How to Grow Dichondra
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Dichondra
Dichondra repens
grassDichondra is a creeping, low-growing groundcover with tiny heart-shaped leaves that creates a lush, soft carpet in lawns and gardens. It thrives in warm climates and is often used as an alternative to traditional grass lawns, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. The plant spreads via stolons and can tolerate foot traffic moderately well.
When should you plant Dichondra in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Dichondra timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Dichondra
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 Dichondra
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Dichondra dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; dies back or struggles in zones 8 and colder
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Germination
7-14 daysSeeds sprout and tiny seedlings emerge with initial true leaves appearing
Keep soil consistently moist; maintain temperatures above 60°F. Shade cloth may help prevent drying in intense heat.
Establishment
3-6 weeksYoung plants develop runner shoots and begin spreading via stolons; leaf coverage increases gradually
Water frequently to maintain moist soil. Avoid foot traffic. Light feeding with balanced fertilizer encourages growth.
Active Growth
4-8 weeksRunners spread rapidly, creating dense foliage; heart-shaped leaves multiply and fill in bare areas
Maintain consistent moisture. Mow or trim at 2-3 inches if needed. Apply light fertilizer monthly during growing season.
Maturity
OngoingDense groundcover established with continuous carpet of foliage; may produce tiny white flowers
Maintain regular watering schedule. Occasional mowing or trimming keeps appearance neat. Fertilize every 6-8 weeks.
Dormancy/Decline
Seasonal, varies by zoneIn zones 8-9, plants yellow and die back in winter; in warmer zones remain evergreen
Reduce watering in cooler months. Plant will regrow in spring in marginal zones. In zones 9-11, continue light maintenance.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers during seedling stage; spray with neem oil if severe
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Apply beneficial nematodes to soil; create barriers around young plants
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Increase humidity and misting; use miticide sprays if infestation is severe
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and
Hand-pick or use copper barriers; diatomaceous earth application
Uses
Eco-Friendly Lawn Alternative
HouseholdDichondra serves as a water-efficient, low-maintenance alternative to traditional turf grass, particularly in arid regions. Its fine texture creates an attractive, soft groundcover that requires less mowing and chemical inputs than conventional lawns. [source]
Low-Mow Groundcover
HouseholdDue to its naturally low, spreading growth habit, dichondra requires significantly less frequent mowing than traditional grass lawns, reducing maintenance time and equipment use. It creates a neat appearance with minimal trimming. [source]
Habitat & Pollinator Support
WildlifeWhen flowering, dichondra produces small white blooms that attract pollinators including bees. The dense groundcover provides shelter for beneficial insects and small ground-dwelling creatures. [source]
Erosion Control
HouseholdThe spreading stolons and dense mat effectively stabilize soil, making dichondra valuable for preventing erosion on slopes and in areas with water runoff or footfall disturbance. [source]
Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
HouseholdOnce established, dichondra exhibits excellent drought tolerance in warm climates, requiring significantly less supplemental irrigation than traditional lawns after the establishment phase. [source]
Harvest Tips
Dichondra is not harvested for food or flowers. Once established as a groundcover (60-90 days), mow or trim as needed to maintain appearance and prevent excessive density. Light, frequent trimming at 2-3 inches maintains an attractive carpet.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Dichondra's scientific name comes from Greek 'di' (two) and 'chondra' (grain), referring to its distinctive two-seeded fruit structure.
- 🌱 In Hawaii and warm coastal areas, dichondra has been used as a lawn alternative for over 50 years and is sometimes called 'ponyweed' or 'asiatic ivy.'
- 🌱 Dichondra is sensitive to cold and will stop growing or die back when temperatures drop below 50°F, making it strictly a warm-climate choice; it has also become invasive in some subtropical regions.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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