Dichondra, known as Dichondra repens (kidney weed or pony foot) or the silvery variety Dichondra argentea (silver falls), is a sought-after alternative to traditional lawn grasses. This perennial ground cover is prized for its unique, rounded, kidney-shaped leaves and dense, low-growing habit, rarely exceeding two inches in height. It is favored for its low-maintenance appeal, creating a lush, carpet-like appearance where turfgrass often struggles. Successfully establishing this ground cover begins with properly sowing the seed, a process requiring attention to specific environmental conditions and careful technique.
Preparing the Planting Site and Timing
Successfully planting Dichondra begins with selecting the appropriate time and meticulously preparing the soil. Dichondra is a warm-season plant, and the ideal time for planting is late spring or early summer when soil temperatures are reliably warm. Seeds germinate best when daytime temperatures are consistently in the 70s Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures remain above 50°F to 65°F. This thermal requirement ensures rapid and uniform germination, which is important for establishment in warmer climates (typically USDA Zones 7 through 11).
Choosing the right location is crucial for the plant’s density. Dichondra thrives in sites ranging from full sun to partial shade, though deep shade should be avoided as the plants can become sparse or “leggy.” A location receiving at least six hours of sunlight is optimal for forming a dense mat. In extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can protect young seedlings from scorching heat.
Dichondra requires well-draining soil, performing best in a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. It is necessary to clear the area of all existing weeds and debris, as Dichondra is difficult to weed once established. The soil should then be loosened and finely raked to create a smooth, clod-free seedbed that is level and firm.
Sowing the Dichondra Seeds
Once the seedbed is prepared, ensure the seeds are distributed evenly across the area. For a dense ground cover, the recommended seeding rate is approximately one pound of Dichondra seed for every 500 square feet. Using a slightly higher rate results in a quicker, more dense canopy, but too much seed can lead to overcrowding and weak growth. Achieving uniform coverage is challenging due to the small size of the seeds, but this improves by mixing the seeds with a carrier material like fine sand or dry, screened soil.
A common technique is to divide both the total seed mixture and the planting area into two equal halves. The first half of the mixture is broadcast over the entire area in one direction (e.g., north to south). The second half is then applied perpendicular to the first (e.g., east to west). This cross-hatching method helps minimize gaps and ensures a more even distribution, preventing noticeable streaks or bald spots as the seeds germinate.
Dichondra seeds require sunlight for successful germination, meaning they should only be covered very lightly, if at all. After scattering, gently rake the seeds into the top layer of the soil, aiming for a covering depth of no more than one-eighth of an inch. The entire area must then be lightly rolled or tamped down. This action is critical for establishing good seed-to-soil contact, which locks the seed in place and allows it to absorb the necessary moisture.
Essential Care for Germination and Establishment
The period immediately following sowing requires a specific, intensive watering regimen to ensure successful germination. The seedbed must be kept consistently moist, but never soggy, until the seedlings emerge. This often necessitates frequent, light watering or misting, sometimes three to four times a day, especially during warm afternoons. Allowing the top layer of the soil to dry out even once during the 7- to 14-day germination window can cause the tiny sprouts to die.
Once the seedlings appear and begin to establish their root systems, the watering frequency must be gradually reduced. This transition encourages the roots to grow deeper into the soil, moving away from shallow, surface-level moisture. Instead of multiple light daily waterings, the goal shifts to providing deeper, less frequent irrigation, such as watering every other day and then moving toward twice a week. Each watering should apply enough moisture to soak the soil to a depth of several inches, which helps the new plants become more drought-tolerant.
The young Dichondra plants require a few weeks to fully establish into a dense mat. Postpone the first maintenance tasks until the plants are about six to eight weeks old and have developed their true leaves. If the ground cover needs shaping, the first mowing should be done at a higher setting, typically between 1.5 and 2 inches. Similarly, any application of fertilizer should wait until this establishment period is complete, using a balanced formulation to support the new growth.