Can You Buy St. Augustine Grass Seed?
You won’t find St. Augustine grass seed in stores or online. This turfgrass grows mainly from sod or plugs. It just doesn’t make enough good seed to sell. So, garden centers and online shops won’t have it.
Why Is St. Augustine Grass Seed Not Commercially Available?
You can’t buy St. Augustine grass seed in stores. Why not? The grass just doesn’t make many good seeds, so growing them for sale isn’t worth the cost. That low yield would make the seeds incredibly expensive.
Also, if growers focused on getting more seeds, the grass itself wouldn’t look as nice – a big problem for people wanting a pretty lawn. The seeds also come in a tough, cork-like casing on a spike, which makes them hard to clean for packaging and selling.
How to Establish St. Augustine Grass Without Seed
You can’t buy St. Augustine grass seed. Instead, you’ll need to plant it using vegetative methods. Two common ways to do this are laying sod or planting grass plugs. Both options work well for starting a new lawn or fixing bare spots. The goal is a thick, healthy turf.
What Are St. Augustine Grass Plugs?
St. Augustine grass plugs are single turf plants, grown in trays. They cost less than sod and are easier to put in. You can use these plugs to fix bare spots, repair damaged areas, or start a new lawn in small sections. Floratam, Palmetto, and ProVista are some varieties sold as grass plugs.
How to Plant St. Augustine Grass Plugs
Planting St. Augustine grass plugs starts with clearing the soil. Get rid of any debris. Next, dig holes for the plugs, setting them 6 to 12 inches apart in a staggered pattern. A drill auger bit can make this job easier. Put each plug into a hole, making sure its top sits even with the ground around it.
Once planted, water the plugs right away. Keep the soil moist with regular watering, especially for the first few weeks. Products like Soil Moist can help hold onto water – a real boost for root growth and getting the grass established. This method works well for fixing up a lawn or patching small spots without spending too much.
What Is St. Augustine Grass Sod?
St. Augustine grass sod comes as pre-grown turf, sold in rolls. It gives you an instant lawn, dense and with few weeds. This way of growing – vegetative propagation – means the grass already has a full root system. That helps it take hold with less water at first. You can find sod in varieties like Floratam, Palmetto, and CitraBlue.
How to Install St. Augustine Grass Sod
St. Augustine grass sod gives you an instant, full lawn. First, clear the ground of any trash. Make sure the soil pH sits between 6.0 and 7.5. You might need to add lime or fertilizer to fix the soil.
Next, lay the sod pieces. Press them down hard so they touch the soil well and cover everything evenly. Once it’s all down, water the sod often for the first few weeks. This keeps the soil damp and helps the roots grow strong. It’s a fast, good way to get a new lawn.
How to Choose Between St. Augustine Sod and Plugs
Picking St. Augustine sod or plugs comes down to your budget, how quickly you need a full lawn, and the area’s size. Sod offers instant coverage and thick growth. This works well for fast results and bigger yards. But sod costs more and is heavier to lay down.
Plugs are cheaper and simpler to install. They are perfect for fixing small patches or bare spots. Still, plugs take longer to fill in and get rooted – you’ll need patience. Both methods grow St. Augustine grass effectively.
Why Choose St. Augustine Grass for Your Lawn?
St. Augustine grass is a favorite for lawns in warm places, especially tropical and subtropical climates. This turfgrass has coarse blades, a lush feel, and a deep green color. It handles drought well, tolerates shade, and resists salt, diseases, and pests. The grass grows fast, making a safe play area. It also helps produce oxygen, which is why many Florida homeowners and southern lawns use it.