Buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides) is a native, warm-season turfgrass known for its exceptional resilience and low-input requirements, making it a popular choice for sustainable lawns. This species is naturally adapted to the arid climates of the Great Plains, exhibiting superior drought tolerance compared to traditional turf varieties. Planting a buffalo grass lawn from seed provides an economical and practical method to establish this slow-growing grass. Successfully sowing the seed requires careful attention to soil preparation and a precise watering regime during the establishment phase. The reduced need for mowing, watering, and fertilization once mature offers long-term benefits.
Preparing the Soil for Successful Seeding
The seedbed must be prepared by completely removing all existing vegetation, including weeds and old turf. This often requires herbicide application followed by mechanical removal. Once the area is clear, tilling the top four to six inches of soil will relieve compaction and allow for healthy root penetration, which is particularly important in clay-heavy soils.
It is beneficial to conduct a soil test to confirm the pH level and nutrient profile; buffalo grass thrives in a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Any necessary amendments, such as lime or starter fertilizer rich in phosphorus, should be incorporated into the tilled soil before seeding. After tilling, the soil should be raked smooth to remove large debris and then lightly firmed with a roller until footprints sink no more than half an inch deep. This final firming step ensures the seed will not settle too deeply and promotes the necessary seed-to-soil contact for germination.
The Seeding Process
Buffalo grass requires warm soil to initiate growth. The optimal window for planting is late spring through early summer, once the soil temperature is consistently above 60°F. Avoid planting too early, when soil is cool, or too late in the season, which risks winterkill before establishment.
Buffalo grass has a relatively low seeding rate, typically requiring between 1.5 to 3 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet. Applying the seed with a drop or rotary spreader ensures even coverage across the prepared soil surface. Divide the seed in half and apply each portion in perpendicular directions across the lawn area. After spreading, the seed should be covered lightly, no more than half an inch deep, by gently raking or using a cultipacker to achieve seed-to-soil contact.
Initial Watering and Germination Care
Successful germination requires a precise and consistent moisture level immediately following planting. Buffalo grass seed typically sprouts within 7 to 21 days, and the soil surface must not be allowed to dry out during this time. To maintain constant moisture without causing runoff, the area should be watered lightly and frequently, often three to five times daily, with each session lasting only a few minutes.
Once the seedlings are visible, the watering schedule must gradually transition to encourage deep root development. This involves reducing the frequency of watering while increasing the duration of each session, aiming to soak the soil more deeply. The first mowing should occur when the grass blades reach a height of approximately three to four inches. Setting the mower height to about two inches during this first cut encourages tillering and helps suppress competing weed growth.
Maintaining the Established Lawn
After the initial establishment phase, the maintenance requirements for buffalo grass decrease significantly. The watering program shifts from the frequent light irrigation needed for germination to deep, infrequent applications. To promote a robust, drought-tolerant root system, the lawn should be watered deeply only when the grass shows signs of stress, such as wilting or a change in color.
Buffalo grass requires minimal fertilization compared to traditional cool-season grasses. If the turf appears pale or growth is slow, a single application of a low-nitrogen fertilizer in early summer is usually sufficient. A standard mowing height of three to four inches is recommended for established buffalo grass, which helps maintain density and prevents excessive weed invasion. Mowing is often only necessary once every two to four weeks during the active growing season.