What is Bahiagrass : Is it Good for Your Yard?

"Is Bahiagrass the Best Fit for Your Yard? Learn the Facts"

What is Bahiagrass?

What is bahiagrass? This plant grows in coastal areas and is a common ground cover that helps prevent erosion. Its inflorescence is a distinctive V-shaped raceme with multiple tiny spikelets and a single flower. Paspalum notatum also goes by the common Bahia and Pensacola Bahia. Paspalum notatum has numerous uses, from landscaping to attracting wildlife also makes excellent pasture grass for farmers.

Despite its name, there are several varieties of bahiagrass. The most common varieties are 'Pensacola.' The 'Pensacola' species produces more seed heads than the 'Argentine' species, and it resists winter dormancy better than its cousins. Its seed is related to many other bahiagrass species but differs slightly.

To prevent bahiagrass from growing in your yard, use organic mulch. Wet newspaper is a good choice since it blocks light from weeds and decomposes before the following spring. HGIC 1253 provides more information on mulching vegetable gardens. This plant can grow from seeds and rhizomes. Hand pulling is another option but use a high-quality herbicide.

Whether you're planting it in your backyard or a lawn, bahiagrass is easy to spot, thanks to its distinctive "Y" -shaped seed head. Bahiagrass grows in various soil types and is a helpful indicator of droughty soil conditions. 

Moreover, despite its low overall quality, bahiagrass can be competitive on turf and challenging to control.

Pensacola Bahiagrass Is Better For Lawns

If you want a thick, green lawn, consider switching to Pensacola bahiagrass. This variety is native to South America, including Argentina. However, it is widely grown for lawn and pasture applications in the United States. This cultivar is more cold-tolerant and has longer leaves and taller seed stalks. It also resists winter dormancy better than other types. In addition, it produces more seeds than the Argentine variety.

In terms of appearance, the Pensacola variety is better for lawns than Argentine. Despite having broader leaf blades, Pensacola has higher quality green color and is more drought tolerant. In addition, it has a similar disease and insect resistance. Compared to the Argentine, Pensacola grass has a longer growing season. As a result, it also loses its color sooner.

Argentine Bahiagrass Has Lower Fertilizer Requirements

Compared to other types of bahiagrass, Argentine is more resistant to drought and cold temperatures and has lower fertilizer requirements. It can be seeded in spring and summer and takes several months to establish. Generally, bahiagrasses are not tolerant of heavy traffic. They are also less desirable for lawn turf and are better suited for pastures.

Seeded bahiagrass plants germinate slowly and are not as uniform as sod. However, seeding from seed is cheaper and requires less labor. The seeding rate can range from 15 to 20 pounds per acre, depending on the cultivar. The seeds can be broadcast or drilled to a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Once planted, the soil must be rolled to maximize soil-seed contact.

However, if a no-till establishment is desired, the soil must be adequately prepared and the existing vegetation removed. Non-selective herbicide applications are also required, and the seeding rate must be higher.

Argentine Bahiagrass is Drought-Tolerant

Argentine bahiagrass is a warm-season southern grass that is drought-tolerant and disease-resistant. It tolerates a wide range of soils and will thin out without fertilizer. However, it has a low tolerance for weed control herbicides. This grass is also prone to ergot, a fungal disease that can cause plant death.

Originally from Argentina, Argentine Bahia grass is now widely used as lawn grass. Its large leaves are a darker green than other types of grass and are more resistant to drought and heat. It grows in full sun and produces few seeds. It is an excellent choice for sunny areas but does not like shade.

The 'Argentine' variety produces dark green blades and dense sod. Unlike other bahiagrass varieties, it is drought-tolerant and has a low need for fertilization. Conducting a soil test first before applying fertilizer to your grass is best. Incorrect fertilization can cause damage to the grass.

Argentine Bahiagrass Does Not Require Irrigation

Argentine bahiagrass is a drought-resistant, low-maintenance lawn grass with a deep root system. This variety is also hardy and insect-resistant. It does not need fertilizer, irrigation, or mowing. The Argentine variety is most often found in southern U.S. climates and produces dense, dark-green sod that requires little to no maintenance.

Bahiagrass seed should be spread with a broadcast spreader. Ensure that the seed is evenly distributed over the surface area. After spreading, rake the soil to mix the seed and topsoil. Water the new lawn in short bursts, but avoid overwatering because it will cause soil erosion and wipe out the seedlings. Another grass to consider for drought-stricken parts of the country would be Zoysia grass.

Seeds of Argentine bahiagrass can be purchased at most home improvement stores. Seed is more cost-effective than sod, but seed takes longer to establish. It also has fewer weeds. Sod is also easier to lay than seed but requires more labor.

Conclusion:

Bahiagrass may not be the most popular grass out there, but it definitely has its merits. If you're looking for grass that is low maintenance and can withstand heavy foot traffic, then bahiagrass is a good option for you. It's also fairly drought-resistant, so it's a good choice for those who live in areas with little rainfall. Give bahiagrass a try in your yard and see if it's the right fit for you.

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