The Best Fertilizers for Bahia & Floratam Grass

Characteristics

• Bahia grass grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 10, with the exception of Paspalum notatum "Argentine," which grows in USDA zones 9b through 10. Stenotaphrum secundatum "Floratam" -- a type of St. Augustine grass -- is hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10. Both bahia and Floratam grasses are mat-forming, growing by above-ground stolons. In addition to stolons, bahia grass also produces heavy rhizomes. Creating a coarse-textured lawn, these creeping grasses have wide blades and produce tough seed stalks that can dull mower blades. Growing best in hot weather, bahia and Floratam go dormant in cold weather, turning brown. Bahia also turns brown under water stress, but greens back up with irrigation. Fast growers, bahia and Floratam look their best when kept mowed to a low height, although various experts disagree on the mowing height and make recommendations ranging from 1 inch to 4 inches. Use taller mowing heights during periods of drought.

Starter Fertilizer

• The best starter fertilizer for new lawn establishment is high in phosphorus or balanced in terms of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences recommends a balanced blend, such as 10-10-10 or a fertilizer with two parts nitrogen to one part each phosphorus and potassium, such as 16-8-8 or 20-10-10. Starter blends generally supply quick-release nitrogen to give new seedlings a ready supply of nutrients. Establish a bahia grass lawn with seed or sod. Apply starter fertilizer just before or just after seeding. Use sod, sprigs or plugs to create your Floratam lawn. Wait 30 to 60 days before you fertilize your vegetatively planted yard.

Maintenance Fertilizer

• The frequency of fertilizing your bahia or Floratam lawn depends on soil characteristics and irrigation. Use a fertilizer providing at least twice as much nitrogen as phosphorus and potassium, such as 16-4-8. Based on the fertilizer analysis, apply enough fertilizer to supply 1/2 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of lawn area when rain or irrigation is sufficient to keep your grass growing. Make two to six applications of fertilizer, beginning in spring after the danger of frost and ending in fall before grass goes dormant. Use the higher number of applications where grass grows throughout the winter months. Soils high in organic matter and fertility require less frequent fertilizing to maintain healthy grass growth.

Supplemental Iron

• Both Floratam and bahia grasses have a deeper green color with iron supplementation during the summer months. The best iron sources are sulfates -- such as ferrous sulfate and ferrous ammonium sulfate -- and iron chelates. Follow label instructions for mixing ratios. Although Floratam tolerates a wide range of soil types, bahia grass performs best in soil with a pH range between 5.5 and 6.5. Soil pH levels higher than 7.0 interfere with iron absorption in this grass, creating a need for iron supplementation approximately every six weeks.