How to Compare Grass Seeds for Florida

Figure out the highs and lows in your area. The state of Florida's climate varies depending on where you are geographically. For example, the southern tip of Florida rarely stays temperate throughout the winter, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, while the northern regions can experience temperatures below freezing. If you're new to the area, talk with your local plant nursery, as well as friends and neighbors, or check the Plant Hardiness Zone Map (see Resources), to find out about temperatures in your area.

Choose between warm- and cool-season grasses. In areas that stay warm most of the year, including southern Florida or the coastal plains, compare warm-season grasses, such as Bermudagrass, carpetgrass and blue grama. If you live in cooler areas, including northern Florida and the western part of the state, compare cool-season grasses, such as seashore paspalum, bluegrass and fescue.

Look at the drought tolerance of the grasses you're considering. The central part of the state gets the least amount of rain, averaging 30 to 35 inches per year, according to the National Atlas website, while the northwestern corner can see double that amount. Bluegrass, for example, is a cool-season grass seed that does moderately well in drought conditions, while fescue thrives. Choose grasses such as bahiagrass, zoysiagrass, Bermudagrass and seashore paspalum when comparing warm-season grasses for drought tolerance.

Factor in shade tolerance. Florida homeowners often create shady areas to block out the hot afternoon sun. While this keeps the area cool, it can make growing and maintaining a lawn more difficult. Cool-season grasses that do well in shade include bluegrass and all types of fescue. The best warm-season grass with shade tolerance is carpetgrass, followed by bahiagrass, centipedegrass and zoysiagrass.