Buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides)
Description:
- Appearance: Buffalograss forms a dense, low-growing turf with fine-textured, blue-green blades. It has a distinctive soft texture and a light green color.
- Growth Habit: Buffalograss has a stoloniferous growth habit, spreading slowly by above-ground runners (stolons) that root at the nodes.
- Height: Typically grows to a height of 4 to 8 inches when unmowed, but can be maintained shorter with regular mowing.
- Adaptability: Buffalograss is well-suited for arid and semi-arid regions with hot summers and cold winters. It thrives in full sun and is tolerant of drought, heat, and poor soil conditions.
Description:
- Appearance: Buffalograss forms a dense, low-growing turf with fine-textured, blue-green blades. It has a distinctive soft texture and a light green color.
- Growth Habit: Buffalograss has a stoloniferous growth habit, spreading slowly by above-ground runners (stolons) that root at the nodes.
- Height: Typically grows to a height of 4 to 8 inches when unmowed, but can be maintained shorter with regular mowing.
- Adaptability: Buffalograss is well-suited for arid and semi-arid regions with hot summers and cold winters. It thrives in full sun and is tolerant of drought, heat, and poor soil conditions.
Description
Buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides) is a warm-season grass native to the Great Plains region of North America. It is known for its low maintenance requirements, drought tolerance, and ability to thrive in poor soil conditions.
Description:
- Appearance: Buffalograss forms a dense, low-growing turf with fine-textured, blue-green blades. It has a distinctive soft texture and a light green color.
- Growth Habit: Buffalograss has a stoloniferous growth habit, spreading slowly by above-ground runners (stolons) that root at the nodes.
- Height: Typically grows to a height of 4 to 8 inches when unmowed, but can be maintained shorter with regular mowing.
- Adaptability: Buffalograss is well-suited for arid and semi-arid regions with hot summers and cold winters. It thrives in full sun and is tolerant of drought, heat, and poor soil conditions.
Planting Instructions:
- Timing: Buffalograss is best planted in late spring or early summer after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed to at least 60°F (15°C).
- Site Selection: Choose a planting site with full sun exposure and well-drained soil. Buffalograss is not tolerant of shade or waterlogged soil.
- Soil Preparation: Prepare the planting area by removing weeds, rocks, and debris. Loosen the soil to a depth of 4 to 6 inches to promote good root growth.
- Soil pH: Buffalograss prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Amend the soil as needed to achieve the optimal pH level.
- Seedbed Preparation: Rake the soil to create a smooth, level surface. Firm the soil lightly with a roller to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.
- Seeding Rate: Buffalograss is typically seeded at a rate of 1 to 2 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet for new lawns.
- Seed Distribution: Divide the seed into two equal portions and broadcast half of the seed in parallel rows in one direction. Then broadcast the remaining seed in rows perpendicular to the first.
- Covering the Seed: Lightly rake the soil to cover the seed to a depth of about 1/4 inch. Avoid burying the seed too deeply, as it may inhibit germination.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the germination period, which typically takes 14 to 21 days.
- Establishment: Once the grass reaches a height of 2 to 3 inches, gradually reduce watering frequency to encourage deep root growth.
- Mowing: Buffalograss requires minimal mowing, but can be mowed occasionally to maintain a uniform height of 2 to 3 inches.
Maintenance:
- Fertilization: Buffalograss requires minimal fertilization compared to other grass species. Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer sparingly, if needed, to avoid excessive growth.
- Watering: Once established, buffalograss is drought-tolerant and requires minimal irrigation. Water deeply but infrequently during periods of prolonged drought.
- Weed Control: Buffalograss forms a dense turf that suppresses weed growth. Hand-pull or spot-treat any weeds that may emerge.
- Thatch Control: Buffalograss lawns typically do not develop thatch buildup, but core aerating can help improve soil aeration and water infiltration.
