How to Plant a Buffalo Grass Lawn
Table of Contents
How do I successfully plant buffalo grass seed? To successfully plant buffalo grass, select a high Pure Live Seed (PLS) product, prepare the soil by tilling and adding phosphorus-rich pre-plant fertilizer, and plant when soil temperatures reach $60-70^\circ\text{F}$. Seed at $1.5 \text{ to } 2 \text{ lbs}$ per $1,000 \text{ sq. ft}$ using a spreader, and keep the soil consistently moist with brief, frequent watering until germination and for two weeks after shoots appear.
Choosing Seed and Preparing Soil
Buffalo Grass is an excellent, drought-tolerant warm-season lawn option native to North America. It requires minimal fertilizer, irrigation, and mowing. To plant successfully, begin by selecting the right seed. Look at the pure live seed percentage** (PLS) on the label, which indicates seed purity and expected germination. Buying a seed product with a higher PLS percentage, though often more expensive, results in a denser, higher-quality lawn.
To prepare the soil, first remove all old plant material or weeds. Till the soil several inches deep to loosen it and mix in organic material. One to two weeks before planting, add a pre-plant fertilizer that is high in phosphorus. This preparation ensures the seeds have a loose, nutrient-rich bed to encourage strong root growth.
Timing and Seeding Techniques
Timing is crucial for this warm-season grass. You must wait until soil temperatures are consistently $60 \text{ to } 70^\circ\text{F}$ and air temperatures are $70 \text{ to } 90^\circ\text{F}$—typically late spring. Use a soil thermometer for accurate measurements.
The standard seeding rate is $1 \frac{1}{2} \text{ to } 2 \text{ lbs}$ per $1,000 \text{ sq. ft}$ (always verify your product’s recommendations). Use a drop spreader for the most even results. Seed using a cross-hatch pattern:
- Spread half the seed horizontally.
- Spread the remaining half vertically.
After seeding, use a lawn roller to gently firm the soil and ensure good seed-to-soil contact. The seeds should be no deeper than $\frac{1}{4} \text{in}$. For more on optimal soil conditions, refer to resources from the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
Post-Seeding Care and Fertilization
Be patient, as germination takes 14 to 30 days. During this period, you must keep the soil lightly moist, watering briefly and often, up to five times a day. Continue this watering schedule for two weeks after you see the first small green shoots.
After the initial establishment, switch to watering deeply and infrequently to encourage the development of strong, deep roots, which maximize the grass’s drought resistance.
Wait four to eight weeks before applying the first fertilizer application ($\frac{1}{4} \text{ to } \frac{1}{2} \text{ lb}$ nitrogen per $1,000 \text{ sq. ft}$). Reapply every six to eight weeks during the growing season only if the lawn looks yellow. Remember, this native grass needs significantly less fertilizer than traditional turfgrasses, so do not over-fertilize. Following these steps will result in a healthy, low-maintenance buffalo grass lawn.
FAQs About Buffalo Grass Planting
How long does buffalo grass take to fully establish?
It typically takes one full growing season to become fully established, forming a dense turf that can handle regular use and full drought conditions.
Can I plant buffalo grass in the fall?
No, fall planting is generally not recommended. The seeds require consistent soil temperatures of $60^\circ\text{F}$ to germinate, and fall planting increases the risk of winterkill before the roots can develop.
Does buffalo grass need a lot of sun?
Yes, buffalo grass performs best in full sun (at least six hours of direct sunlight). It will be thin and weak in heavily shaded areas, which might require considering a cool-season, shade-tolerant grass instead.
