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How to Grow Floratam Grass

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Floratam Grass

Paspalum notatum var. saurae

grass

Floratam is a warm-season perennial grass developed specifically for Florida and subtropical regions. It is a hybrid paspalum grass known for its disease resistance, particularly to brown patch and gray leaf spot fungi. This dense, attractive turf creates a fine-textured lawn and is commonly used for residential and commercial landscaping in warm climates.

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Example Floratam Grass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Floratam Grass

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Floratam Grass

    Around May 17

    ≈ 30 days after planting

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Floratam Grass dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; tolerates partial shade but performs best in full sun
💧
Water: Moderate watering; requires 1-1.5 inches of water weekly during establishment and dry periods. Drought tolerant once established but performs better with consistent moisture during active growth.
📏
Spacing: Planted from sod (spacing not applicable); runners will fill in 1-2 feet across during growing season inches
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Days to maturity: 30-60 days for sod establishment
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Planting depth: Sod should be laid on well-prepared soil surface; seed depth approximately 0.25 inches if seeding (less common)

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy to loamy soil
pH: 5.5-7.0
Amendments:
Compost Organic matter Slow-release nitrogen fertilizer

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 8b-10b; best adapted to warm, subtropical regions like Florida

8b 9a 9b 10a 10b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

2-4 weeks

Newly laid sod with visible seams; shallow root development beginning

Keep soil consistently moist (not waterlogged) for 2-3 weeks. Avoid heavy foot traffic. Mow lightly after 2-3 weeks once roots are anchoring.

2

Vegetative Growth

4-12 weeks

Grass is actively spreading via rhizomes and stolons; fine-textured green blades emerging; color deepens

Mow at 2-3 inches height every 7-10 days. Apply balanced nitrogen fertilizer monthly during warm season. Maintain consistent watering.

3

Peak Density

3-6 months

Dense, well-established turf with complete coverage; dark green color; runners filling in bare spots

Continue regular mowing and watering. Apply summer fertilizer every 6-8 weeks. Monitor for pests and diseases.

4

Dormancy/Senescence

2-3 months

Grass gradually transitions to dormancy as temperatures cool in fall; color fades to tan or brown

Reduce watering frequency. Apply fall fertilizer (low nitrogen) to strengthen root system. Stop heavy fertilizing.

5

Dormant/Winter

1-3 months

Grass is completely dormant and brown; minimal growth activity

Minimal watering required in subtropical zones where Floratam is grown. Avoid heavy traffic. In zones 8b, may require winter overseeding with cool-season grass.

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Bahiagrass (for oversowing) Perennial ryegrass (for winter color) Zoysia grass (adjacent areas)

Avoid planting near:

St. Augustine grass (competition and disease cross-contamination) Hybrid bermuda (incompatible growth habits) Dense shade trees (insufficient light)

Common Pests

  • Monitor for yellowing patches in hot, dry areas. Use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or targeted insecticides if populations are high. Maintain proper irrigation to reduce stress.

  • Usually manageable; use insecticides only if damage is severe. Encourage natural predators like birds and parasitic wasps.

  • Apply beneficial nematodes or grub-control insecticides in late summer. Reduce soil moisture in problem areas if possible.

  • Apply spinosad or other organic insecticides in spring. Reduce thatch buildup through proper maintenance.

Uses

🏠

Lawn and Turf

Household

Floratam is primarily used for residential and commercial lawns, golf courses, and sports fields in warm climates. Its fine texture and disease resistance make it an attractive, low-maintenance ground cover. [source]

🦋

Pasture and Livestock

Wildlife

In subtropical regions, Floratam can be used as a pasture grass for grazing livestock. It provides nutritious forage during warm growing seasons. [source]

🏠

Erosion Control

Household

The dense root system and rhizomatous growth habit make Floratam effective for stabilizing slopes and preventing soil erosion in warm climates. [source]

🦋

Native Ecosystem Support

Wildlife

While not native to all regions, Floratam provides habitat and food sources for insects and birds in landscapes and restored areas. [source]

Harvest Tips

Floratam is not harvested for food. For hay production (if used for pasture), cut at 6-8 inches height during vegetative growth and cure properly. For ornamental lawn use, mow regularly at 2-3 inches to maintain appearance and density.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Floratam was specifically developed in Florida in the 1970s by the University of Florida as a disease-resistant alternative to St. Augustine grass, which is highly susceptible to brown patch fungus.
  • 🌱 The name 'Floratam' is derived from 'Fl' (Florida) + 'Ratam' (from the parent grass Paspalum notatum var. saurae, emphasizing its development location).
  • 🌱 Floratam's resistance to brown patch and gray leaf spot fungi is due to its hybrid vigor and genetic traits from both Paspalum species, making it one of the most disease-resistant warm-season turf grasses available.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Hybrid Partial Shade Perennial Runner
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