Buffalo grass (Bouteloua dactyloides) is a warm-season, perennial turfgrass native to the Great Plains, making it an excellent, low-maintenance choice for Texas landscapes. It is prized for its exceptional drought tolerance and ability to thrive in the state’s heat, requiring significantly less water than alternatives like St. Augustine or Bermuda grass. Planting buffalo grass from seed requires precise timing and preparation, focusing on soil conditions to ensure proper germination and a dense, established lawn.
Understanding the Optimal Planting Time
The best time to plant buffalo grass seed is determined by soil temperature, not air temperature. As a warm-season grass, Bouteloua dactyloides requires a warm soil environment to germinate. The optimal window for planting is when the soil temperature consistently registers between 60°F and 70°F.
This temperature requirement typically places the primary planting window in Texas from late spring through mid-summer, generally early April through late June. Planting during this time allows seedlings to establish a deep root system before intense summer heat and winter dormancy.
The planting window shifts regionally; southern Texas may reach the 65°F threshold by mid-March, while the northern Panhandle may not warm sufficiently until late April or early May. It is best to use a soil thermometer to confirm the consistent temperature rather than relying solely on the calendar date.
Planting too early, when the soil is still below 60°F, will cause the seed to remain dormant, making it susceptible to rot and disease. Planting too late in the season, particularly after mid-August, does not allow the young grass enough time to develop a strong root structure before the first fall frosts trigger winter dormancy.
Preparing the Soil for Successful Seeding
Creating a clean and firm seedbed is essential before sowing. All existing vegetation, including weeds and old turf, must be removed to eliminate competition for light and moisture. Chemical control is often the most effective method for clearing the site, but this must be done far enough in advance to avoid any residual herbicide effects on the new grass seed.
Once the area is clear, lightly till or aerate the soil to a shallow depth to improve water and air infiltration. Deeper tillage up to six inches may be necessary for heavily compacted soils to promote healthy rooting. Buffalo grass performs best in soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5, so a soil test can inform necessary amendments.
The final step is ensuring the seedbed is firm and level. After tilling, the soil should be rolled or packed so that footprints sink no more than about half an inch deep. A firm seedbed ensures good seed-to-soil contact, allowing the seed to absorb moisture and germinate effectively.
Essential Post-Planting Care and Establishment
After the seed is broadcast and lightly covered to a depth of no more than a quarter-inch, a specific watering regimen is required for the establishment phase. The initial goal is to keep the top layer of soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, until germination occurs. This requires light, frequent watering, sometimes three to five times a day, to prevent the seeds from drying out.
Germination typically takes 14 to 30 days, and this frequent watering schedule must be maintained until the seedlings are visible. Once the grass is growing, gradually reduce the watering frequency while increasing the duration of each event. This transition encourages the young roots to grow downward and establish a deep, drought-tolerant system.
By six to eight weeks, the grass should transition to a deep, infrequent watering schedule, characteristic of established buffalo grass care. The first mowing should occur when the new grass reaches three to four inches, using a high setting. Remove no more than one-third of the blade height at any time.
Weed control must be done carefully, as pre-emergent herbicides inhibit new grass seed. Hand-pulling or spot-treating weeds is the preferred method until the buffalo grass is dense and mature, typically after the first full growing season.