5 Lawns You Can Grow From Seed

When it comes to establishing a new lawn, growing it from seed is an affordable and rewarding option for homeowners across Australia. Whether you’re aiming for a lush green lawn or a hardy, low-maintenance ground cover, choosing the right grass species is crucial.

Here, we’ll explore five of the most popular lawn varieties you can grow from seed in Australia!

 

1. Kikuyu Grass (Pennisetum clandestinum)

Kikuyu grass is one of the most popular grass varieties for Australian lawns, especially in warmer regions. It’s a fast-growing grass that thrives in full sun and is incredibly tolerant of heat, drought, and heavy foot traffic.

Climate and Soil Needs: Kikuyu does best in subtropical and warm-temperate climates, particularly in areas like Queensland, Northern NSW, and parts of Victoria. It prefers well-drained soil but is quite adaptable and can tolerate a range of soil types, including poorer or sandy soils.

Maintenance: Kikuyu is a low-maintenance lawn once established. It only needs moderate watering and can handle dry spells well. It’s relatively disease-resistant and occasional fertiliser boosts during the growing season. Kikuyu is a great grower, but it can be invasive, so it needs regular mowing to keep it from spreading too far.

Ease of Growing from Seed: Kikuyu is easy to grow from seed, but you will need to be patient, as germination can take a few weeks. Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of around 18-22°C for best results.

2. Buffalo Grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum)

Buffalo grass is favoured for its soft texture and shade tolerance. It’s an excellent option for lawns in areas that receive limited sunlight, making it a good choice for gardens with trees or houses with heavy shade. Known for its dark green colour, it’s a fantastic option for both residential and commercial properties looking for a low-maintenance, resilient lawn.

Climate and Soil Needs: Buffalo grass thrives in subtropical and temperate climates. It grows best in well-drained, sandy to loamy soils, though it can tolerate heavier soils as long as they drain well. This variety of grass is ideal for coastal areas or places with moderate rainfall, such as parts of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.

Maintenance: Once established, Buffalo grass requires relatively low maintenance. It’s drought-tolerant, but for the best appearance, regular mowing and occasional feeding with a slow-release fertiliser will keep it looking its best. Buffalo grass is also highly resistant to pests and diseases, which is an added bonus!

Ease of Growing from Seed: Growing buffalo grass from seed can be tricky, but if you have the time and patience, is worth the effort! It may take longer to establish compared to other grass varieties, and requires consistent watering and warm temperatures for optimal growth. Germination typically occurs in about 14-21 days.

3. Couch Grass (Cynodon dactylon)

Couch grass is a popular choice for Australian lawns, particularly in warmer climates. Known for its fine leaf texture and ability to withstand heavy use, Couch forms a dense carpet of grass that is perfect for families, sports enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a durable lawn. It’s particularly suited to areas where the sun shines most of the day.

Climate and Soil Needs: Couch grass thrives in warm-temperate to tropical climates, making it a great choice for northern and central Australia. It prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils but is adaptable to most soil types, including clay, as long as drainage is adequate.

Maintenance: Couch grass requires regular mowing, especially during the growing season, to keep it neat and tidy. It’s a drought-tolerant species but benefits from regular watering, especially during extended dry periods. Regular fertilising and dethatching are also important to keep a couch grass lawn healthy.

Ease of Growing from Seed: Growing Couch grass from seed is relatively easy, though it can take a little longer to establish compared to other species. With proper watering and a warm climate, germination typically occurs within 7-14 days. Once the grass is established, it grows vigorously and fills in quickly.

4. Fescue Grass (Festuca spp.)

With its fine texture and deep green colour, fescue grass is ideal for cooler regions of Australia, particularly in southern areas like Tasmania, parts of Victoria, and the highlands of New South Wales.

Climate and Soil Needs: Fescue grows best in cool to temperate climates, preferring well-drained, fertile soils. It tolerates shade better than most warm-season grasses, but it does require regular watering to keep the soil moist. It thrives in areas with moderate rainfall, making it suitable for coastal and highland regions.

Maintenance: Fescue is low-maintenance once established, requiring less mowing than warm-season grasses and staying green throughout winter. It’s drought-tolerant but benefits from regular irrigation during dry spells, and only needs fertilising once or twice a year.

Ease of Growing from Seed: Fescue is relatively easy to grow from seed. It germinates quickly in cool to moderate temperatures (around 10-20°C), with germination taking 7-14 days.

5. Ryegrass (Lolium perenne)

Ryegrass is a cool-season grass that’s fast-growing that’s commonly used for overseeding warm-season grasses in winter, but it can also be grown alone in cooler regions for a thick, vibrant lawn. Its fine leaf texture and lush green colour make it a popular choice for lush-looking lawns.

Climate and Soil Needs: Ryegrass thrives in cool-temperate climates, growing best in areas with moderate to high rainfall. It prefers fertile, well-drained soils, but can tolerate a variety of soil types as long as they drain well.

Maintenance: Ryegrass requires more water than warm-season grasses but is relatively low-maintenance otherwise. Regular mowing and occasional fertilising will help maintain its healthy growth. It is more susceptible to diseases like rust and powdery mildew, so it’s important to monitor its health, especially in the cooler months.

Ease of Growing from Seed: Ryegrass is one of the easiest grasses to grow from seed. It germinates quickly, typically within 5-7 days, and grows rapidly, establishing a lawn in just a few weeks.

Grow a Healthy Lawn with Jim’s Mowing

The five grass species we’ve covered each offer advantages, whether you’re in a warm, sunny climate or a cooler, shaded area. By choosing the right grass for your region and soil type, you’ll be well on your way to creating a lush, healthy lawn that suits your lifestyle. For more help seeding, growing, aerating, and mowing your lawn, get in touch with the friendly experts at Jim’s Mowing today!