Centipede Grass

Native to China and Southeast Asia. It was first introduced into the United States in 1916 from seed collected by Frank N. Meyer in South China. Centipedegrass has since become widely grown in the southeastern United States from S. Carolina to Florida and westward along the Gulf Coast states to Texas.

Its popularity as a lawn grass stems from its adaptation to low fertility conditions and its low maintenance requirements. Where centipedegrass is adapted and properly managed, it has few serious pest problems. It is particularly well adapted to the sandy, acid soils of the southeastern United States. Its westward movement is somewhat limited by severe iron deficiencies that develop in the alkaline soils of the arid regions. And, its northward movement is restricted by low temperatures. Centipedegrass is slightly more cold tolerant than St. Augustine grass, but extended periods of 5°F or less can kill centipedegrass.

Centipedegrass can be found throughout the West Indies, South America and along some areas of the west coast of Africa. It can be successfully grown in any of the areas where St. Augustine grass is adapted.

Centipedegrass is moderately shade tolerant, but grows best in full sunlight. It is not as salt tolerant as St. Augustine or bermudagrass. Centipedegrass thrives on moderately acid soils, pH 5 to 6. Above pH 7.0 iron becomes a limiting factor and supplemental applications of iron may be required.

Justin Seed is located in an area with soil pH above 8 and does not recommend Centipedegrass for our area.