Zoysia grass is a popular warm-season turf known for creating a dense, carpet-like lawn that is highly tolerant of heat, drought, and foot traffic. This resilient grass, named after botanist Karl von Zois, originated in East Asia and has become a preferred choice for residential and commercial landscapes across the southern and transition zones of the United States. Understanding the specific formats and vendors available is the first practical step in purchasing this specialized turf.
The Different Forms of Zoysia Grass Available
Zoysia is primarily sold in three distinct formats, each offering a different balance of speed, cost, and effort required for establishment. The most immediate method for creating a Zoysia lawn is through sod, which consists of pre-grown, mature turf harvested in rolls or squares. Sod provides an instant lawn appearance and the fastest establishment time. This instant gratification comes at the highest price point and requires the most physical labor for installation, but it offers the most reliable way to establish non-seeded cultivars like EMPIRE or Zeon.
A middle ground in terms of cost and establishment speed is found in plugs, which are small, individual pieces of Zoysia turf, typically 1.25 inches wide, complete with established root systems. Plugs are planted at spaced intervals, often six to eighteen inches apart, and spread laterally over time to fill in the lawn. This method is significantly more affordable than sod and is effective for patching existing lawns or covering smaller areas, though full coverage can take three to four months under ideal conditions.
The lowest-cost option is seed, which involves broadcasting Zoysia seeds, such as Zenith or Compadre varieties, directly onto a prepared area. Seeding is the slowest method, with germination taking 14 to 21 days, and full establishment requiring an entire growing season or more. A significant limitation of seed is that many of the most highly sought-after, fine-bladed, and specialized Zoysia cultivars are sterile and must be propagated only through sod or plugs. Seeding is best suited for large areas where budget is the primary constraint.
Retail Outlets and Specialized Suppliers
For small projects or immediate needs, local garden centers and big box stores are the most accessible options for purchasing Zoysia. These retailers typically stock Zoysia seed mixes, small trays of plugs, and occasionally carry small quantities of sod, such as the widely available EMPIRE Turf, for last-minute repairs or small yard sections. The convenience of these stores means the inventory is often standardized, and specialized cultivars may not be available.
When purchasing large quantities of Zoysia, such as for a full lawn installation, sourcing directly from a specialized sod farm is often the best choice. Sod farms, like those found in Texas or Florida, grow multiple Zoysia varieties, including EMPIRE, Palisades, and Zeon, and offer the freshest product cut to order. Buying direct allows consumers to purchase full pallets, often securing bulk pricing and the option for specialized delivery or professional installation services. These farms are the only source for many patented, high-end cultivars that are only available as sod.
A third major purchasing avenue is through online nurseries and mail-order suppliers, which specialize in shipping plugs, seed, and sometimes small rolls of sod across various states. Online vendors frequently offer the widest selection of specific Zoysia cultivars, including fine-bladed varieties like Innovation or Zeon plugs that might not be stocked locally. Purchasing plugs or seed online is practical for those seeking a specific, hard-to-find variety. Shipping costs and transit times must be carefully considered to maintain the product’s freshness.
Key Considerations Before Making a Purchase
Before committing to a purchase, buyers must confirm that Zoysia grass is appropriate for their specific geographic location and microclimate. Zoysia is a warm-season grass, meaning it thrives in temperatures between 80°F and 95°F and is best suited for USDA hardiness zones 6 through 11, which includes the southern two-thirds of the US and the transition zone. In colder parts of its range, Zoysia enters dormancy and turns brown with the first fall frost.
Selecting the correct cultivar is another important step, as Zoysia species offer a diverse range of physical characteristics. Cultivars are categorized by texture, ranging from fine-bladed types like Zeon to medium-coarse bladed varieties like Palisades or EMPIRE. It is also important to consider the yard’s sun exposure, as different varieties exhibit varying degrees of shade tolerance. For instance, cultivars like Emerald have better shade tolerance than some other Zoysia types.
Finally, the success of a new Zoysia lawn depends on proper soil preparation and seasonal timing. Zoysia should be planted or installed during the warm growing season, typically from mid-spring to early summer, to allow for optimal establishment before the onset of cooler weather. Preparing the soil, which often involves testing and amending the pH and nutrient levels, is necessary to provide the deep root structure Zoysia requires for drought and wear resistance. Planting outside of the recommended window can significantly delay establishment and increase the risk of failure.