Heat-Resistant Grass Seeds

Bermuda

• Easily grown from seed, Bermuda is a warm-weather grass that has a high tolerance for full sun and high temperatures. It is also resistant to drought, because its deep roots have the capability of absorbing water below-ground. One of the most common grasses in the southern states, Bermuda is durable and often planted on golf courses and athletic fields along with lawns. It remains green throughout the year in warm-weather areas. Bermuda grows aggressively and overtakes other grasses in the surrounding area. Make sure this is the right choice, because its deep roots make it difficult to remove once it has taken hold.

St. Augustine

• St. Augustine is a warm-season grass found in subtropical areas, including the states along the Gulf Coast. It thrives most in areas with high temperatures that also receive at least a medium amount of water. One of the more shade tolerant of the warm-weather grasses, St. Augustine is not good for areas that receive frosts. It makes for an attractive lawn with its wide-bladed leaves that are a bluish-green in appearance. St. Augustine can survive some drought conditions, although it looks its best when it receives a regular amount of water. It is a hardy grass with the ability to handle lots of foot traffic. This grass also has the ability to adapt to different types of soil. St. Augustine is usually established from sprigs or sod.

Zoysia

• Although it is one of the most cold-hardy of the warm-season grasses, zoysia is also resistant to high temperatures and full sun. Zoysia does not grow quickly, but does overtake other grasses in the area with time. Its thick turf also makes in difficult for weeds to grow. Zoysia turns to a brownish color with the advent of cold weather, but is quick to turn green in the spring. This is a durable grass with the ability to adapt to different types of soil and hold up under heavy foot traffic. Because it grows slowly, it does not require frequent mowing. On the other hand, its slow growth rate also means it takes time to repair a damaged part of a lawn.

Bahia

• First introduced from Brazil in the early part of the 20th century, bahia grass thrives in hot environments. The University of Florida IFAS Extension website describes it as a popular lawn grass for infertile soils and as a grass that does not require a lot of maintenance. It has a coarse texture and a forms a dense turf that is good for preventing weeds from growing. Its deep root system makes it resistant to droughts. Bahia grass forms an extensive root system, which makes it one of the most drought-tolerant grasses. Capable of being grown from seed, sod, sprigs and plugs, bahia is not prone to attacks from diseases. It is not tolerant of heavy traffic, shade and saltwater.