How To Start A New Zoysia Lawn From Seed

Zoysia Lawn Seed

Zoysia grass can be grown from many different sources. It can be laid from sod, which is more commonly known as roll on turf, it can be grown from Envirocells, which are small plugs of turf sold in tray form, and a far more economical way to plant, and finally, it can be grown from seed, which is the most economical form to start any new lawn type.

In fact, Zoysia is the only warm season grass which we ever recommend growing from seed in Australia at this time. All other warm season grasses which are available in seed form in Australia are most often inferior to those which can be laid from sod, however work is being done to bring more superior seed types into the country, notably from the Couch family.

Compadre Zoysia Seed

Compadre Zoysia is the most commonly available Zoysia grass which is available in Australia which can be purchased and grown from seed. But rest assured that just because this is the only Zoysia grass which is readily available in seed form, that the homeowner may be somehow limited in their Zoysia grass choices.

Compadre Zoysia is a well proven Zoysia grass of the highest quality, and if the homeowner were looking to grow a new Zoysia lawn, then Compadre Zoysia is highly worthwhile within this grass family.

Zenith Zoysia Seed

Zenith is another high quality Zoysia which is available in seed in Australia. It is bred tough from 3 different parent grasses, looks similar to Compadre and is even used on sporting fields. Unfortunately, it is less readily available than Compadre seed in Australia, so for the purpose of this article, we'll continue to focus on Compadre.

Seeding A New Compadre Zoysia Lawn

Beginning a new Compadre Zoysia lawn from seed is exactly the same for all other lawns started in this way. Any new Zoysia lawn started from seed should only ever be done during the warmer months, never when it's cold and never when the weather is scorching hot.

The soil is prepared by levelling and improving the condition as is required for the land. Obviously the more work which goes into the soil preparation by improving or replacing the top soil will have a major impact on the ongoing lawn health over many many years to come, but at the end of the day this is a decision that the homeowner will need to judge and make for themselves.

Compadre Zoysia seed is best spread at a rate of between one to one and a half kilograms per 100 square metres. As is always the case with spreading either fertiliser or lawn seed, it's always best to halve the seed into two equal groups, and then to spread each group of seed in different directions. Start with going North South with the first lot of seed, and the use the second lot of seed to spread East - West to ensure even coverage.

Once the seed is laid, it can be gently raked into the soil with a steel garden rake.

Watering the newly seeded soil is now the most important factor of all. Once the seed is laid it can never be allowed to dry out during the propagation and establishment phase. This may require several waterings per day, with more water during the hotter weather and less when the weather is cooler.

Care For The New Compadre Zoysia Lawn

Your new Zoysia lawn should now be seen to be establishing nicely at about 4 weeks after seeding, however it is still not ready for use as a lawn, and will still not be ready to withstand any wear and tear from human activity.

A fertiliser should now be applied for the first time to the new lawn. Ensure the fertiliser is only applied at manufacturers recommended application rates, and no more. The fertiliser chosen should be a standard quality lawn fertiliser and not a slow release fertiliser.

When Will The New Zoysia Lawn Be Ready

Your new Zoysia lawn will be ready for mowing once it reaches a height of around 5 cm. At this time it's best to give it a light gentle trim only to around 3 - 4 cm. Remembering that the soil will still be soft and will not be completely covered by runners (rhizomes) to protect it, so take it easy.

As the lawn becomes more established, it can begin being used more and more as a real lawn. The warmer the weather, the quicker the lawn will become established, and as the sward becomes thicker and more dense, the more the lawn can be used by people.

General time frames for development should be:
1 month - light walking
2 months - light activity
3 months - increased activity
4 months - your new Compadre Zoysia lawn should be fully established.

Now get out and enjoy your new low maintenance Zoysia lawn!

Credit and acknowledgment:
Special thanks to Peter Harrison, Principal Scientist of Above Capricorn for his assistance with this article. Above Capricorn promotes and supplies Compadre Zoysia in Australia.