Type of Grass Seed to Plant in North Florida

Zoysia

• Native to eastern Asia, Zoysia grass is a warm-season grass introduced to the United States before 1895, according to Florida Turf. This grass is frost-sensitive but thrives in northern Florida's climate, even growing along the coast. Varieties range from an extremely fine textured grass commonly used on golf courses to a more coarse textured type. Zoysia will grow in partial shade and various soil conditions, from sandy to heavy clay. This grass is extremely drought-tolerant, and although it will brown under extended periods without water, it responds quickly to irrigation. Zoysia grass is available as a seed, sod or sprigs.

St. Augustine

• St. Augustine grass is one of the most common turf grasses found throughout the state of Florida. Native to the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean, this grass thrives in a variety of soils and is fairly saline-resistant, making it a good choice for lawns near the ocean. St. Augustine also grows in partial to full shade. Like most warm-season grasses, St. Augustine is not frost hardy and will die back if the temperatures drop below freezing, which is rare in North Florida. St. Augustine is bluish-green, coarse-textured grass. Several cultivars are available for North Florida lawns including bitterblue, classic and Delmar, according to the University of Florida.

Bermuda

• Found on golf courses, commercial landscapes and athletic fields around the world, Bermuda grass is one of the most common varieties of turf grass in warm climates. This grass is drought and saline-tolerant and grows vigorously, making it difficult for lawn weeds to get established. Because of this rapid growth rate, Bermuda grass can jump the boundary from your lawn to your flower bed, where it is difficult to eradicate. Bermuda grasses are available in fine and coarse textured varieties, although the finer texture the grass, the more maintenance required to keep it manicured, according to the University of Florida. Bermuda grass is susceptible to insect infestation as well as diseases, and it has a poor tolerance of shade. Bermuda is available as sod, sprigs or seeds.