The Annual Growth Rate of Buffalo Grass

Growth Rate

• Buffalo grass grows to a mature height of 3 to 6 inches annually, although its naturally downward curling leaves often make it appear shorter. Buffalo grass has a slow rate of growth and requires significantly less mowing than St. Augustine, zoysia or Bermuda grass turf. Established lawns need mowing only once per year. A clean, uniform look is created by more frequent mowing. Unmowed buffalo grass creates a softer, prairie grass look.

Soil and Planting

• Buffalo grass grows well in heavy soil but does not thrive in sandy soils. It is most productive in well-draining garden loam. Buffalo grass seed is larger than standard lawn turf grass seed. Two or three seeds are contained in a hard protective coat called a bur. Double-treated seeds have a faster germination rate than untreated seeds. The grass seeds are soaked in potassium nitrate (saltpeter) and colored with dye to increase visibility during sowing. Treated seeds germinate at a 70 percent rate and untreated seeds at a 10 percent rate.

Germination

• Seeds are sown when all danger of frost has passed in spring. Germination occurs within 14 to 21 days when soil is between 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. A seeding rate of 2 to 4 lbs. per 1,000 square feet produces optimum germination rates. Regular watering during the period of establishment is necessary. Newly germinated plants grow well when temperatures are between 80 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rapid Spread

• Buffalo grass spreads quickly by runners called stolons. The runners create lawn turf that is solid but can accommodate other native bunch grass or wildflowers. It is highly competitive to weeds such as Johnson grass, dallis grass and Bermuda grass. Yearly mowing increases its capability to compete with these other grass types. Buffalo grass needs four to six hours of direct sun per day for optimum growth. It goes dormant as temperatures decrease in autumn and becomes golden brown until spring growth begins again.