Zoysia grass is a warm-season turf known for creating a thick, dense, and soft lawn, making it a highly desirable choice for homeowners in the southern and transition zones of the United States. It spreads by both above-ground stems (stolons) and underground stems (rhizomes), which helps it crowd out weeds and tolerate heavy foot traffic. Once established, Zoysia is a low-maintenance option due to its heat and drought tolerance, but success depends on acquiring quality planting material from reliable sources.
The Critical Choice: Seed, Plugs, or Sod
While Zoysia can be grown from seed, it is frequently established using plugs or sod because of its inherently slow growth rate. Seed is a cost-effective option and easier to apply over large areas, but it requires significant patience. Seed typically takes 14 to 21 days to germinate, and the developing turf may take an entire growing season to fully mature, leaving it vulnerable to weed competition.
Plugs, which are small sections of established turf, offer a middle ground in terms of cost and speed. Since they are already rooted, plugs are more tolerant of varying temperatures and hardier against weeds than seedlings. If planted at a density of one plug per square foot, a Zoysia lawn can achieve full coverage within three to twelve months, depending on spacing and growing conditions.
Sod provides the most immediate results, offering an instant, fully established lawn with curb appeal. Sod is the most expensive option, but it eliminates the intensive watering and weed pressure challenges associated with seeding. For homeowners who need immediate coverage or are working on areas prone to erosion, sod is the fastest path to a dense Zoysia lawn.
The choice between the three methods involves balancing budget against time, as high-quality, fine-bladed Zoysia varieties are often only available as sod or plugs. Seeding is generally limited to specific cultivars, such as Zenith or Compadre. These seeded varieties are typically less fine-textured than those grown from plugs or sod and do not perform as well overall as some vegetative cultivars.
Retail Channels for Purchasing Zoysia Products
The best source for purchasing Zoysia planting material depends on the form chosen for establishment. Specialized online seed suppliers are often the most reliable source for high-quality Zoysia seed, particularly for specific seeded varieties like Zenith. These vendors typically provide detailed information on the seed’s certified purity and germination rates, and they often offer bulk quantities necessary for full lawn establishment.
Local nurseries and independent garden centers are excellent resources, especially if establishing the lawn with plugs or sod. These local retailers often carry Zoysia varieties that perform well in the regional climate and can provide tailored advice on soil preparation and establishment methods. While they may carry common seed varieties, their strength lies in providing high-quality, locally sourced vegetative material.
Big box stores and mass retailers offer the convenience of low cost and accessibility, but buyers must exercise caution when purchasing Zoysia seed. Quality control and variety selection for seed at these large stores can be inconsistent, and products may lack the high purity required for a uniform Zoysia turf. For plugs or sod, these retailers are a fast option, but the material may not be as fresh as what is available from a dedicated local grower.
Essential Considerations When Selecting Zoysia Seed
If you choose to proceed with seed, understanding the information printed on the seed tag is paramount for success. The label lists the percentage of pure seed, which indicates the weight percentage of the desired Zoysia species in the bag, and this number should be as high as possible. Equally important is the germination rate, which is the percentage of pure seeds expected to sprout, as a higher rate translates directly to a better chance of successful establishment.
Seed labels also list the percentage of inert matter (chaff, coating material, and dust) and the percentage of weed seed and other crop seed. Zoysia seed naturally has lower germination rates than many other turf species, so seeking a high percentage of live seed is important for a dense stand of grass. The quality of a seed lot diminishes rapidly if the percentage of weed seed is above one percent.
When selecting a variety, you will primarily encounter Zenith or Compadre as the most reliably available seeded options; ensure the chosen cultivar is suitable for your local climate and intended use. Some Zoysia seed is sold as coated seed, meaning each seed is covered in a material that may include water-absorbing polymers, fertilizer, or fungicide. While this coating is designed to aid moisture retention and early growth, it can account for a significant portion of the bag’s weight, meaning you receive less actual seed by volume.