Your Guide for Planting Centipede Grass Seed
Centipede grass seed is known for its excellent heat tolerance making it one of the best grasses for the Southeast region. This extremely low maintenance grass is available as Gulf Kist Seed, produced exclusively by Woerner Turf. Gulf Kist Centipede Grass Seed is available Coated – enhaced with Bio-Kote to allow for better germination, and also Raw. You can place a bulk centipede grass seed order, a wholesale order or purchase 1lb, 5lb or 25lb bags here. Call us at 251-943-4716 for more information about bulk/wholesale seed purchases.
Coated Centipede Seed vs. Raw Centipede Seed
Gulf Kist Centipede Seed is available Raw or Coated. Coated Centipede Seed has a special coating that establishes a “microenvironment” for stimulating vigorous growth. This coating provides many benefits including: increasing stand and survival under harmful conditions, controlling damping-off and downy mildew and achieving better seed to soil contact to aid in germination.
Planting Centipede Seed Instructions:
Step 1: Seeding can be done anytime the ground can be prepared, except when frost may appear 45 days after seeding. March, April & May are ideal months or when ground is above 70 Degrees. In late fall, it is safe to seed again because the seed will lay dormant until the following spring.
Step 2: Determine square footage by multiplying length by width. It is important to plant at least 1 lb. per 4,000 sq. ft.
Step 3: Grade, level and remove all debris from seedbed. Till bed 2-3 inches deep. Then rake and leave furrows ½ inch in depth.
Step 4: Mix 1 lb. Centipede grass seed with 25 lbs. clean, dry sand. Using a cyclone spreader, spread half of the seed/sand mixture evenly over area, sowing from north to south, then sow other half of mixture from east to west.
Step 5: Rake lightly to close furrows, and then roll to pack ground. Mulch area lightly with wheat straw to control erosion.
Step 6: Water thoroughly immediately after planting, and keep ground moist below ½ inch until seedlings have emerged and are at least 1 & ½ inches in height. Then water 2-3 times weekly until lawn is fully established.
Step 7: It is important to mow frequently to control weeds. Set your mowing height to 2 inches.
Over-Seeding Existing Lawn
Mow grass closely, and bag clippings from existing lawn. Use a spike aerating tool to produce ½ inch deep holes. Spread centipede grass seed at twice normal rate. Lightly mulch area with wheat straw, and keep moist for 30 days. The ground must be kept moist until germination is complete with seedling 1 & ½ inches in height.
WARNING: Gulf Kist Centipede Seed with Bio-Kote is protected with Apron XL (R)-2[2,6-Dimethylphenyl)-Methoxyacetylamino]-Propionic Acid Methyl Ester (Apron XL LS) or Apron TL N-(2,6 Dimethylphenyl)-N-(Methoxyacetyl) Alanine Methyl Ester at the manufacturer’s recommended rate.
Do Not Eat: These seeds are coated, and not to be used for animal feed. Keep away from feed and foods. Do not reuse container.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing. Harmful if absorbed through skin, or inhaled. After contact with product, wash thoroughly with soap and water. Remove clothing, and wash before reuse. In case of emergency, call Syngenta Crop Protection at 1-800-888-8372, poison control center or physician.
Test results show that better stands are produced with treated seeds at the same planting rate as untreated seeds. These seeds are treated with micro-nutrients for surer stands, and a fungicide to control many seedling diseases.