Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum)

What does it look like?

Bahia grass is an open, coarse textured grass that produces a low-to-medium quality turf. It produces seed stalks 1-3 feet tall throughout the growing season.

How does it grow?

Bahia grass spreads by short rhizomes and stolons.

How does it rate for the average homeowner?

This low maintenance grass does well in hot, humid areas and can thrive even on poor, infertile soils. While it forms a good cover, the turf quality is not especially high. The biggest drawback of Bahia grass is that it forms a seed-head in the summer and fall, which means frequent mowing if you want to maintain a neat appearance. A warm-weather grass, it does not do well in the cold.Bahia grass thrives in warm, humid climates that also enjoy high annual rainfall. This effectively limits its range to the Gulf states.

In what kinds of climates / conditions does it flourish / languish?

Bahia grass thrives in warm, humid climates that also enjoy high annual rainfall. This effectively limits its range to the Gulf states.

Does this kind of grass mix well with other grasses?

Bahia grass is best when used alone. Do not mix it with other grasses.

Unique qualities:

• Excellent for low-maintenance turf areas
• Poor cold and drought tolerance
• Does not need excessive nitrogen
• Poor grass for activities

Recommended grass height, fertilizer rate, amount of water:

• Mowing ranges between 2-3 inches.
• Fertilize with no more than 1-2 lbs total Nitrogen applied per 1,000 square feet in late spring.
• Water 0.5-1.0 inches per week during summer months to keep actively growing.