Grass That Grows Fast in Extreme Heat

Creeping Bentgrass

• Traditionally, creeping bentgrass was used on golf courses because of its ability to spread quickly and evenly, although its carpet-like appearance means it is also popular in private gardens. It ranges from dark olive green to light green in color and grows well in high temperatures. It’s also very hardy, hence it being a good variety of grass for playing fields. Creeping bentgrass grows all over the continental U.S. and Hawaii. This type of grass should be allowed to grow between 1/2 and 1 1/2 inches. Wet the soil to the depth of the root and then do not water for several days until the grass begins to show symptoms of drought. A 30- to 40-minute irrigation cycle is sufficient.

Bermudagrass

• Bermudagrass is also well-suited to lawns, tennis courts, golf courses and parks. It grows quickly and can become troublesome in places where it is unwanted and it grows fastest in high temperatures, hence its proliferation in areas with a tropical climate. It has a fine texture and a deep green color. It can be left to grow to between 1/2 and 1/2 inches before mowing and is tolerant of droughts. It needs little, if any, watering at all. Over-watering can cause fungus to grow. It is best suited to the climate of the southern states.

Zoysia Grass

• Zoysia grass is used on lawns since it is less fine than turf grass. Although it is fairly tolerant of the cold it prefers the warmer climate of regions such as Florida, Texas and California. It is extremely drought resistant and only needs 1 inch of water per week, although it can survive on as little as 1/2 inch. Zoysia becomes dormant during the winter, when it turns brown. Zoysia grass should not be left to grow taller than 1 or 2 inches.

Bahia Grass

• Bahia grass is used in lawns in the southern states, particularly those on the coastline. This type of grass grows well in heat and can withstand long periods of little or no rainfall. It has thick blades and is a good choice of grass for cattle. It should be mowed when it reaches 2 to 3 inches. Bahia grass is extremely low maintenance and requires very little watering, 1/2 to 3/4 inch of water is sufficient.