How to Grow Manila Grass
Wikimedia Commons
Manila Grass
Zoysia matrella
grassManila grass is a warm-season, fine-textured turf grass native to Southeast Asia, prized for its dense growth and attractive deep green color. It forms a thick, carpet-like lawn that tolerates heat, drought, and moderate foot traffic well. This grass is particularly popular in tropical and subtropical regions for residential and commercial landscaping.
When should you plant Manila Grass 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 Manila Grass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Manila Grass
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 Manila Grass
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Manila Grass dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 8b-11; best performance in zones 9-10
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Establishment
6-8 weeksNewly planted plugs or sod begin sending out stolons (horizontal runners) and developing root systems; grass appears sparse initially
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid foot traffic; mow lightly if needed to encourage lateral growth
Vegetative Growth
2-4 monthsStolons spread rapidly, filling in bare areas; grass develops dense, fine-textured foliage; color deepens to rich green
Continue regular watering; begin mowing at 1-1.5 inches height; apply balanced fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during growing season
Dense Maturity
Ongoing after 4-6 monthsLawn becomes fully established with complete ground coverage, thick thatch layer develops, and deep green coloration is prominent
Maintain regular mowing schedule (1-1.5 inches); reduce watering frequency as drought tolerance increases; dethatch annually if needed
Dormancy
2-4 months (December-March in most regions)In zones 8-9, grass may enter dormancy during winter months, turning brown or straw-colored; growth slows dramatically
Reduce or eliminate fertilizer applications; mow less frequently; maintain minimal watering
Spring Transition
4-6 weeksAs temperatures warm, grass breaks dormancy and greens up; new growth accelerates
Resume regular fertilizer schedule; increase mowing frequency; apply light topdressing with compost if thatch is heavy
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators; ensure adequate watering as stressed grass is more susceptible
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Use parasitic nematodes; apply insecticides in spring when adults are active; maintain healthy dense turf
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Apply beneficial nematodes; use sticky traps to monitor populations; maintain proper soil moisture
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Apply insecticidal nematodes in spring or fall; maintain healthy lawn; avoid overwatering
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Improve drainage; avoid overwatering and excessive nitrogen; apply fungicide if severe; remove affected patches
Uses
Residential Lawn
HouseholdCreates an attractive, dense, fine-textured lawn perfect for residential properties in warm climates. Its drought tolerance and wear resistance make it ideal for families and high-traffic areas. [source]
Golf Course & Sports Turf
HouseholdWidely used on golf greens, fairways, and sports fields due to its fine texture, density, and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic while recovering quickly. [source]
Erosion Control
HouseholdThe dense root system and vigorous stolons effectively stabilize soil, prevent erosion on slopes, and help manage stormwater runoff in landscaped areas. [source]
Wildlife Habitat
WildlifeDense, healthy Manila grass lawns provide cover and foraging areas for beneficial insects, ground-nesting birds, and small mammals. [source]
Low-Maintenance Landscaping
HouseholdOnce established, Manila grass requires minimal maintenance—infrequent watering, low fertilizer needs, and resistance to pests make it economical for large-scale landscapes. [source]
Harvest Tips
Manila grass is not harvested for food. For sod harvesting commercially, mature lawns are cut at 2-3 months establishment and layered for sale.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Manila grass spreads via stolons (runners above ground) rather than rhizomes, allowing for quicker visible fill-in of bare patches and easier visual monitoring of establishment progress.
- 🌱 It is one of the finest-textured warm-season grasses available, with leaf blades typically just 2-3mm wide, giving it a sophisticated appearance comparable to cool-season Kentucky bluegrass.
- 🌱 Manila grass can tolerate temperatures up to 40°C (104°F) and has earned the nickname 'the miracle grass' in tropical regions due to its exceptional heat and drought tolerance once established.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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