Planting Bahia Grass
Bahia grass is a drought-tolerant South American perennial grass. Its scientific name is Paspalum notatum; it is also known as Pensacola bahia and common bahia. It is a low-maintenance grass that doesn't require much watering and fertilizing, and it grows well in full sun. Bahia grass is popular along the southeastern coast of the United States.
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How to Plant
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Bahia grass can be planted in an existing lawn, where it will eventually spread and take over, or it can be planted into newly tilled soil. To plant over an existing lawn, the grass must be mowed very low and the grass clippings should be removed. The lawn must then be raked to create grooves in the soil so the bahia grass can germinate and take root.
Spread the seeds by hand or with a broadcast spreader. Do not overseed--this will crowd the grass seedlings and deprive them of soil nutrients. Aim for an even, moderate distribution of seeds. Follow the planting instructions for your bahia grass variety.
Watering, Cutting and Fertilizing
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Water your lawn as needed to help the bahia grass germinate and grow healthy roots. According to Seedland, bahia grass takes 30 days to germinate. Once the grass grows taller than your normal mowing height, begin your mowing routine. Regular cutting will help the root system grow stronger, it will help the bahia grass compete with and take over weeds, and it will prevent the grass from growing seed heads.
Bahia grass grows deep roots that help it tolerate hot and dry weather. It also grows thick stems called stolons, which can make it difficult to mow. However, it is recommended to only cut the grass blades, not the stems at their base. Cutting too low will encourage weed growth.
When the grass starts to produce seeds in the summer, it is recommended by Lowe's to mow regularly to keep the seeds from maturing. This will keep the bahia grass at a manageable thickness. Scott's recommends using a fertilizer containing iron to help the grass gain a deep green hue.
Spring and Fall
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The best time to start a bahia lawn is the spring. However, bahia grass can take root at any time of the year, and some people choose to plant in the fall. The soil should be warm and moist before planting. It should also be prepared with a starter fertilizer, according to Lowe's.
As fall approaches, stop watering and feeding your bahia grass so that it can enter a period of dormancy. This cannot be achieved if the grass is actively taking in and processing water and nutrients. Dormancy will give the grass a rest and a chance to develop a stronger root system for the next growing season.
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