Can you buy St. Augustine seed? - Plant Care Guide

Historically, it has been difficult to buy St. Augustine grass seed due to its poor germination rates and the fact that most commercially viable St. Augustine varieties produce sterile seeds. While some limited St. Augustine seed options exist for specific applications, the vast majority of homeowners and landscapers establish or repair St. Augustine lawns using sod, plugs, or sprigs, which are vegetative forms of the grass.

What is St. Augustine Grass and Why is it Popular?

St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is a popular warm-season turfgrass known for its lush, coarse-textured, blue-green blades and its excellent performance in hot, humid climates. It is a dominant lawn choice across the Southern United States and other subtropical regions due to its resilience and attractive appearance.

Here's a detailed explanation of what St. Augustine grass is and why it's so popular:

What is St. Augustine Grass?

Classification: It is a warm-season turfgrass, meaning it thrives in hot temperatures, actively grows during spring, summer, and early fall, and typically goes dormant (turns brown) in cooler winter months.
Appearance: Characterized by its broad, flat, coarse-textured leaves that have a distinctive blue-green color. It forms a dense, carpet-like lawn.
Growth Habit: Spreads aggressively by stolons (above-ground creeping stems). These stolons root at the nodes, allowing the grass to quickly fill in bare spots and form a dense turf.
Origin: Native to the coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.
Hardiness: Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. It's often found in states like Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and parts of California.

Why is St. Augustine Grass So Popular?

Heat and Humidity Tolerance:
- Primary Advantage: St. Augustine grass is exceptionally well-adapted to the hot, humid conditions prevalent in its target growing zones. It thrives in summer heat where many other grasses struggle.
- Resilience: It withstands intense summer sun and high moisture well.
Shade Tolerance (Relative):
- Better than Others: Among warm-season grasses, St. Augustine grass is considered to have better shade tolerance than Bermuda grass or Zoysia grass. While it still prefers sun, it can grow fairly well in areas that receive 4-6 hours of direct sun or bright, filtered light.
- Impact: This versatility makes it suitable for lawns with varying light conditions, such as those with mature trees.
Salt Tolerance:
- Coastal Adaptability: It exhibits good salt tolerance, making it an excellent choice for coastal areas where other grasses might struggle with salty irrigation water or sea spray.
Dense, Attractive Lawn:
- Lush Appearance: Its wide blades and aggressive spreading habit create a dense, lush, and attractive lawn with a rich green color that homeowners desire.
- Weed Suppression: The dense growth effectively chokes out most weeds, reducing the need for herbicides once established.
Traffic Tolerance (Moderate):
- It can tolerate moderate foot traffic once established, though it's not as resilient as Bermuda grass for very high-traffic areas.
Ease of Establishment (Vegetative):
- While seed is rare, establishment from sod, plugs, or sprigs is generally straightforward, and the grass spreads quickly to fill in.

Considerations:

Cold Sensitivity: It is quite cold-sensitive and will turn brown and go dormant with the first frost. Severe freezes can kill it.
Thatch Buildup: Can be prone to thatch buildup, requiring periodic dethatching.
Pest/Disease: Susceptible to some pests (chinch bugs) and diseases (St. Augustine decline, brown patch).

In summary, St. Augustine grass is a highly desirable turfgrass for warm climates, valued for its ability to thrive in challenging conditions, its attractive appearance, and its natural resilience.

Why is St. Augustine Seed Not Widely Available?

St. Augustine grass seed is not widely available primarily due to intrinsic biological characteristics of the grass itself, coupled with the preferences of commercial turf producers and consumers. These factors make vegetative propagation methods (sod, plugs, sprigs) far more practical and effective.

Here's a detailed explanation of why St. Augustine seed is not a common market product:

Poor Seed Germination Rates (Main Reason):
- The Challenge: Most commercially important St. Augustine grass varieties (cultivars) have very poor and inconsistent seed germination rates. The seeds simply do not reliably sprout and grow into healthy grass plants.
- Genetic Factors: This is due to complex genetic factors related to the grass's breeding and natural reproductive biology.
- Impact: This makes it highly impractical for large-scale production and for homeowners who would be disappointed with patchy, slow establishment.
Sterile Seed Production (for many Cultivars):
- The Challenge: Many improved St. Augustine grass varieties are sterile, meaning they produce seeds that are either infertile (won't germinate) or are not true to type (don't reliably produce offspring with the same desirable characteristics of the parent plant).
- Breeding Focus: Cultivars are often developed for specific traits (shade tolerance, disease resistance, blade color) through vegetative propagation, not seed production.
- Impact: There's no reliable way to produce seeds that will consistently yield a lawn with the desired traits.
Slow Establishment from Seed (When It Does Germinate):
- Growth Habit: Even when St. Augustine grass seed does germinate, the resulting seedlings develop slowly. This is because St. Augustine grass primarily spreads by stolons, and it takes time for a seedling to develop enough stolons to effectively spread and form a dense turf.
- Competition: Slow establishment leaves the lawn vulnerable to weed invasion.
- Contrast with Sod: Sod provides an instant, dense lawn.
Cost-Effectiveness of Vegetative Propagation:
- Sod/Plugs/Sprigs: The commercial turf industry has optimized production and installation methods for St. Augustine sod, plugs, and sprigs. These methods offer:
  - Instant Results (Sod): An immediate, mature lawn.
  - Reliable Establishment: Much higher success rates and quicker coverage than seed.
  - True-to-Type: Guaranteed to produce the desired grass variety.
- Impact: From a commercial perspective, investing in seed production with low and inconsistent germination is simply not economically viable.
Consumer Expectations:
- Homeowners typically want a uniform, dense lawn with minimal effort. The unreliability of St. Augustine seed would not meet these expectations.

Are there any St. Augustine seeds available? Occasionally, you might find specific "seeded" St. Augustine varieties (e.g., 'Floratam' in some contexts, or older, less common varieties). However, these are often experimental, have lower germination rates, or are intended for very niche applications, not for widespread homeowner use. The overwhelming majority of St. Augustine grass is sold and planted vegetatively.

Therefore, if you're looking to establish or repair a St. Augustine lawn, the most practical, reliable, and effective solution is to opt for sod, plugs, or sprigs.

What Are the Alternatives to St. Augustine Seed for Establishing a Lawn?

Since St. Augustine grass seed is not widely available or practical, homeowners and landscapers rely entirely on vegetative propagation methods to establish or repair a St. Augustine lawn. These alternatives offer more reliable, faster, and predictable results.

Here are the primary alternatives to St. Augustine seed for establishing a lawn:

Sod:
- Description: Sod consists of strips or squares of mature St. Augustine grass (including roots and a layer of soil) that have been grown and harvested from a specialized turf farm.
- Pros:
  - Instant Lawn: Provides an immediate, fully mature, and dense lawn upon installation.
  - Prevents Erosion: Excellent for erosion control from day one.
  - Weed Suppression: Instantly chokes out weeds.
  - High Success Rate: Very reliable establishment when properly laid and watered.
  - True-to-Type: Guarantees the specific St. Augustine variety you purchase.
- Cons:
  - Highest Upfront Cost: The most expensive option.
  - Labor-Intensive Installation: Requires significant physical effort to lay.
  - Perishable: Must be laid almost immediately after delivery.
- Best For: New lawns, large areas, instant gratification, areas prone to erosion. A pallet of St. Augustine sod can transform a yard.
Plugs:
- Description: Plugs are small, individual sections of established St. Augustine grass (usually 2-4 inches square) with roots attached. They are planted individually, and the grass spreads from each plug to fill in the bare areas.
- Pros:
  - More Affordable than Sod: Cheaper than purchasing sod.
  - Less Labor-Intensive than Sod: Easier to install than rolling out heavy sod.
  - High Success Rate: Good establishment rate.
  - True-to-Type: Guarantees the specific St. Augustine variety.
- Cons:
  - Not Instant: Takes time (typically 6-12 months) for the plugs to spread and fill in completely, depending on conditions and spacing.
  - Weed Invasion: Vulnerable to weeds in the spaces between plugs during establishment.
  - Appearance: The lawn will look patchy until it fills in.
- Best For: Small to medium-sized lawns, repairing bare spots, budget-conscious projects where patience is possible. A tray of St. Augustine plugs is easy to handle.
Sprigs:
- Description: Sprigs are individual pieces of St. Augustine grass stolons (above-ground stems) that contain at least one node (a point where roots and new shoots can emerge). They have very little or no soil attached. Sprigs are broadcast over the prepared soil and lightly covered.
- Pros:
  - Most Affordable: The cheapest option for establishing St. Augustine.
  - Easy to Apply: Can be applied quickly over large areas.
- Cons:
  - Slowest Establishment: Takes the longest (12-18 months or more) to fill in completely.
  - Most Vulnerable to Weeds: Highly susceptible to weed invasion during the extended establishment period.
  - Appearance: Lawn will look sparse for a long time.
- Best For: Large areas where budget is extremely tight, erosion is not an immediate concern, and significant patience is available.

Comparison Table for St. Augustine Establishment Methods:

Method	Initial Cost	Establishment Time	Weed Control	Instant Lawn	Best Use Case
Sod	Highest	Instant	Excellent	Yes	New lawns, large areas, erosion control
Plugs	Medium	6-12 months	Moderate	No	Small-medium lawns, bare spots, budget
Sprigs	Lowest	12-18+ months	Poor	No	Large areas, very tight budget, high patience

Each alternative offers distinct advantages for different gardening needs, but all reliably deliver a beautiful St. Augustine lawn where seed simply cannot.

How Do I Prepare My Soil for St. Augustine Sod, Plugs, or Sprigs?

Proper soil preparation is absolutely crucial for the successful establishment of St. Augustine grass from sod, plugs, or sprigs. Skipping or skimping on this step is the most common reason for poor establishment, slow growth, or a thin, unhealthy lawn down the road. The goal is to create an ideal environment for the stolons and roots to thrive.

Here's how to prepare your soil for St. Augustine grass:

Clear the Area (Thoroughly):
- Remove Old Lawn/Weeds: Remove all existing grass, weeds, rocks, and debris from the entire area. Use a sod cutter, shovel, or non-selective herbicide (if you're not concerned about organic gardening) for existing turf.
- Why it's important: Competing vegetation will choke out newly planted St. Augustine and significantly hinder establishment.
Test Your Soil pH and Nutrients:
- Crucial Step: Get a professional soil test from your local university extension office or a reputable lab.
- St. Augustine Preference: St. Augustine grass generally prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.5).
- Why it's important: The soil test will tell you your current pH, existing nutrient levels, and recommendations for any necessary amendments. This eliminates guesswork and ensures optimal conditions. A professional soil test kit helps gather the sample.
Amend the Soil Based on Test Results:
- Organic Matter: Most soils benefit from incorporating organic matter (well-rotted compost) to a depth of 4-6 inches (10-15 cm). This improves soil structure, drainage, water retention, and fertility.
- pH Adjustment:
  - If pH is too low (acidic): Add agricultural lime (dolomitic or calcitic) as recommended by the soil test.
  - If pH is too high (alkaline): Add elemental sulfur as recommended.
- Nutrient Correction: Apply any necessary fertilizers (phosphorus, potassium) as recommended by the soil test. Avoid excessive nitrogen at this stage, as it can burn new stolons.
- Why it's important: Creating an optimal soil environment is foundational for healthy root and stolon growth.
Grade the Area for Drainage:
- Leveling: Rake the area smooth, ensuring a generally level surface.
- Slope: Create a gentle slope (1-2% or 1/4 inch drop per foot) away from house foundations, driveways, and sidewalks to ensure proper drainage. This prevents water from pooling, which can lead to diseases like brown patch.
- Why it's important: Proper grading prevents water accumulation and ensures even water distribution.
Light Tillage (Optional):
- After adding amendments, lightly till or cultivate the top 4-6 inches of soil to mix everything in.
- Why: Ensures amendments are integrated.
Roll and Compact (Lightly):
- Use a lawn roller (partially filled with water for lighter weight) to lightly roll the prepared soil.
- Why: This settles the soil, removes large air pockets, and creates a firm, even surface for planting. Avoid heavy compaction.
Initial Watering (Before Planting):
- Lightly moisten the prepared soil surface just before installing sod, plugs, or sprigs.
- Why: This creates a receptive environment and prevents rapid drying.

By diligently following these soil preparation steps, you create the ideal underground conditions for your St. Augustine grass to root quickly, spread vigorously, and establish into a dense, healthy lawn.

What is the Correct Installation for St. Augustine Sod?

The correct installation for St. Augustine sod is crucial for achieving an instant, healthy lawn that establishes quickly and thrives. Improper installation can lead to bare spots, uneven growth, and poor rooting, undermining the benefits of using sod.

Here's a step-by-step guide to the correct installation for St. Augustine sod:

Prepare the Soil (as outlined above - Crucial):
- Ensure the soil is completely free of weeds, properly amended, graded, and lightly compacted.
- Lightly moisten the soil surface just before laying the sod.
- Why: Sod needs to immediately make good contact with healthy, prepared soil.
Order and Schedule Delivery:
- Freshness: Order St. Augustine sod from a reputable supplier and schedule delivery for the day you plan to install it. Sod is perishable and must be laid within 24 hours (ideally much less) of harvest.
- Quantity: Measure your area accurately and order about 5-10% extra for cuts and mistakes. A pallet of fresh St. Augustine sod is a large commitment.
Start Laying (Strategic Placement):
- Edges First: Begin laying sod strips along the longest straight edge of the area (e.g., driveway, sidewalk, flower bed).
- Brick-Like Pattern: Lay the strips in a staggered, brick-like pattern, ensuring each seam is offset from the next.
- Tight Contact: Lay strips tightly against each other, with no gaps. Push the edges together firmly.
- Avoid Overlapping: Do not overlap strips.
- Cut with Knife: Use a sharp utility knife or sod knife to cut sod pieces to fit curves, edges, and around obstacles.
- Why it's important: A staggered pattern creates a stronger, more stable turf. Tight contact prevents gaps where weeds can grow or sod can dry out.
Roll the Sod:
- Immediately After Laying: As soon as a section (e.g., 100 sq ft) of sod is laid, or the entire area is complete, use a lawn roller (filled with water for weight) to roll over the entire surface.
- Why it's important: This crucial step ensures excellent sod-to-soil contact, eliminating air pockets. Air pockets are detrimental as they prevent roots from growing into the new soil, causing sod to dry out and die.
Water Deeply (Immediately and Crucially):
- After Rolling: Immediately after rolling the sod, water the entire area deeply and thoroughly. Water until the sod and the underlying soil are saturated to a depth of at least 4-6 inches.
- Check Penetration: Lift a corner of the sod to ensure the water is penetrating the sod layer and the underlying soil, not just sitting on top.
- Why it's important: This is the most critical step for new sod. It provides essential moisture for roots to establish and prevents the sod from drying out. A lawn sprinkler for new sod can help cover large areas.

Post-Installation Care for St. Augustine Sod:

Frequent Watering (First 2-3 Weeks):
- Keep the new sod consistently moist (but not soggy) for the first 2-3 weeks. This may mean watering multiple times a day (e.g., 2-3 times) in hot weather, or once daily in cooler weather.
- Check Sod: Lift a corner periodically to ensure it's still moist underneath and roots are beginning to grow into the soil.
- Gradual Reduction: After roots establish (sod can't be easily lifted), gradually reduce watering frequency while increasing duration.
Avoid Foot Traffic: Minimize foot traffic on new sod for the first 2-3 weeks.
First Mow: Do not mow until the sod is firmly rooted (cannot be lifted). Set your mower to the highest setting.
Fertilization: Avoid fertilizing new sod for the first 30-60 days. The sod usually contains enough initial nutrients, and fertilizer burn is a risk.

By meticulously following these correct installation steps for St. Augustine sod, you lay the groundwork for a robust, beautiful, and healthy lawn from day one.

What is the Correct Installation for St. Augustine Plugs?

The correct installation for St. Augustine plugs is essential for ensuring successful rooting, aggressive spreading, and eventual dense turf formation. While slower than sod, proper planting technique sets the stage for a resilient lawn.

Here's a step-by-step guide to the correct installation for St. Augustine plugs:

Prepare the Soil (as outlined above - Crucial):
- Ensure the soil is completely free of weeds, properly amended, graded, and lightly compacted.
- Lightly moisten the soil surface just before planting the plugs.
- Why: Plugs need immediate contact with healthy soil to send out new roots and stolons.
Determine Spacing:
- Aggressive Spread: St. Augustine grass plugs spread vigorously by stolons, but it still takes time.
- Common Spacing:
  - For quicker coverage: Plant plugs 6 inches (15 cm) apart on center.
  - For moderate coverage/budget: Plant plugs 12 inches (30 cm) apart on center.
  - For slower/cheapest coverage: Plant plugs 18 inches (45 cm) apart on center.
- Why it's important: Closer spacing leads to faster fill-in but costs more upfront. A tray of St. Augustine plugs is typically a standard size.
Plant the Plugs:
- Tools: Use a specialized plug planter tool (which digs a perfect hole for the plug) or a trowel.
- Dig Holes: Dig holes slightly larger than the plug.
- Insert Plugs: Place each St. Augustine plug into a hole.
- Level with Soil: Ensure the top of the plug is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil grade. Do not bury the leaves or stem (crown) of the plug too deep, as this can lead to rot.
- Firm Contact: Gently firm the soil around each plug, ensuring good plug-to-soil contact and eliminating air pockets.
- Why it's important: Proper depth and firm contact are vital for rooting and preventing drying out.
Water Immediately and Deeply (Crucially):
- After Planting: Immediately after planting all the plugs, water the entire area deeply and thoroughly. Water until the plugs and the underlying soil are saturated to a depth of at least 4-6 inches.
- Why it's important: Provides essential moisture for roots to establish and helps settle the plugs. A lawn sprinkler for new plugs can ensure even coverage.

Post-Installation Care for St. Augustine Plugs:

Frequent Watering (First 2-3 Weeks):
- Keep the new plugs consistently moist (but not soggy) for the first 2-3 weeks. This may mean watering daily or multiple times a day in hot weather, ensuring the plugs don't dry out.
- Gradual Reduction: As roots establish and new runners begin to appear, gradually reduce watering frequency while increasing duration.
Weed Control (Crucial):
- Vulnerability: The spaces between plugs are highly vulnerable to weed invasion until the St. Augustine fills in.
- Manual Weeding: Regularly hand-pull any weeds that emerge.
- Pre-Emergent Herbicide (Carefully): Some pre-emergent herbicides can be used before plug planting, but always follow specific label directions for compatibility with St. Augustine. Avoid broad-spectrum weed killers.
Minimize Foot Traffic: Minimize foot traffic on the area until the plugs have significantly filled in.
First Mow: Do not mow until the plugs have started to spread and are rooted. Set your mower to the highest setting.
Fertilization: Avoid fertilizing new plugs for the first 30-60 days. The plugs usually contain enough initial nutrients, and fertilizer burn is a risk. Once rooted, a light application of a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer can encourage spreading.

By meticulously following these correct installation steps for St. Augustine plugs, you set the stage for a resilient, spreading lawn that will eventually form a dense, beautiful turf.

What is the Correct Installation for St. Augustine Sprigs?

The correct installation for St. Augustine sprigs is the most economical method but also the slowest and most labor-intensive, requiring meticulous soil preparation and diligent aftercare for successful establishment. Sprigs are essentially individual pieces of stolons that need to root and spread across the entire area.

Here's a step-by-step guide to the correct installation for St. Augustine sprigs:

Prepare the Soil (as outlined above - Most Crucial):
- Ensure the soil is completely free of weeds, properly amended, graded, and lightly compacted.
- The soil surface should be loose and friable (crumbly) to allow sprigs to make good contact.
- Why: Sprigs have minimal roots and are highly vulnerable. They need perfect soil conditions to establish.
Obtain and Prepare Sprigs:
- Source: St. Augustine sprigs are typically obtained by rototilling or stripping mature sod and then separating the stolons.
- Freshness: Use sprigs immediately after they are harvested. They are very perishable.
- Quantity: You'll need a significant amount – typically 5-10 bushels per 1,000 square feet, depending on desired establishment speed.
Spread the Sprigs:
- Method: Broadcast the sprigs evenly over the prepared soil surface.
- Density: Aim for an even distribution, ensuring each sprig has good contact with the soil.
- Why it's important: Even spreading leads to more uniform establishment.
Lightly Cover the Sprigs (Crucial):
- Method: This is a critical step. Use a rake or a light roller to lightly press or cover the sprigs with a thin layer of soil (no more than 1/4 to 1/2 inch / 0.6-1.2 cm). Most of the sprig should still be visible, but it needs to be in contact with the soil.
- Tools: A cultipacker or roller can be used for larger areas.
- Why it's important: Sprigs need soil contact to root. Burying them too deep will suffocate them. Leaving them fully exposed will cause them to dry out and die.
Roll the Area:
- After covering, use a lawn roller to lightly roll the entire area.
- Why it's important: Ensures optimal sprig-to-soil contact, eliminating air pockets.
Water Immediately and Heavily (Crucial for Sprigs):
- After Rolling: Immediately after planting and rolling, water the entire area deeply and thoroughly. Water until the top 4-6 inches of soil are saturated.
- Why it's important: This is the most critical step for sprigs. They have almost no roots and will dehydrate extremely quickly without immediate and consistent moisture. A lawn sprinkler for new sprigs is essential.

Post-Installation Care for St. Augustine Sprigs:

Frequent Watering (First 3-4 Weeks):
- Keep the new sprigs constantly moist (but not soggy) for the first 3-4 weeks. This means watering multiple times a day (e.g., 3-5 times) in hot weather, ensuring the sprigs never dry out.
- Check Sprigs: Visually inspect to ensure they remain moist.
- Gradual Reduction: As roots establish and runners begin to grow, gradually reduce watering frequency while increasing duration.
Weed Control (Most Crucial for Sprigs):
- Extreme Vulnerability: The area is highly vulnerable to weed invasion for many months. This is the biggest challenge with sprigs.
- Manual Weeding: Aggressive and constant hand-weeding is often necessary.
- Pre-Emergent Herbicide (Carefully): Some pre-emergent herbicides can be used, but consult labels carefully for safety with St. Augustine sprigs.
Minimize Foot Traffic: Avoid all foot traffic on new sprigs until the lawn is well-established.
First Mow: Do not mow until the sprigs have formed a sparse lawn and are rooted. Set your mower to the highest setting.
Fertilization: Avoid fertilizing new sprigs for the first 30-60 days. Once runners appear, a very light application of a starter fertilizer or slow-release nitrogen can encourage spreading.

By meticulously following these correct installation steps for St. Augustine sprigs, and committing to extremely diligent aftercare, you can establish a new lawn, though it requires the most patience and effort of all methods.