The two primary methods of establishing turfgrass are seed and vegetative propagation. Vegetative propagation includes sodding, sprigging and plugging. Although propagating vegetatively is labor-intensive, all warm-season grasses can be planted by this method.
Seeding is usually the easiest and most economical method of planting grasses, but not all warm-season grasses can establish from seed. It also requires a longer period of time to have complete grass cover.
Tables 1 and 2 show recommended planting rates for each turfgrass species. Regardless of the method of planting, it is essential that a proper seedbed be prepared before planting. A healthy, attractive, long-lived lawn can be established only if you select high quality seed or planting material and select turfgrasses that are well adapted to the soil and climate.
Refer to ENH2, Preparing to Plant a Florida Lawn for instructions on site preparation and grass planting.
Seeding
Seeding is the easiest and most economical way of establishing a lawn. Success depends on seed quality, proper seeding time, rate, and method of seeding.
, and method of seeding.
Seed Quality
In order to successfully establish a lawn from seed, top quality seed must be used. Federal and state laws require that each container of seed have a tag listing turfgrass species and cultivar, purity, percent germination and weed content. Purity tells the amount (as a percentage) of the desired seed and any other seed and inert matter. Percent germination tells the amount of seed expected to germinate under optimum conditions. The quantity of weed seeds is also listed. Read the tag thoroughly to be sure you are purchasing good quality seed. Try to purchase seed that has a purity of 90% or higher and a germination of 85% or higher. Always select the best quality seed of the cultivar you wish to plant. Many times contractors buy seed with poor (<50%) germination and poor purity (<80%) in order to save money. Usually this results in weed invasion and/or poor stand establishment.
Seed Label Seeding Time and Rate
The best time to seed warm-season grass is during the spring and summer months from April through July, since this permits a full growing season before cold weather. Seed may be planted as late as September or early October, but establishment is much slower because of cooler weather. In south Florida, year-round planting may produce a good quality lawn. In north Florida, young seedling grasses may be winter-killed if they are planted too late in the fall. Spring and summer seeding also takes advantage of Florida's rainy season and may greatly reduce irrigation requirements.
Seeding rates are shown in Table 1 . Rates vary with species and cultivar of grass. Economics must be considered since certain turfgrass seeds are quite expensive, and therefore optimum seeding rates are not always practical. The seeding rates suggested will give adequate coverage and produce a mature lawn with good post-planting care. Rates vary from 4 ounces per 1000 square feet for centipedegrass, which has a very small seed, to 10 pounds per 1000 square feet for bahiagrass, which has a large seed. Seeding rates can be reduced, but the trade-off is a more open turf area subject to weed invasion and erosion.
A hard, impermeable seed coat that restricts the entrance of water or gases into the seed can prevent or seriously delay germination even under favorable conditions. Seed germination is enhanced by scarification processes that disrupt the impermeable coat and permit the entrance of moisture and gases.
Bahiagrass seed is often scarified either by soaking in a mild acid solution for a period of time or by physical abrasion to help remove its impermeable seed coat. Bahiagrass seed that has been scarified has an increased germination percentage. Many seeding methods are used, ranging from planting by hand to the use of mechanical equipment for large turf areas.
No matter what method you use, it's important to distribute seeds evenly to keep the lawn uniform. The seedbed should be moist, well prepared, and leveled. Rake the entire area with a heavy garden rake to produce furrows into which the seeds are planted.
Seed should be applied mechanically either with a drop-type or rotary spreader ( Figure 2 ).Mechanical seeders provide a more uniform distribution of seed than hand seeding ( Figure 3 ). For best distribution of seed, apply one-half the required amount in one direction and apply the remainder at right angles to the first seeding ( Figure 4 ).
When sowing very small seed like centipedegrass and bermudagrass, you will find the seed is more easily and uniformly applied if you mix it with sand, top soil, or another convenient carrier that adds bulk to the spreader.
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