St. Augustine Grass Fertilizer

Proper fertilization helps keep a lawn green and growing healthily.

St. Augustine grass grows well in warm climates such as Florida and Hawaii. It grows relatively well in range of soil types but does best when provided a supplemental fertilizer.

Types

Lawn fertilizers are measured by the amounts of nitrogen they contain, although fertilizers also contain phosphorous and potassium. A high nitrogen fertilizer with low amounts of phosphorous, such as a 15-0-15 or 15-2-15 ratio fertilizer is recommended for St. Augustine grass by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. It also recommends using a fertilizer that contains at least some slow-release nitrogen.

Amounts

St. Augustine grass grows well with fertilizer applications of between 1/2 to1 lb. per 1,000 square feet per application. Grasses in rainy areas require more fertilizer than those in dry areas, and grasses on clay soil require less fertilizer than those on sandy soils.

Time Frame

Apply fertilizer to St. Augustine grass only during its months of growth. Plant experts at Texas A& M University Horticulture recommend fertilizing once per month during the growth seasons. St. Augustine grass usually grows between spring and fall. It becomes dormant for winter.

References

• University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences: St. Augustinegrass for Florida Lawns
• Texas A&M University Horticulture: St. Augustine Grass
• Texas A&M University Horticulture: Lawn Fertilization in Texas
• University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture: St. Augustinegrass