These lawns are less likely to get compacted.
Does Bahia grass make a good lawn?
Bahiagrass is valued for outstanding drought and heat tolerance and an ability to thrive where many lawn grasses falter. Its use in lawns occurs in a very limited region of the southeastern United States. Within this area, Bahiagrass produces a relatively durable, low-growing, low-maintenance turf.
Should you fertilize Bahia grass?
Bahia grass should be fed 2-4 times per year starting in spring, after it greens up, through fall. When you feed, be sure to use a product that contains iron, like Scotts® GreenMAX™ Lawn Food, especially if the soil pH is higher than 7.
When can you overseed Bahia in Florida?
Bahiagrass can be established any time of year in much of Florida, but in north Florida, the best time to establish bahiagrass is during the spring or early summer months. This enables the grass to grow in before cooler weather begins, when growth is reduced.
How often should you water Bahia grass?
Irrigating for 10 minutes several times throughout the day for the first 10 days will help the grass become established and not dry out. For the subsequent 10 days irrigate once per day applying one half inch of water. After this, the frequency of watering should be three times per week.
How often should you fertilize Bahia grass?
2-4 times per yearMaintaining Your Bahia Grass Lawn Bahia grass should be fed 2-4 times per year starting in spring, after it greens up, through fall. When you feed, be sure to use a product that contains iron, like Scotts® GreenMAX™ Lawn Food, especially if the soil pH is higher than 7.
What is the best fertilizer for bahiagrass?
Bahiagrass prefers acidic soil with pH near 5.5 to 6.5. 2 In soils with pH above 7.0, Bahia suffers iron deficiencies that result in pale yellow color. Fertilize your Bahiagrass lawn with Pennington UltraGreen Lawn Fertilizer 30-0-4. The added iron helps Bahia stay green.
What is the best height to cut Bahia grass?
1:143:07What Height Should You Mow Your St. Augustine, Zoysia, Bahia, And ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd also i've never seen it cut that low i usually see it cut it about four inches. So i have noMoreAnd also i've never seen it cut that low i usually see it cut it about four inches. So i have no personal experience from the centipede grass but the university of florida recommends. One to two
What is bahia grass?
If you are struggling with sandy, poor, acidic soil and are unsure where to turn for a luscious lawn, look no further than bahia grass. Also referred to as bahiagrass, this hardy, easy-to-care-for variety actually thrives in sandy, poor soil conditions. It has a coarse texture and can be used for erosion control and hay production.
How to keep bahia grass thick?
To keep your lawn looking thick and lovely, be sure not to overwater. Too much water can actually weaken the grass. Water as needed to keep its color strong and healthy. As for mowing, keep your bahiagrass blades mowed to a length of about two to three inches.
What type of soil does Bahia grass grow in?
Soil. Bahia thrives in soil that many lawn varieties struggle with. It is an ideal selection for poor, sandy soils that are low in nutrients. When it comes to soil pH, acidic soil is a must for this grass. Neutral or alkaline soil can cause problems such as iron deficiency.
What is the name of the grass that grows in a garden bed?
At the same time, it isn't an aggressive spreader, making it easier to keep it out of garden beds. Botanical Name. Paspalum notatum. Common Name. Bahia grass, bah iagrass. Plant Type. Grass. Mature Size.
Is Bahia grass drought tolerant?
Bahia is a durable, heat-tolerant, drought-tolerant grass variety perfectly suited to harsh soil conditions that would cause other grass types to shrivel up. Instead, Paspalum notatum thrives in acidic, sandy, poor soil conditions and requires minimal maintenance. Use this grass variety in areas with full sunshine and high humidity.
Do you need fertilizer for bahia grass?
Fertilizer. In harmony with their ease of care, bahia lawns have low fertilizer requirements. Before adding any fertilizer to this grass, be sure to have a soil test done. If this uncovers any needs, give fertilizer based on these results. Otherwise, giving too much or unneeded fertilizer can cause more harm than good.
Is bahia grass winter hardy?
It is more winter-hardy than other varieties. 'Argentine' bahiagrass: Featuring darker green blades than other varieties, this type of bahia is often chosen for aesthetic reasons. 'Sand Mountain' bahiagrass: With its narrow blades and cold hardy nature, 'Sand Mountain' grows better than other varieties in the northernmost areas ...
When to seed Pennington Argentine Bahiagrass?
Seed or overseed your lawn with Pennington Pensacola Bahiagrass Grass Seed or Pennington Argentine Bahiagrass Grass Seed in late spring and early summer, before summer heat arrives. Bahiagrass germinates best once soil temperatures stay consistently in the 65°F to 70°F range.
What is the name of the grass that grows in the ground?
Part of its slow, steady growth comes through short, above-ground stems known as stolons. The stolons root at very short intervals and eventually form dense, durable, all-purpose turf. As with Zoysia grass and most warm-season grasses, Bahia stays green only during active growth.
When to apply crabgrass preventer?
Prevent crabgrass in your established Bahiagrass lawn in early spring with Pennington UltraGreen Crabgrass Preventer Plus Fertilizer III 30-0-4. Apply any time before crabgrass germinates, which happens when soil temperatures consistently reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is Pennington Pensacola Bahiagrass good for drought?
Pennington Pensacola Bahiagrass Grass Seed builds on core Bahiagrass strength s. It excels even in poor soil conditions to form durable, dense, drought-resistant lawns.
Can Centipede grass be used on Bahia grass?
As with Centipede grass, some ingredients common to weed-and-feed lawn products can harm Bahia — especially if the grass isn't actively growing at the time of application. Before you use any weed-killer or fertilizer product, read the label thoroughly to ensure the product is safe for use on Bahiagrass lawns.
Is Bahia grass good for drought?
Periods of extended drought bring on dormancy and an unnaturally dark or tan color, but Bahia withstands these stresses better than other grasses. It's especially well-suited to large areas with limited irrigation and minimal maintenance. Once stresses subside, Bahiagrass lawns bounce back quickly.
Does water establish Bahiagrass?
Water established Bahiagrass only as needed to maintain its color.
Is Bahia grass easy to grow?
One of the easier perennial forages to establish and maintain is bahacagrass. To be successful, producers need to work with the weather and not against it. In the spring and summer, Bahiags can be planted in a wide variety of locations. They can also be grown in containers in the fall and winter.
Does Bahia grass spread on its own?
Bahia grass spreads by reseeding itself, or by short wood-like underground stems. The stalks can be up to three feet tall. On high, dry, sandy soil, as well as on low, moist, clay-rich soils, baha grass will grow well.
What is the best fertilizer for bahiagrass?
The pale yellow color is caused by iron deficiencies in the soils. Pennington ultragreen lawnfertilizer is 30-0-4. The added iron helps the person stay healthy.
Will Bahia grass grow in shade?
Centipedegrass tolerate only moderate shade. The sun-loving species that do not do well in hot, dry conditions are seashore paspalum and bermudagrass. Bermuda grasses are drought-tolerant and can be grown in a wide range of soil types, from sandy loam to fine sand.
How often should you mow bahiagrass?
The goal is to keep a height of three to four inches with the goal to mow every one to two weeks from spring to fall. It takes two to four times a year for the grass to be fed with an iron containing lawn food. Feeding is best done in the early morning or late afternoon when the grass is at its most vigorous.
When can I plant Bahia grass seed?
The best time to plant your seeds is in the spring, but fall seeding is possible in hot climates. The grass seeds could end up being overrun with weeds in the summer. The seeds will germinate in a few days, and the plants will be ready to harvest in 2-3 weeks.
How long should you water Bahia grass?
For the first 10 days, Irrigating for 10 minutes several times throughout the day will help the grass grow. One half inch of water is applied once per day for the next 10 days. The watering should be three times per week after this. If you have a lawn mower, you can use it to mow the lawn.
What is the disadvantage of Pensacola Bahia grass?
Pensacola Bahia's Advantages. The disadvantage of Pensacola Bahia grass for lawn applications is its prolific seed sprouts during the summer months, especially in the southern and coastal areas of our Bahia grass zone map.
How deep is the root of Argentine Bahia?
Argentine Bahia has shown root structure as deep as 8 feet and survived for decades without fertilizer or irrigation. Argentine bahia does not have the frost resistance that the other varieties have. Argentine is great for any homeowner that is tired of expensive high maintenance varieties such as St. Augustine.
Is Argentine Bahia grass good for horses?
Argentine Bahia grass makes an excellent low maintenance permanent lawn grass or pasture grass. Argentine Bahia grass is very drought tolerant, deep rooted and has exceptional disease and insect resistance. Argentine Bahia grass makes an excellent pasture grass for horses, cattle and any other type of livestock.
When to seed Pennington Argentine Bahiagrass?from pennington.com
Seed or overseed your lawn with Pennington Pensacola Bahiagrass Grass Seed or Pennington Argentine Bahiagrass Grass Seed in late spring and early summer, before summer heat arrives. Bahiagrass germinates best once soil temperatures stay consistently in the 65°F to 70°F range.
What is the name of the grass that grows in the ground?from pennington.com
Part of its slow, steady growth comes through short, above-ground stems known as stolons. The stolons root at very short intervals and eventually form dense, durable, all-purpose turf. As with Zoysia grass and most warm-season grasses, Bahia stays green only during active growth.
When to apply crabgrass preventer?from pennington.com
Prevent crabgrass in your established Bahiagrass lawn in early spring with Pennington UltraGreen Crabgrass Preventer Plus Fertilizer III 30-0-4. Apply any time before crabgrass germinates, which happens when soil temperatures consistently reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is Pennington Pensacola Bahiagrass good for drought?from pennington.com
Pennington Pensacola Bahiagrass Grass Seed builds on core Bahiagrass strength s. It excels even in poor soil conditions to form durable, dense, drought-resistant lawns.
Can Centipede grass be used on Bahia grass?from pennington.com
As with Centipede grass, some ingredients common to weed-and-feed lawn products can harm Bahia — especially if the grass isn't actively growing at the time of application. Before you use any weed-killer or fertilizer product, read the label thoroughly to ensure the product is safe for use on Bahiagrass lawns.
Is Bahia grass good for drought?from pennington.com
Periods of extended drought bring on dormancy and an unnaturally dark or tan color, but Bahia withstands these stresses better than other grasses. It's especially well-suited to large areas with limited irrigation and minimal maintenance. Once stresses subside, Bahiagrass lawns bounce back quickly.
Does water establish Bahiagrass?from pennington.com
Water established Bahiagrass only as needed to maintain its color.
Why is it bad to let grass go to seed?
Allowing your lawn to go to seed is also detrimental because many of our modern lawn grasses are hybrids and have been specially bred from wild varieties and either won’t produce seed to begin with or the seed won’t germinate. Like many of our vegetables and fruit trees, even if they do produce viable seed the seedlings won’t be “breed true”. This means that the offspring won’t have the special characteristics and will revert back into their wild forms. For example, say you grew a hybrid tomato plant. After harvesting the tomatoes from that plant you discover they were the best tasting tomatoes you’ve ever had, so you take the seeds and plant them the next season. This time however, they didn’t taste nearly as delicious as the parent plant. This is because any seed from a hybrid plant will not be “true-to-type”, or in other words will not resemble the plant it came from. The same is true for those of us with hybrid grasses in our lawns. If you were to let your lawn go to seed, and even if that seed germinated and grew, it would not resemble the parent grass and you’d end up with a patchwork-like lawn.
What is the spreading attribute of lawn grass?
This spreading attribute is what helps your lawn repair itself after damage and fill in bare spots.
How tall does Buffalograss grow?
If regular mowing isn’t your thing, consider a lawn grown from Buffalograss. Buffalograss is very slow-growing and gets only 6-8 inches tall. And if you really, really hate mowing, perhaps our Low Maintenance Seed Blend is for you.
Why is my grass absorbing more nutrients?
As more and more energy is required for seeding , the grass plant begins to absorb nutrients from the soil at an accelerated rate. The more nutrients removed from the soil, the less healthy your lawn will end up and you’ll soon find yourself spending more money on fertilizer.
Can you mowing weeds?
Most weeds can’t handle regular mowing , and this one act alone is usually the only thing needed to keep most weeds at bay. By letting your grass grow tall, you’re inviting weeds to grow out of control as well. Not only would you be letting the grass go to seed, but the weeds will do the same.
Do weeds go to seed?
Not only would you be letting the grass go to seed, but the weeds will do the same. And unfortunately, weed seed has a quicker, more successful germination rate than your grass seed will.
Can you breed true seedlings?
Like many of our vegetables and fruit trees, even if they do produce viable seed the seedlings won’t be “breed true”. This means that the offspring won’t have the special characteristics and will revert back into their wild forms. For example, say you grew a hybrid tomato plant.

Bahiagrass at A Glance
- warm-season grass
- prefers full sun
- suitable for Deep South and Gulf Coast lawns
- drought- and heat-tolerant
Bahiagrass Basics
- Bahiagrass was brought to the United States in 1914 for use as a pasture grass in the Southeast.1 This South American native is still used extensively in agriculture, conservation and erosion control programs.2 As its origin suggests, Bahia is a warm-season grass. Its most active growth occurs from late spring through the hot summer months. In its proper climate, this perennial gras…
Other Characteristics to Consider
- Bahiagrass seed germinates slowly but establishes well, so you can enjoy all the starting a lawn from seed. Common Bahia's naturally open growth habit makes it vulnerable to weeds when young. Part of its slow, steady growth comes through short, above-ground stems, known as stolons. The stolons root at very short intervals and eventually form dense, durable, all-purpose t…
Bahiagrass Lawn Care
- As a warm-season grass, Bahia operates on a different timetable than northern grasses for month-by-month lawn tasks. Seeding is best done in spring, as growth accelerates. Overseed existing thin lawns at the same time. However, the warm, moderate winters in Bahia's limited area offer some flexibility. Fall seedings in Florida will establish fairly ...