When Should Zoysia Plugs Be Planted?

Spring

• Zoysia is a heat-tolerant grass. In fact, it prefers warm climates. Although different cultivars have been developed for specific climates in the U.S., you'll have the best results if you plant zoysia plugs according to soil temperature rather than the calendar. Plant plugs when the soil temperature is 65 F and there is no danger of frost. If an unexpected frost occurs after you have planted zoysia plugs, it is likely that they will turn dormant brown. When the temperatures warm up, most of the plugs should revive and begin growing again. The interruption in growth may slow down the zoysia lawn development for the season.

Autumn

• Many zoysia plug producers do not ship plugs during the hottest weeks of the summer due to shipping survival issues. If you plan to plug a zoysia lawn in late summer or early autumn, allow at least six to eight weeks of warm temperatures for the plugs to develop roots before the first expected frost. Zoysia goes dormant as soon as frost occurs; a good root system is necessary for the young plants to withstand a cold winter.

Arrival

• Plant your zoysia plugs the same day they arrive, if possible. Put the plugs in a cool, dark place and keep them from drying out if you can't plant them immediately. Complete any lawn cleanup preparations before the expected arrival date. Planting zoysia plugs does not require any tilling or soil preparation. To plant your zoysia plugs, use a tool that cuts a plug-sized hole in your existing lawn. Insert a plug into the hole, tamp or step on the plug gently to be sure it is making good contact with the soil, and move on to the next plug. Keep the soil moist until the plugs are well-rooted.

Spacing and Growth

• Plant zoysia plugs in the spring so they will have plenty of time for good root development before the hottest days of summer, and in the fall before the ground cools down for the winter. Both temperature extremes can impede the establishment of a zoysia lawn. Plugs are typically spaced on 6-inch centers. They should be planted 6 inches apart in rows that are 6 inches apart. With this spacing under normal conditions, zoysia plugs should spread to fill a lawn with one year's growth.