It is a spreading, warm-season grass for lawns, especially in warm to hot, tropical climates.
As a member of the Poaceae family, it is a true grass.
The grass has bluish-green leaves with 1/3-inch wide, flat blades.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
It has a low, creeping habit and spreads via stolons.
forming dense mats that outcompete weeds.
St. Augustine grass performs better in the shade than other warm-season turfgrasses.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Another benefit is its salt tolerance, which makes it an ideal choice for coastal locations.
Light
St. Augustine grass prefers full sun but also tolerates some shade.
But, for best results, grow St. Augustine grass in full sun.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Of the warm-season grasses, St. Augustine grass is the most shade-tolerant.
Waterlogged or compacted soil is not suitable.
The soil pH should be between 5.0 and 7.5.
The Spruce / Krystal Slagle
Water
St. Augustine grass requires consistent moisture.
It performs best when you avoid either moisture extreme: too little or too much.
Established St. Augustine grass needs deep yet infrequent watering.
A telltale sign that the grass needs watering is when it appears to have a bluish hue.
Fertilizer
St. Augustine grass performs best if fertilized regularly and on a schedule.
it’s advisable to fertilize the grass three times between May and August at equal intervals.
Repeat in June or July, but this time use a high-potassium fertilizer such as 15-0-15.
Repeat with the same high-potassium fertilizer before August 15.
Types of St. Augustine Grass
There are several different types of St. Augustine grass.
Space the pieces of sod 1 to 2 feet apart and water consistently to encourage its fast spread.
If cared for properly, it grows fast enough to fill the gaps during the first year.
How to Grow St. Augustine Grass From Seed
Most St. Augustine seed is naturally sterile.
St. Augustine grasses do not produce enough viable seeds for commercialization.
It is rare to grow St. Augustine grass from seed.
Sow 1/3 to 1/2 of a pound of the seed per 1,000 square feet.
It will become green again when warm weather returns.
Is This the Right Grass for You?
If the grass is not mowed, it will flop over and deteriorate quickly.
Therecommended mowing height of St. Augustine grassis between 2 and 2 12 inches.
St. Augustine GrassLawn Management.
Texas A&M AgriLIfe Extension.
St. Augustine Grass Yearly Maintenance Program.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension.
Diagnosing Insect and Disease Problems in Florida Turfgrass.
University of Florida Extension.
Large Patch in Florida Lawns.
University of Florida Extension.
