Zoysia grass is a warm-season turfgrass valued for its dense, carpet-like growth and superior tolerance to drought and heat, making it popular across the transition zone and southern states. Many people looking for Zoysia seed quickly discover that finding it is more complicated than searching for typical cool-season grass seed. This difficulty arises because the best-performing and most sought-after varieties are not commonly available in seed form. Understanding the specific propagation methods is the first step toward successfully establishing this turf.
Understanding Seed Availability for Zoysia
The difficulty in finding Zoysia seed stems from the fact that most modern, high-quality cultivars are patented hybrids. These must be propagated asexually to maintain their genetic purity. This vegetative propagation means they are sold exclusively as sod or small rooted sections called plugs, ensuring the buyer receives a genetically identical plant. Seed availability is restricted to older varieties, typically derived from Zoysia japonica, which may not offer the fine texture or density of newer hybrids.
Seeding Zoysia is generally considered a riskier and more time-consuming method of lawn establishment compared to using plugs or sod. The seed is slow to germinate, typically requiring 14 to 21 days, and the resulting seedlings are vulnerable to weed competition. A seeded lawn can take an entire growing season or longer to establish a dense, mature turf. Sod, conversely, provides instant coverage.
Specific Zoysia Cultivars Available as Seed
Despite the limitations, a few specific Zoysia cultivars are commercially available as seed for homeowners focusing on broad coverage or budget constraints. The two most common seeded varieties are ‘Zenith’ and ‘Compadre’. ‘Zenith’ Zoysia is well-known and is often marketed as a medium-textured grass adaptable to both full sun and light shade.
These seeded varieties typically offer good cold tolerance and overall performance. However, they may lack the fine-bladed texture and density characteristic of the vegetatively propagated hybrids. While ‘Meyer’ Zoysia is a popular, cold-hardy cultivar, it is primarily available as plugs or sod, not seed.
Retail and Online Sourcing Options
The most reliable sources for purchasing Zoysia seed are online specialty turf seed companies. Retailers dedicated to selling agricultural and turf seed typically stock specific cultivars like ‘Zenith’ and ‘Compadre’ in bulk quantities suitable for large lawn projects. These suppliers are also the best place to find details regarding the seed’s purity and germination rate, which should be checked before purchase.
Local garden centers and nurseries are another option, though their stock is usually seasonal and limited based on regional climate. Major big box home improvement stores also carry Zoysia seed for quick, localized purchases. However, their selection may be limited to generic seed-and-mulch mixtures, offering less specific cultivar information than a dedicated online seed house.
Alternatives to Planting Zoysia Seed
If the slow establishment and risk associated with seed are unappealing, there are two faster, more reliable alternatives for establishing a Zoysia lawn.
Sod
The most immediate solution is laying sod, which involves installing mats of established, mature grass directly onto prepared soil. Sod provides instant coverage and is the only method to obtain premium, fine-bladed hybrid varieties like ‘Empire’ or ‘Palisades’.
Plugs
A more cost-effective alternative to sod is planting Zoysia plugs, which are small, rooted sections of grass planted at intervals. Plugs are significantly cheaper than sod and are an excellent choice for patching bare spots. While plugs require patience, they offer a middle ground between the high cost of sod and the slow establishment of seed.