Bouteloua dactyloides, commonly known as Buffalo Grass, is a native North American turf option. This warm-season perennial grass offers a finely textured, low-maintenance alternative to high-water-use lawns. It is a highly drought-tolerant species, typically requiring only half an inch of rain per month to remain green once established, making it a sustainable choice for many regions. The following sections will guide you through the various physical forms this grass is sold in, the primary sources for purchasing it, and the factors to consider before you buy.
Forms of Buffalo Grass Available for Purchase
Buffalo Grass can be acquired in three forms: seed, sod, and plugs. Each option presents a different balance between cost, labor, and establishment speed.
Seed is the most economical way to cover a large area, but it requires patience for a complete lawn to develop. The establishment time from seed can take an entire growing season to achieve full coverage, and success relies on maintaining consistent moisture during the initial germination phase.
Sod provides an immediate, mature lawn and the fastest path to a finished turf area. Since the grass is fully grown with an established root system, it reduces the risk of soil erosion and weed competition during the initial period. This option is the most expensive due to the costs associated with growing, harvesting, and transporting the turf.
Grass plugs are small clumps of established Buffalo Grass, representing an intermediate choice between seed and sod in terms of cost and establishment time. Plugs are typically installed in a grid pattern, and the grass spreads by runners (stolons) to fill in the gaps over time, which can take a year or more for complete coverage. This method is particularly effective for vegetative-only cultivars.
Primary Sources for Acquisition
The most suitable place to purchase Buffalo Grass depends on the form you choose, the required quantity, and your geographical location.
Online specialty retailers are often the best source for unique or specific cultivars, as they offer the widest selection of both seeded and vegetative varieties. These vendors specialize in native and low-water turf species and can ship seeds or plugs directly to your location, often providing detailed planting and care instructions.
Local nurseries and garden centers are excellent for smaller projects or immediate needs. Regional centers may carry Buffalo Grass sod, though this is more likely in areas where the grass is a common turf choice. While selection might be limited compared to online specialists, local staff can offer region-specific advice and provide smaller quantities of plugs or seed.
Wholesale growers and sod farms are the primary source for large-scale projects, particularly when purchasing sod or large quantities of plugs. Buying directly from a sod farm is often the most cost-effective solution for covering a full lawn, as it eliminates intermediary costs. These farms usually require bulk orders and may offer delivery or pickup options, but they may only serve a specific regional area.
Key Considerations Before Purchasing
Cultivar Type
Determining the specific cultivar is important, as Buffalo Grass varieties are divided into seeded and vegetative types. Seeded varieties, such as ‘Bison’ or ‘Cody,’ contain both male and female plants, with the male plants producing pollen stalks that may require mowing. Vegetative cultivars like ‘Legacy’ or ‘609’ are predominantly female and sterile, resulting in a denser, lower-growing turf that requires less mowing and is often preferred for a manicured look.
Quantity Calculation
Proper quantity calculation ensures you buy enough material for successful establishment without excessive waste. For seed, the recommended rate ranges from 1 to 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet, with the higher rate promoting quicker coverage in a single season. When using plugs, the spacing (6 to 24 inches on center) directly affects the number of plugs needed and how quickly the lawn will fill in.
Optimal Planting Timing
Optimal planting timing impacts successful establishment, as Buffalo Grass is a warm-season species. The best window for planting all forms—seed, sod, or plugs—is generally late spring to early summer, after the danger of frost has passed. Seed germination is dependent on warm soil temperatures, ideally above 55 degrees Fahrenheit, which usually occurs in May or June across the central plains. Planting during this time allows the grass to develop a strong root system before the onset of winter dormancy.