Bowie Vs. Cody Buffalo Grass

Cultivar Development

• Bowie buffalo grass is a four-clone synthetic turf grass. The University of Nebraska and Native Turf Group used parent clones from grasses in Texas, Colorado and Nebraska. Cody was developed as a vigorous, water-conserving, warm-season grass. Bowie and Cody resist disease and have fast lateral growth that allows the grass to spread and become firmly established more quickly.

Features

• Buffalo grass generally forms low-density turf, but the Bowie and Cody cultivars form a thick, dense turf for a more attractive lawn. Bowie is a medium green with a low growth habit and fine leaf texture. Cody is dark green, low growing and fine textured. Bowie has a high leaf density while Cody has medium leaf density. According to the Native Turf Group, both Cody and Bowie have good winter hardiness and grow well across the middle of the country, but not in the extreme Northern states or the lower Southeastern states. Both varieties germinate quickly from seed and have low watering requirements.

Cultivation

• Cultivation for both Bowie and Cody buffalo grasses is the same. Take a soil test before sowing buffalo grass to make sure your soil can support the grass properly. The pH level should be between 6.0 and 7.5. Like all buffalo grasses, Cody and Bowie need six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, especially in the morning. Plant the seeds at the rate of 2 to 3 lbs. of seed per 1,000 square feet when the soil temperature is above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Cody and Bowie are not picky about soil type, but avoid sandy soils and make sure the planting bed is well drained. If the soil is coarse, work in some organic matter to improve the quality. Plant Cody and Bowie buffalo grass seed either in the spring or summer. The best time to plant is late spring, after you finish dealing with any crab grass in the area. If you plant Cody or Bowie later, be sure to keep the new lawn adequately watered to promote germination and quick growth.

Uses

• In addition to lawns, Cody and Bowie buffalo grasses adapt well to golf courses, pastures and other wide open areas. Due to its light and water requirements, it is best not to plant Cody or Bowie buffalo grasses beneath trees or in any deeply shaded or excessively wet area of the yard. Cody is especially adapted to planting in areas with frequent or permanent watering restrictions.