Centipedegrass

Centipedegrass is a creeping perennial that is well adapted to sandy, acidic soils. It tolerates low fertility and requires little maintenance. Centipedegrass spreads by stolons and has a coarse texture with short upright stems that grow about to about 3-5". It requires infrequent mowing and will survive mild cold temperatures better than Bahiagrass.

Centipedegrass has moderate shade tolerance. It is primary used where low maintenance turf is desired. Where higher lawn maintenance is planned, bermudagrass is superior in the sun and zoysiagrass is recommended in the shade.

Seeding*

Centipede seed is expensive but, since the seeding rate is only 1/4 to 1/2 pound per 1000 square feet, it is probably cheaper than vegetative planting if time and labor are considered. Spread the seed evenly, using a mechanical spreader. Mixing the seed with a carrier, such as sand, at the rate of 1/4 pound of seed per gallon of sand is recommended. Divide the mix into two equal parts and spread half in one direction and the other half at a right angle to the first direction. (Figure 1) The soil should be raked or dragged to cover the seed to a depth of about 1/4 inch.

The area should then be rolled with a lightweight roller to ensure good seed/soil contact. Applying a straw mulch at one bale per 1000 square feet helps retain soil moisture for more rapid germination and reduces soil erosion. The seed must be kept moist, so daily, light irrigations are needed for the first three weeks. Germination should occur in two weeks if the seeds are kept moist. As the seedlings develop, decrease the watering frequency and increase the amount of water applied until normal practices can be followed. Begin mowing to a height of 1-1/2 inches when the seedlings reach 2 inches.

*University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, Cooperative Extension Service, Leaflet 313/revised June 1997, Gil Landry & Tim Murphy, Extension Agronomists