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How to Grow St. Augustine Grass

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St. Augustine Grass

Stenotaphrum secundatum

grass

St. Augustine grass is a warm-season turfgrass native to tropical and subtropical regions, prized for its dense, attractive appearance and shade tolerance. It forms thick, carpet-like turf with broad blue-green blades and is widely used for lawns in southern United States. The grass spreads via stolons (above-ground runners) rather than seeds.

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Example St. Augustine Grass timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant St. Augustine 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 St. Augustine Grass

    Around Jun 1

    ≈ 45 days after planting

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

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4-6 hours minimum); exceptional shade tolerance compared to other warm-season grasses
💧
Water: Moderate water needs; approximately 1-1.5 inches per week during growing season. Tolerates drought once established but maintains best appearance with consistent moisture. Reduce watering in winter dormancy.
📏
Spacing: Sod is typically laid with 1-inch overlap; seed or plugs spaced 6-12 inches apart inches
📅
Days to maturity: 45-60 days to establish from sod; 90-120 days from plugs or seed
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Planting depth: Sod laid at soil surface; seed scattered lightly on prepared soil; plugs set 1 inch deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy loam to sandy soil; tolerates poor soil conditions
pH: 6.0-7.0
Amendments:
Organic matter (compost) Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or similar) Iron sulfate for acidification if needed Lime if pH is too acidic

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 8a-11b, with best performance in zones 9-10

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

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

3-6 weeks

Freshly laid sod or planted plugs with visible growth of new shoots and root development into soil

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid foot traffic for 2-3 weeks. Apply light fertilizer after 3-4 weeks.

2

Vegetative Growth

3-4 months

Dense expansion of stolons spreading across the area; blade production increases; turf fills in and thickens

Mow regularly (1-2 inches height). Water deeply and less frequently to promote deep rooting. Maintain consistent fertilization schedule.

3

Peak Growing Season

4-5 months (May-September, varies by location)

Full, lush green color during warm months (spring through fall); maximum stolon and blade production; excellent density

Mow weekly during peak growth. Monitor for pests and diseases. Apply fertilizer every 6-8 weeks. Maintain consistent watering.

4

Dormancy

2-4 months (November-February, varies by zone)

Color fades to tan, brown, or bronze during winter; growth slows dramatically in cool temperatures; grass enters rest period

Reduce mowing frequency or stop entirely. Reduce watering significantly. Avoid heavy traffic. Consider overseeding with cool-season rye for winter color if desired.

5

Spring Green-Up

3-4 weeks

Grass returns to active growth as temperatures warm; color greens up from dormant brown; renewed stolon expansion

Resume regular mowing schedule. Increase watering as temperatures rise. Apply pre-emergent herbicide in early spring for weed control. Begin regular fertilization.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Bahia grass (transition zones) Zoysia grass (marginal areas) Fescue (overseeding for winter color) Native flowering groundcovers in ornamental areas

Avoid planting near:

Tall shade trees competing for water and sunlight (though St. Augustine tolerates some shade) Aggressive invasive grasses like torpedo grass Areas with poor drainage causing standing water

Common Pests

  • Monitor for yellowing patches. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Apply pyrethroid insecticides if infestation is severe. Maintain healthy turf with proper watering.

  • Look for small brown moths and ragged grass damage. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad. Maintain proper mowing height and watering.

  • Water lawn heavily the evening before treatment. Apply insecticides containing bifenthrin. Use beneficial nematodes as biological control.

  • Spray horticultural oil during dormant season. Apply insecticidal soap in growing season. Remove heavily infested sections.

  • Improve air circulation and drainage. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer in humid conditions. Apply fungicides like azoxystrobin if severe. Avoid evening watering.

  • Ensure proper drainage and avoid overfertilizing with nitrogen. Remove and replace affected areas. Improve soil pH and microbial balance.

Uses

🏠

Residential Lawn & Landscaping

Household

St. Augustine grass is the premier warm-season turfgrass for residential lawns, golf courses, and landscaping in southern regions. Its exceptional shade tolerance and attractive appearance make it ideal for properties with varied light conditions. [source]

🦋

Wildlife Habitat & Erosion Control

Wildlife

Dense St. Augustine turf provides excellent habitat for ground-nesting birds and small wildlife. The thick sod and extensive stolon network prevent soil erosion and stabilize sloped areas. [source]

🏠

Sports & Recreation Surfaces

Household

Professional and recreational sports fields, including golf courses, use St. Augustine grass for its durability and playability. The grass withstands foot traffic and maintains consistent playing surfaces. [source]

🏠

Environmental Benefits & Air Quality

Household

Like all grasses, St. Augustine turf improves air quality by producing oxygen and sequestering carbon. Established lawns reduce soil temperature, provide cooling effects, and improve water infiltration. [source]

🍳

Livestock Forage

Culinary

In some warm-climate regions, St. Augustine grass is used as pasture forage for cattle and other livestock. The nutritious grass provides sustainable grazing when managed appropriately. [source]

Harvest Tips

St. Augustine grass is a managed turfgrass rather than a harvested crop. Mow regularly to 2.5-3.5 inches for best appearance and health. Mow when grass reaches about 1/3 higher than desired height. Avoid cutting more than 1/3 of blade height at once. During dormancy, reduce or stop mowing. Clip grass clippings or mulch them back into lawn for nutrient recycling.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 St. Augustine grass is native to tropical coasts of West Africa and was brought to St. Augustine, Florida by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, giving it its common name.
  • 🌱 This grass has exceptional shade tolerance—it can thrive in areas receiving only 4-6 hours of sunlight, making it far superior to most warm-season grasses in shaded yards.
  • 🌱 St. Augustine grass spreads entirely through stolons (runners) in most cultivars and rarely produces viable seed, making it propagated exclusively through sod, plugs, or sprigs in commercial production.

Gardening Terms

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

Full Sun Mulch Partial Shade Runner
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