How to Grow Argentine Paspalum
Argentine Paspalum
Paspalum notatum var. saurae
grassArgentine paspalum is a warm-season perennial grass native to South America, valued for pasture and turf applications. It is drought-tolerant, salt-tolerant, and produces nutritious forage for livestock. The grass establishes quickly and requires minimal maintenance once established.
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Example Argentine Paspalum timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Argentine Paspalum
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Argentine Paspalum
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Argentine Paspalum dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8-11, tolerates cooler zones 7b-8a with winter dormancy
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Germination
7-14 daysSeeds sprout within 7-14 days under warm conditions. Fine, hair-like seedlings emerge from soil.
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. Keep soil temperature above 60°F for best germination. Avoid herbicides during this stage.
Seedling/Establishment
3-6 weeksYoung plants develop root system and 2-4 leaves. Grass remains low and delicate-looking.
Water regularly to maintain moist (not wet) soil. Protect from foot traffic and grazing. Begin mowing only after plants reach 3-4 inches height.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksGrass develops tillers (shoots) and spreads laterally. Root system deepens. Plants become denser and more robust.
Mow at 1-2 inches height for turf; allow 4-6 inches for pasture before grazing. Apply light nitrogen fertilizer if needed. Maintain adequate moisture during dry periods.
Maturity/Flowering
Ongoing after 8-12 weeksSeed heads emerge on slender panicles. Plants reach full height (18-24 inches) and achieve maximum density.
Allow some plants to flower for seed production if desired. Mow to prevent seed drop if managing as managed turf. Reduce watering in mature pastures.
Dormancy
Varies by zone; 3-5 months in zone 8In cooler zones (below zone 9), grass browns and goes dormant in winter. Growth resumes in spring.
No maintenance needed during dormancy. Spring overseed if bare patches appear after winter. Resume regular mowing/management in spring.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Monitor for yellowing patches. Use resistant varieties if available. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil in severe cases. Maintain adequate irrigation stress.
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Hand-pick in small areas. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for severe infestations. Maintain healthy plant vigor.
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Reduce thatch with aeration. Apply beneficial nematodes. Use insecticides if severe damage occurs.
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Tolerate light damage. Apply Bt for heavy infestations. Maintain adequate soil moisture.
Uses
Livestock Forage
CulinaryArgentine paspalum provides nutritious pasture for cattle, sheep, horses, and goats. It is highly palatable and digestible, supporting good weight gain and milk production in livestock. [source]
Lawn and Turf
HouseholdUsed for residential and commercial lawns, golf course roughs, and sports fields in warm climates. It provides dense, attractive turf with minimal maintenance requirements. [source]
Erosion Control & Soil Stabilization
EnvironmentalThe extensive root system helps prevent soil erosion on slopes and degraded land. It stabilizes banks along waterways and improves soil structure over time. [source]
Wildlife Habitat
WildlifeProvides cover and forage for native wildlife, birds, and beneficial insects. Dense grass stands offer nesting habitat for ground-nesting birds. [source]
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
HouseholdExcellent choice for water-conservation landscapes and xeriscaping in warm regions. Requires minimal irrigation once established, reducing water use by 30-50% compared to cool-season grasses. [source]
Harvest Tips
Argentine paspalum is harvested for livestock grazing rather than cut forage. Begin grazing when plants reach 4-6 inches height. Graze to 1-2 inches to avoid overuse. For hay production, allow flowering and dry to 15-20% moisture before cutting. Can be harvested 2-3 times per growing season in tropical zones.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Argentine paspalum is apomictic, meaning it can reproduce asexually through seed production without pollination, allowing rapid spread in favorable conditions.
- 🌱 This grass can survive extended droughts and salty soils better than most forage grasses, making it ideal for challenging climates and degraded pastures.
- 🌱 It was introduced to the United States in the early 1900s and has become a staple in southern and tropical pasture systems, supporting millions of acres of livestock grazing worldwide.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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