The Grass Doctor

How long is the germination period for buffalo grass. Can I cut the grass before it germinates.?

My back yard has Buffalo grass rather than St Augustine. It is a large yard and the buffalo grass is hardier in the heat of Central Texas.

Public Comments

1. If it hasn't germinated yet, would there BE anything to mow? I'm not being facetious, it's just that inquiring minds need to know. lol Now, as to info about your Buffalo grass lawn (proud of ya there; it is a better, more heat tolerant and native grass...fellow Texan) go to: http://www.grownative.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=resources.articleDetail&articleID=13 Don't overfertilize your grass, as it may even cause it to deteriorate. It's designed to withstand drought and thrive on some of the worst soils found. However, topdressing your buffalo turf with ½ inch to ¾ inch of compost in the fall is helpful. As to germination, "The production and utilization of buffalograss is hampered by poor germination of the seed, or bur. It has been suggested that poor germination is due to the mechanical restraint imposed on the embryo by the tough enclosing outer glumes. The fact that seed extracted from the bur readily germinate is cited as evidence of inhibitor substances in the glumes that delay germination of the seed." (from: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/turf/publications/buffalo.html) "A starter fertilizer high in phosphorus, applied at time of establishment, enhances seedling root development and stolon growth. Nitrogen is also important for early plant growth. Apply 1 lb of phosphorus and 1 lb nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft in plantings to aid seedling establishment and growth." Seeding: Preferably treated seed to get the best germination possible and the poundage depends upon maintenance program and moisture available with a basic method of 5lb/1000SF. -- Patience and time are needed in seeding Buffalo. It does NOT produce dense stands like cool season grasses (Fescue, etc.). Low establishment rates of seedlings can still result in a complete turf by second year. Weeds must be controlled during establishment phase by mowing, spot spraying and hand pulling.
2. mowing blows ungerminated seed everywhere.