Buffalo grass (Buchloë dactyloides) is a native North American prairie grass known for its exceptional drought tolerance and low-maintenance requirements, making it a popular choice for sustainable turf. As a warm-season grass, its life cycle is dictated by temperature, thriving during the heat of summer and going dormant in cooler months. Successfully establishing a lawn depends on accurately timing the planting to coincide with the beginning of its active growth cycle. This timing ensures the young grass develops a strong root system before fall and winter dormancy.
Optimal Planting Timing
The time to plant buffalo grass is tied directly to soil temperature, not the calendar date. Planting must be delayed until the danger of hard frost has passed and the soil has warmed sufficiently for germination and vegetative growth. Buffalo grass seeds require a consistent soil temperature of at least 60°F (15°C) to begin germination. Optimal growth occurs when temperatures are between 75°F and 90°F.
This requirement typically places the planting window in the late spring through early summer, generally from May to June. Planting during this window allows the grass to take full advantage of the entire summer growing season. If planted after mid-August, young seedlings may not have sufficient time to establish before the first frost, resulting in failure. For areas utilizing irrigation, summer planting (June through July) is preferred because rapid establishment helps with weed suppression.
Choosing Your Planting Method
Buffalo grass can be established using seeds, vegetative plugs, or sod, each offering a different balance of cost versus speed of establishment. Seeds are the most economical option for large areas, but they require precise timing and patience for the lawn to mature. Improved turf-type seeds are often treated to help break dormancy and improve germination speed.
Plugs, which are small sections of established grass, offer a middle ground in cost and speed, typically filling in the area within two to three months. Plugs and sod provide more flexibility in the planting schedule than seeds, though they are significantly more expensive. Sod offers an instant lawn but requires intensive labor to lay and immediate watering to prevent drying out.
Site Preparation and Initial Steps
Properly preparing the planting site is fundamental for successful establishment. The area must be cleared of all existing vegetation, including weeds and old turf, using mechanical tilling or a nonselective herbicide. Tilling the soil to a depth of 6 to 12 inches is recommended, especially in compacted soils, to promote deep rooting and water absorption.
After tilling, the soil should be worked into a fine condition and leveled to ensure proper surface drainage. Conducting a soil test beforehand is beneficial to determine pH and nutrient levels, as buffalo grass prefers a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Necessary amendments, such as organic matter or starter fertilizer high in phosphorus, should be incorporated into the topsoil before planting. The final step is to gently roll or pack the seedbed to create a firm surface for planting.
Post-Planting Care for Successful Establishment
The initial care regimen differs for seeds versus vegetative material. Newly sown seed requires frequent, light watering to keep the top half-inch of soil consistently moist until germination occurs, typically taking 10 to 21 days for treated seed. This watering helps ensure the seeds do not dry out, which is a common cause of establishment failure.
For plugs and sod, the initial watering should be thorough to saturate the underlying soil. A general guideline is to water every other day for the first week, then reduce frequency for the second week, gradually easing back. Mowing encourages spreading and suppresses weed competition during establishment. The first mowing should occur when new growth reaches approximately 3 inches, removing only one-third of the blade height.