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When To Plant Zoysia Grass Seed?

Zoysia is a warm-season turfgrass with a light green color that thrives in temperatures between 80- and 95-degrees Fahrenheit. Though it will enter dormancy when the temperature drops below 55 F.

This grass is ideal for places where there are long warm seasons and short, mild winters like Florida or Hawaii.

One downside? Unlike most grasses, Zoysia has limited resistance against cold temperatures. The strong yet lightweight blades make it perfect for golf-course fairways allowing you an easy hit.

Every one of you must be planning to opt for this grass after knowing its unique properties, and here the question arises “when to plant Zoysia grass seed.” This article answers in detail.

Best Time to Plant Zoysia Grass Seed

The best time to plant Zoysia is in late spring or early summer when the soil temperature is 70+ degrees (daytime 80+), and there’s no danger of freeze/frost. It is a warm-season grass that grows best when temperatures are between 80 and 100 degrees.

It’s not uncommon for Zoysia grass blades to reach 6 feet in height, though they typically only grow 1-2 inches per week during warm seasons. Zoysia is a slow grower, so you must allow the seedlings to mature and establish their roots deep into the sod or soil.

Zoysia Grass Features

Zoysia is a perennial warm-season turfgrass with strong yet lightweight blades, perfect if you want an instant green place. The following are its features in detail.

  • It is warm-season grass (C4 grass).
  • It has stiff, narrow leaves that grow in dense clumps.
  • It has low water requirements and can tolerate cold temperatures, so it’s great for use as an alternative to Poa or other warm-season grasses.
  • Zoysia seeds typically take 14 to 21 days for germination, but they could sprout sooner or later.
  • Unlike most grass types that go dormant once snow covers them up until soils don’t rise above 50°F, Zoysia grass resumes growth once the soil temperature reaches 70 °.
  • It has low water and nutrition requirements.
  • Zoysia Grass is heat- and drought-tolerant.

Zoysia Grass Types

Zoysia grass has three types or species, the brief introductions of which are given.

1.     Zoysia Japonica

Zoysia japonica is a beautiful and versatile grass that can be used for any landscaping project. As Japanese immigrants introduced it into North America in 1879, it is commonly known as Japanese or Korean grass.

It typically grows best on sandy or clay soils with regular watering throughout the summer months. Although it is the only type of zoysia grass with seed commercially available, it is commonly installed through sodding or plugging.

Zoysia Japonica When To Plant Zoysia Grass Seed
Zoysia Japonica

2.     Zoysia Matrella

Zoysia matrella was introduced from Manila in the early 1900s. It is less cold tolerance to survive between 0° F – 10°F, and it grows slowly.

However, it produces beautiful turf with high quality that professionals can maintain for years. With a finer leaf texture than Z. japonica, this grass type has little maintenance needs.

Zoysia Matrella When To Plant Zoysia Grass Seed
Zoysia Matrella

3.     Zoysia Tenuifolia

Zoysia tenuifolia is a type of Zoysia grass that grows in clumps and resembles puffy bread. It’s usually used as ornamental landscaping due to its slow growth habit but can also grow on coastal plains with warm weather conditions.

Zoysia Tenuifolia When To Plant Zoysia Grass Seed 2
Zoysia Tenuifolia

How To Plant Zoysia Grass Seed

Zoysia grass is a great plant for the warmer months of spring and summer. You can grow it from seed, plugs, or sod. The following steps will help you to grow zoysia grass from seeds but consider these points before planting:

  • Zoysia Seeds need full sun with moist soil that’s pH balanced (6 to 7).
  • Please make sure no weeds are growing around when you sow them because they’ll compete against each other regarding nutrients.

Step 1 – Test The Soil’s pH

Zoysia is a hardy plant that needs the right conditions to thrive. Zoysias are typically found growing in soil with an acidity level between pH 6 and 5. It would help if you did some soil research before planting your seeds so they’ll have all chances of success.

Step 2 – Adjust Soil’s pH

You can adjust the soil’s pH by adding the right amount of nutrients. It will not only help you achieve a more acidic or alkaline environment but makes the soil rich in minerals.

Step 3 – Prepare Your Soil By Smoothing And Raking It

You should prepare the soil by breaking up large chunks of soil with a hard take or other tools. Ensure that all debris has been removed from within this area before forming it into your seedbed using soft rakes. It is because a perfect growing medium needs good quality topsoil.

Step 4 – Spread The Seeds Evenly

Seed seeds with a spreader to protect them and ensure even germination rates. Too many of the seeds cause low germination or overcrowding, so be cautious when using one. Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader can evenly spread grass seed, holding up to 5,000 sq. ft. of Scotts lawn products.

Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader When To Plant Zoysia Grass Seed 2
Scotts Turf Builder EdgeGuard Mini Broadcast Spreader

Step 5 – Use Lawn Roller To Spread Seeds

It is best to avoid covering your Zoysia seeds with soil to ensure that they have a good chance of thriving. Instead, use a lawn roller like Agri-Fab 18-Inch x 36-Inch Poly Tow Lawn Roller so they can get plenty of contacts.

Agri Fab 18 Inch x 36 Inch Poly Tow Lawn Roller 45 0268 When To Plant Zoysia Grass Seed
Agri Fab 18 Inch x 36 Inch Poly Tow Lawn Roller

Step 6 – Give Proper Watering

After seed installation is completed, keep the area well-watered until the seeds germinate. Then, avoid excessive watering and stick to the level where the soil is moist, not soggy.


Conclusion

Zoysia grass is bright green colored grass that stands out against your yard soil type or dirt drives–perfect for any lawn. It is a popular lawn grass known for its beauty and ability to withstand hot summer temperatures.

The articles give the detailed answer of “when to plant Zoysia grass seed.” In brief:

  • The best time to plant Zoysia is in late spring or early summer
  • This warm-season grass grows best when temperatures are between 80 and 100 degrees.

Feel free to head over to the comment section for lawn care tips and solutions. Our lawn care professionals are ready to help you in your struggle with having a perfect green lawn.

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