St. Augustine Grass Fundamentals
Five primary cultivars: Floratam (most common, needs 6+ hrs sun, chinch bug resistant), Palmetto (best shade tolerance, 4+ hrs sun), Seville (fine blade texture, shade tolerant), Captiva (dwarf, less mowing), and Raleigh (cold tolerant, best for zones 7b-8). Spreads via stolons ONLY — no rhizomes, so recovery from damage is surface-level and slower. No commercially available seed exists. Establishment is sod, plugs (12" spacing), or sprigs. Shallow root system at roughly 12 inches — the shallowest of all warm-season grasses. Ideal soil pH 6.0-6.5 but tolerates up to 7.5.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main St. Augustine cultivars?
Floratam (most common, needs 6+ hours sun), Palmetto (best shade tolerance), Seville (fine blade), Captiva (dwarf, dense), and Raleigh (most cold tolerant). Choose based on your sun and climate.
Does St. Augustine have rhizomes?
No. St. Augustine spreads only via stolons (above-ground runners). This means it cannot repair from underground like bermuda or zoysia. Damaged areas must regrow from the edges.
How shallow are St. Augustine roots?
Very shallow — typically only 12 inches deep. This is the shallowest root system of any common warm-season grass, making it more dependent on regular irrigation.
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