Centipedegrass: The "Poor Man's Lawn" – Characteristics, Care, and Varieties

Overview

Centipedegrass is a warm-season turf, green in summer, dormant in winter. Gray-green color, spreads rapidly by above-ground runners, low growth habit means less frequent mowing. It's a good low-maintenance choice for the right landscape.

Key Traits

• Color/Texture: Like St. Augustine but finer, lighter green; winter dormant.
• Light: Full sun (light pine shade okay; deep shade causes thinning).

Planting

• Seed: Early summer, before July heat. Mix 1 part seed with 8 parts dry sand. Spread ¼ lb/1,000 sq ft, light rake, wheat straw mulch, daily watering for 2 weeks (twice daily may be needed).
• Sod: May–September.

Maintenance

• Soil pH: Tolerates acidity but grows better limed. If pH <5.5, raise to 6.0.
• Fertilizer: 15-0-15 at 6 lbs/1,000 sq ft in May (after green-up) and July. Avoid excess phosphorus.
• Drought: Goes semi-dormant; greens up when rain returns.
• Mowing: Max 2 inches.

Pests & Problems

• Spittlebug nymphs in May—contact Extension for control.
• Decline from over-fertilization. Use iron sulfate for green color without excess nitrogen.

Recommended Variety

'TifBlair': UGA-developed for improved cold tolerance, survives severe winters in Blairsville, GA trials.