what kind of grass grows in florida

Florida’s sunny climate is great for some grass types. There are several types of turfgrass that do well in Florida’s varied conditions. When choosing a grass species for your Florida lawn, it’s good to know your options.

St. Augustine Grass¹ is a top choice for Florida lawns. It grows fast, can handle drought, and deals well with salty soil. Many Florida homeowners love it for its thick, green carpet-like appearance.

Zoysia Grass¹ also does well in Florida. It’s dark green, needs little care, and can handle a lot of use and sun. Being resistant to drought and diseases, it’s a popular pick.

If you want a grass with a unique look and strong growth, consider Bermuda Grass¹. Its deep green-grey color stands out. Plus, it’s good for crowded areas, doesn’t attract weeds, and handles drought well, making it a solid choice for Florida’s weather.

Bahiagrass¹ is a good option for sandy areas in Florida. It naturally copes with stress, cold, and drought. It’s easy to care for, but you’ll need to regularly mow and control weeds to keep it looking nice.

Key Takeaways:

St. Augustine Grass, Zoysia Grass, Bermuda Grass, and Bahiagrass are among the best grass species for Florida lawns.
St. Augustine Grass is prized for its quick growth, drought tolerance, and ability to withstand high salt levels.
Zoysia Grass offers a dark-green richness, low maintenance requirements, and suitability for high-traffic areas.
Bermuda Grass stands out with its unique deep green-grey color, rapid growth, and resistance to weeds and drought.
Bahiagrass is a low-maintenance option suitable for hot and dry climates, but regular maintenance is required.

St. Augustine Grass

Choosing the right grass for Florida lawns is key. St. Augustine grass, or Stenotaphrum Secundatum, is a top pick. It thrives in Florida’s unique climate, making it a common choice.

This grass is loved in the Sunshine State for good reasons. It handles drought and salt well, perfect for coastal areas and sandy soils. Its ability to grow in salty soil makes it great for beachfront properties.

St. Augustine grass grows fast, needing regular mowing to look good. But, its quick growth helps fill bare spots and keeps weeds away. Its dense growth habit means less need for weed killers.

There are many types of St. Augustine grass to choose from. ‘Floratam’ is the top choice in Florida for its easy care and looks². ‘Palmetto’ is a mid-1990s release, known for its manageable size and resilience². ‘CitraBlue’, introduced in 2018, resists diseases well and faces less damage than others³. ‘ProVista’ is special for being able to tolerate weed killer, a hit with eco-conscious gardeners².

Proper establishment is crucial for St. Augustine grass’s long-term health. It’s mainly planted by sod, plugs, or sprigs². After planting, make sure to water it several times a day for a week or so to help it root well². Hold off on fertilizing for 30-60 days to avoid stressing new plants².

Zoysia Grass

Zoysia Grass is a top pick for many Florida lawns. It’s loved for its dark, green color and thick, turf-like look. People choose it because it can handle a lot of walking, perfect for homes with kids and pets⁴. It also does well near the coast and under the sun, which is great for the state⁴. Plus, it’s really good at dealing with little water, helping homeowners save on their water bill⁴. And, you won’t have to work too hard to keep your lawn looking nice, thanks to this grass⁴.

Zoysia Grass might take a bit longer to grow than some. But, once it’s all set, it’s a great barrier against weeds and stays lush. Its tight growth makes it hard for weeds to take over, meaning you can spend less time pulling them out⁴. You can have a lawn that’s free of weeds without a lot of work.

Florida lawns use different kinds of Zoysia grass, like Zoysia japonica. These types vary in how they feel, look, and how fast they grow, giving homeowners plenty of choices⁴. There’s also a lot of Zoysia grass kinds to pick from, each with special features. Some, like CitraZoy™ and Icon™, stand out for being strong, keeping their color in winter, and not needing a lot of water⁴.

Zoysia Grass Cultivars
Cultivar	Blade Width (mm)	Wear Tolerance	Injury Recovery	Shade Tolerance	Drought Tolerance
EMPIRE Zoysia	5-7	Very Good	Very Good	Good	Very Good
Innovation Zoysia	Fine	Good	Good	Very Good	Very Good
CitraZoy Zoysia	2	Very Good	Very Good	Good	Good
Zeon Zoysia	Fine	Excellent	Good	Very Good	Very Good
Zorro Zoysia	5-7	Very Good	N/A	Good	Very Good
Palisades Zoysia	Medium	Very Good	Very Good	Moderate	Very Good
Meyer Zoysia	8-9	Good	Good	Very Good	Very Good

Homeowners can pick from these different varieties to get what they need for their lawn. Each one has its own level of shade and drought tolerance, making it easy for you to choose⁴. There’s also a lot of info out there on these grasses. You can learn about their color, texture, and how well they fit different uses like golf courses or yards⁴.

All in all, Zoysia Grass is a great pick for Florida homes. Its lush look that needs less work and water is perfect for many. With so many types available, finding the best Zoysia for your lawn is easy. This lets homeowners enjoy a pretty and strong lawn with little effort⁴.

Bermuda Grass

Bermuda Grass (Cynodon Dactylon) is a favorite choice for warm seasons. This turfgrass is loved for its unique color, deep roots, and how it fights off weeds. It’s perfect for Florida lawns.

Bermuda Grass grows really fast. It quickly fills in bare spots and turns them into a rich, green lawn.⁵

It does well in Florida’s various soils and climates⁵. This grass loves full sunlight and can handle the state’s usual high heat and humidity.⁶

It’s also very tough. Bermuda Grass can take a lot of walking on and bounce back fast from any damage. This makes it great for busy lawns. Its deep roots help it stay strong in tough conditions, too.⁵⁶

Bermuda Grass is good at fighting off most weeds. Its dense growth and strong roots make it hard for weeds to grow in the lawn.⁵

But, you have to take care of it to avoid it spreading too much. Mowing, edging, and using the right herbicides are important maintenance steps. These help keep Bermuda Grass from taking over where you don’t want it.⁵

It’s also pretty good at dealing with drought. Yet, it still needs water to stay healthy and look nice. Remember to water it deeply but not too often. This gives the soil time to dry out properly.⁵

Plus, Bermuda Grass can handle salt well. This makes it a good choice for places near the coast where saltwater might touch the lawn.⁵

Bermuda Grass looks really pretty, adding a vibrant green touch to any lawn. Its color makes the whole area look full of life.⁵

In Florida, you can choose from many types of Bermuda Grass. For instance, ‘Tifway,’ ‘TifGrand,’ and ‘TifSport’ are great at dealing with a lot of traffic. But, they need more looking after. ‘Latitude 36’ is a good choice for places that get cold, as it can survive those temperatures.⁵

To get Bermuda Grass to grow well in Florida, you need to do a few things right. This includes preparing the soil, seeding or laying the sod at the right time, and keeping up with fertilizer and weed control.⁵

In the end, Bermuda Grass makes for a great lawn in Florida. It stands out with its color, deep roots, and ability to keep weeds away. With the right care, it will make any property in the Sunshine State look great.

Bahiagrass

Bahiagrass is a type of grass that does well in Florida’s special climate. Its scientific name is Paspalum Notatum. This grass is tough and can handle stress, cold, sun, and lack of water. This makes it great for people wanting an easy-to-care-for lawn in Florida’s hot, dry weather.

One key thing about Bahiagrass is it doesn’t need a lot of water. This makes it good for the environment. But, you must keep it trimmed and stop weeds from growing in it. With care, Bahiagrass grows thick and green, beating the Florida weather challenges.

Records from show that Bahiagrass came to Florida in 1914 from Brazil⁷. Since its arrival, the kind called ‘Pensacola’ has been the most popular for pastures⁷. This type of grass does well in poor, sandy soil. It doesn’t need much water or food. However, the kind known as ‘Common’ doesn’t grow well in lawns because it doesn’t like the cold⁷. ‘Argentine’ Bahiagrass is better for lawns. It makes a thick lawn and looks good. It can also fight off diseases better than ‘Pensacola’⁷.

Bahiagrass seeds are easy to find and not too expensive. But, planting them may need some patience. It might take a while for the grass to fully cover the ground⁷. To grow a good Bahiagrass lawn, preparing the site right is a must. Testing the soil for acidity and nutrients is recommended. This helps make the best conditions for growing Bahiagrass⁷.

Fertilizer needs for Bahiagrass can be different depending on where in Florida you are. Local conditions and the type of Bahiagrass affect what it needs to grow well⁷.

CitraBlue St. Augustine

CitraBlue St. Augustine is a prime pick for Florida lawns. It does well in the state’s special weather. This grass type has been made to flourish in Florida’s climate.

Choosing CitraBlue St. Augustine means less work for you. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a lawn that looks good but needs little upkeep.

CitraBlue St. Augustine thrives in the shade too. This is great news for Florida yards with lots of shade. It can grow well even when sunlight is limited.

And that’s not all. CitraBlue St. Augustine is also tough against diseases. You’ll see fewer lawn diseases like brown patch fungus. Your lawn will be healthier with this grass.

Plus, CitraBlue St. Augustine has a beautiful blue-green color. It makes your yard look great. This color makes it different from other grass types.

This grass is only available from the Turfgrass Producers of Florida, Inc. This group is supported by the University of Florida. So, you know it’s high-quality and well-tested.

Looking for an easy-to-care-for, shade-loving, and disease-resistant grass? Choose CitraBlue St. Augustine for your Florida lawn. It’s the best option out there.

⁸

EMPIRE Zoysia

Looking for the best grass for your Florida lawn? EMPIRE Zoysia is a perfect fit. It’s tough against chinch bugs and can handle a lot of foot traffic. This means it’s great for places where people often walk⁹. It uses less water but keeps your yard looking stunning. Plus, its soft and dense look adds elegance to any yard.

EMPIRE Zoysia can take on a lot, from kids playing to droughts¹⁰. It grows strong due to its deep roots and runners. This makes it safe for families and pets. It even has its built-in way to deal with drought by going dormant¹⁰.

Another plus is how well EMPIRE Zoysia fits with St. Augustine grass. Its wider blades match, creating a seamless yard look. For those wanting a uniform lawn, this is a top choice¹⁰.

Easy Maintenance and Versatility

EMPIRE Zoysia is both tough and low maintenance. Keep it at 1–2 inches high for a gorgeous yard without much work. Mowing it regularly helps it grow thick and healthy.

A Trusted Choice for Over 20 Years

For more than two decades, Florida has trusted EMPIRE Zoysia. It was first grown in Brazil, perfect for Florida’s weather. It’s known for its deep green color and lush look, adding to your home’s beauty.

The Perfect Time for Installation

Fall is the best season for installing EMPIRE Zoysia. The weather is just right for it to start strong and grow well. With rain and cooler temperatures, your grass will have a great start.

EMPIRE Zoysia is a smart choice for a beautiful, tough lawn. With its benefits, your yard will stay green and lovely all year. Consider it for a reliable and stunning grass in Florida.

Palmetto St. Augustine

Palmetto St. Augustine is great for different climates and soils. It does well in the shade, making it perfect for places with trees or buildings. It also copes with cold, heat, and drought because of its deep roots. This makes it a strong choice for Florida lawns.

It outshines other St. Augustinegrasses with its ability to adapt to various soils. So, it grows well in sandy or alkaline earth. Even in hot summers or cold winters, Palmetto stays green and healthy.

This grass doesn’t grow as tall as some others, which means less work to keep it neat. Plus, it doesn’t get thatchy. These traits make Palmetto easy to care for.

Palmetto does not mind shade, thriving where there’s little sunlight. It’s good for lawns where trees or buildings block the sun. So, it’s perfect for areas that don’t get much light.

Thanks to its dense turf and wide leaves, Palmetto St. Augustine brings beauty to any lawn. Its dark green color looks elegant and brings life to the overall look of your yard.

Characteristics	Description
Versatility	Palmetto St. Augustine can grow in various climate and soil conditions.
Superior Shade Tolerance	The grass can withstand and thrive in shady areas.
Cold and Heat Tolerance	Palmetto demonstrates excellent tolerance to cold and heat, making it suitable for fluctuating temperature conditions.

The versatility, superior shade tolerance, and exceptional cold and heat tolerance make Palmetto St. Augustine an excellent choice for Florida lawns.²

If you want a grass that looks good and can handle any weather, choose Palmetto St. Augustine. It stays green even in areas of shade. This makes it a welcoming spot in your yard for everyone to enjoy.

Floratam St. Augustine

Floratam St. Augustine is a top choice for Florida homeowners². It’s easy to maintain and has wide grass blades¹. However, Floratam doesn’t do so well in the cold or shade². Also, it needs more care to keep weeds away².

This grass’s light green shade and low shade tolerance mean it’s not for shady spots². It also is not the best at fighting off diseases². Floratam is usually cut taller, which may not work well in places with a lot of foot traffic².

You might want to check out other types of St. Augustinegrass for different features. ‘Bitterblue’ stands out for its cold and shade tolerance². ‘Raleigh’ is good for colder areas of Florida, and ‘Classic’ works throughout the state². Even though ‘Palmetto’ is said to handle drought, studies disagree on its true drought tolerance². If you need good shade tolerance, consider ‘ProVista’².

Thinking about changing your Florida lawn’s grass? Remember climate, shade, and how much care you can give. Getting advice from a landscaper might just be what you need.

Conclusion

Choosing the right grass for your Florida lawn means looking at different things. Think about how often you need to take care of it, if it likes shade, and how much water it needs. St. Augustine Grass is a top pick for many Florida homes. It’s great in the heat, doesn’t mind drought, and is okay with a bit of shade¹¹. Bermuda Grass is strong and quickly bounces back from being stepped on. This is why it’s common on golf courses¹¹. Zoysia Grass doesn’t need a lot of looking after, and it’s good at handling heat, drought, and shade. It also looks great, making your lawn beautiful¹¹. Bahiagrass is a low-care option with deep roots that help it survive dry spells¹¹.

It’s key to know that different grass types prefer certain types of soil. Many Florida soils are sandy, which affects what grass will do well¹¹. St. Augustine and Zoysia Grass can live with just a bit of shade. But Bermuda Grass needs the sun all the time¹¹. Zoysia and Bermuda Grass are better at handling being walked on than St. Augustine¹¹. Also, if you choose Zoysia, you might need to dethatch it to keep it healthy over the years¹¹.

Talk to a professional landscaper or someone who knows a lot about grass to find out the best option for your lawn. They’ll give you smart advice that fits your lawn’s unique needs. This will help you grow a green, thriving lawn that loves Florida’s weather.

FAQ

What kind of grass grows in Florida?

Florida is great for several types of grass. This includes St. Augustine and Zoysia Grass. Also, Bermuda and Bahiagrass do well. For unique options, there’s CitraBlue St. Augustine, EMPIRE Zoysia, Palmetto St. Augustine, and Floratam St. Augustine.

Why is St. Augustine Grass a popular choice for Florida lawns?

St. Augustine Grass thrives in Florida for good reasons. It grows fast, can take dry spells well, and handles salty conditions. Each type of St. Augustine grass has its own special traits.

What are the benefits of Zoysia Grass?

Many like Zoysia Grass for its dark green look and thick feel. It’s great where a lot of people walk and by the ocean. This grass doesn’t need much water and is easy to care for.

What makes Bermuda Grass a good choice for Florida lawns?

Bermuda Grass stands out with its unique look and deep roots. It’s good at fighting off weeds and wear from many steps. This grass grows quickly but can be aggressive without proper care.

Why is Bahiagrass well-suited to the Florida climate?

Bahiagrass loves the Florida weather and needs little water. It’s tough against cold and drought. But you still need to mow it and keep weeds in check.

What are the advantages of CitraBlue St. Augustine grass?

CitraBlue St. Augustine is made just for Florida. It needs less care, loves the shade, and fights off diseases well.

What makes EMPIRE Zoysia a great choice for Florida lawns?

EMPIRE Zoysia is hard to beat with its resistance to chinch bugs and heavy use. It saves water and looks soft, green, and thick.

What are the characteristics of Palmetto St. Augustine grass?

Palmetto St. Augustine works in lots of climates and soil types. It loves shade and deals great with cold, heat, and dry times.

What should I know about Floratam St. Augustine grass?

Floratam St. Augustine is common in Florida because it’s low-maintenance. It has wide blades but doesn’t like heavy use or too much shade.

What are the best grass species for Florida lawns?

For Florida, consider St. Augustine, Zoysia, Bermuda, and Bahiagrass. The best choice depends on how much work you want to do, shade, and water needs.