How Long to Grow Bahia Grass?

Advantages

• There are now improved varieties of Bahia grass that are planted as lawns all over the country. Avoid the common forage Bahia grass. Cultivars like Argentine, Tifton 9 and Pensacola are best for residential lawns.The seed is inexpensive and abundantly available. Its extensive root system makes it one of the most drought-tolerant turfs around. Few pests bother this grass and its sod is durable. It easily grows in sandy, infertile soils and clay soils with limited irrigation. Many homeowners appreciate its durability and easy care. Bahia grass is used extensively in the southern states in residential lawns.

Establishing Bahia grass

• Although Bahia grass can be grown from seed, the seed is slow to germinate, and it doesn't form a dense thatch. For an instant lawn, you can lay Bahia sod. Once established, the grass readily reseeds itself. Start your Bahia lawn long before the fall and winter cold. A spring or early summer planting gives it time to establish through the hot summer months. Keep Bahia grass moist until it germinates and seedlings are well established. This perennial grass needs little water and fertilization once it's established. Your Bahia grass should be well-established by the end of the first growing season.

Mowing

• Properly mowing your lawn keeps it healthy and relatively weed free. Mow Bahia grass every seven to 14 days during the summer's active growth period. Mowing at a high level promotes a deep and extensive root system. Allow the lawn to reach a height of 4 to 4 1/2 inches before mowing. Set your lawn mower so it removes no more than one-third of the leaf blade. Leave the grass clippings on the lawn to decompose and nourish the turf.

Considerations

• Make sure this is the lawn you want before planting it. The best that you can hope for is control with pre-emergent and post-emergent herbicides. Bahia grass is difficult to eradicate completely. Some people consider the tall seed heads and light-green color unsightly. The coarse blades make it hard to mow. Bahiagrass is recommended for U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 7 through 10.