best way to plant centipede seed Gulf Kist Centipede Seed – Quick Sod

Gulf Kist Centipede Lawn Grass Seed

Centipede has proved itself to be the best all-around lawn grass for most sections of the South United States. particularly the South East. For many years Centipede had to be sprigged, a laborious and costly job. Now it is available in seed.

When To Plant

NEW LAWNS -- Seed a new lawn any time it can be prepared, except in late summer. Since cold will kill young seedlings, planting should be done no later than the end of August in Florida and coastal areas, early August in the mid-south and early July in the upper South. After the soil gets cold in late fall (November in most areas) it is again safe to seed because the Centipede seed will not germinate until the soil warms next Spring.

March and April are the best planting months for several reasons, but quicker germination will occur during May, June and July when the soil is warmer provided that the planting is adequately watered.

No germination of early plantings can be expected until soil temperatures become 70 degrees F. or better and the soil is kept constantly moist for two or three weeks. 

OLD LAWNS -- More and more people are converting unsatisfactory lawns once planted in grass seed mixtures, Fescue, Bermuda, or Bahia to Centipede by seeding Centipede Seed. Although such efforts are highly rewarding, conversion to Centipede often requires two to four years, and is best started by seeding in early Spring. The reason is that because of the competition from existing vegetation the Centipede seedlings develop very slowly and need a full growing season to become well enough established to live through the first winter.

How Much To Plant

It is important that you know the size of your lot so that you can apply the correct amount of fertilizer and plant the correct quantity of Centipede Seed. Multiply the length of the lot in feet by the width in feet to arrive at the number of square feet that you have. Deduct a reasonable amount for buildings, paved driveways, and walks.

Plant at least one-fourth pound of Centipede Seed per 1,000 square feet on new lawns, and one-half pound per 1,000 square feet on old lawns. A heavier seeding rate on new lawns will give quicker and more positive results. You are making a lifetime investment that is insignificant compared with the overall cost of your house and lot, and you should not stint on the seeding rate, "Saving" on the cost of seed usually results in spending far more for cutting weeds until the Centipede finally chokes them out.