How to Grow Paspalum

Paspalum

Paspalum spp.

grass

Paspalum is a diverse genus of warm-season grasses native to tropical and subtropical regions, widely used for pasture, erosion control, and ornamental purposes. Species vary greatly in appearance and use, from the common field grass Paspalum notatum (bahiagrass) to the ornamental fountain-like Paspalum quadrifarium. Many Paspalum species are valued for their drought tolerance, salt resistance, and ability to thrive in poor soils.

Looking for a specific variety?

Notatum Dilatatum Quadrifarium Virgatum Plicatulum Urvilei

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Example Paspalum timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Paspalum
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Paspalum
Around Jun 16

≈ 60 days after planting

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

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but performs best in full sun

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Water: Moderate water needs once established; drought tolerant for most species. Water regularly during establishment (first 4-6 weeks). Reduce watering once mature; species like P. notatum require minimal supplemental irrigation

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Spacing: 12-24 inches between plants for ornamental varieties; broadcast seed at 5-10 lbs per acre for pasture use inches

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Days to maturity: 60-120 days to germination and establishment; 90-180 days for visible landscape effect

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Planting depth: Seed: surface to 1/4 inch (very shallow); Sprigs/stolons: 2-3 inches; Sod: water level with soil surface

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy loam to clay loam; tolerates poor and infertile soils

pH: 5.5-7.5

Amendments:

Minimal amendments needed; tolerates acidic soils without lime Organic matter for moisture retention in sandy soils

Growing Zones

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Most Paspalum species thrive in USDA zones 8-11; some hardy types like P. notatum tolerate zone 7b

8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Germination & Seedling

2-4 weeks

Fine, hair-like shoots emerge from seed; very small leaf blades develop over 2-3 weeks

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide full sun. Avoid foot traffic. Delay mowing until 3-4 inches tall

Vegetative Establishment

4-8 weeks

Grass reaches 4-8 inches tall; rhizomes and stolons begin spreading; root system strengthens

First mowing at 3-4 inches; maintain consistent moisture during dry spells. Begin light fertilization if needed. Remove competing weeds

Shoot Development & Tillering

6-12 weeks

Plant develops multiple shoots per node; dense turf forms; lateral growth accelerates from underground rhizomes

Regular mowing at 2-4 inches depending on species and use. Water during drought. Light nitrogen fertilizer promotes density. Continue weed management

Flowering & Seed Production

8-16 weeks

Inflorescence spikes appear (usually summer to early fall); distinctive finger-like seed heads form; flowering attracts pollinators

Allow selected areas to flower for seed collection if desired. Maintain mowing in pasture areas to encourage vegetative growth. Reduce nitrogen if excessive seed production is undesired

Dormancy & Winter Rest

4-6 months (varies by zone)

Growth slows in cool season; foliage may brown in cold zones; grass enters dormancy depending on hardiness zone

Reduce or cease watering. Allow dormancy in colder zones. In zones 9+, may continue slow growth. Rake debris for disease prevention

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Clover species (nitrogen fixation in pastures) Alfalfa (pasture mix) Legumes (soil improvement) Ornamental sedges (landscape design) Wildflowers (native species mixes)

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive creeping grasses that compete for space Heavy shade-providing trees (reduces sunlight) Salt-sensitive plants (in coastal areas where Paspalum is salt-tolerant)

Common Pests

Scout for damage; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators; mow affected areas to disrupt lifecycle
Maintain proper irrigation; apply horticultural oil; use resistant varieties; remove thatch
Monitor for irregular brown patches; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); increase irrigation and aeration
Improve drainage; avoid excessive nitrogen; remove infected sod; ensure adequate air circulation; apply fungicide if severe
Increase irrigation; spray with water to disrupt; apply insecticidal soap if severe

Uses

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Livestock Forage & Pasture

Culinary

Paspalum species, particularly P. notatum (bahiagrass) and P. dilatatum (dallis grass), are widely cultivated as pasture grasses for cattle and horses due to their nutritional value and drought tolerance. These grasses provide reliable grazing in warm climates with moderate to low input requirements. [source]

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Lawn & Turf Coverage

Household

Warm-season species like Paspalum notatum are common in southern U.S. lawns and golf courses for their ability to withstand heat, drought, and poor soils where cool-season grasses fail. They provide attractive, functional turf with minimal maintenance. [source]

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Erosion Control & Soil Stabilization

Household

Paspalum's extensive rhizome system and deep roots make it excellent for controlling erosion on slopes, banks, and disturbed soils. It stabilizes soil while requiring minimal fertilizer or care, making it economical for land reclamation projects. [source]

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Ornamental Landscaping

Craft

Ornamental Paspalum species, particularly P. quadrifarium (purple fountain grass cousin), are used in landscape design for their attractive fountain-like seed heads and fine texture. They add movement and visual interest to gardens and borders. [source]

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Wildlife Habitat & Native Restoration

Wildlife

Native Paspalum species provide food and cover for birds, insects, and small mammals. They are used in prairie restoration and native plant landscaping to support pollinators and wildlife while improving ecological value of landscapes. [source]

Harvest Tips

For seed collection: Allow seed heads to mature and dry on plant (late summer to fall). Harvest when inflorescences turn brown and seeds release easily. Collect by hand or with combine harvester for large operations. For forage/pasture: Graze or cut when grass reaches 6-8 inches; maintain at 2-4 inches after each use. Best quality forage before flowering.

Fun Facts

🌱 Paspalum notatum (bahiagrass) was introduced to the southeastern U.S. from South America in the 1940s and has become one of the most important warm-season pasture grasses in North America, fundamentally changing livestock production in warm regions.
🌱 Some Paspalum species produce seeds apomictically (asexually), meaning seeds are clones of the parent plant—a trait that allows consistent performance without sexual recombination and makes them reliable for pasture establishment.
🌱 Paspalum is highly salt-tolerant and can thrive in coastal saline soils where many other grasses fail, making it invaluable for erosion control in salt marshes and coastal areas exposed to ocean spray.

Gardening Terms

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

Full Sun Hardiness Zone Partial Shade

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