St. Augustine Mowing Guide
Floratam, BitterBlue and Classic: mow at 3.5-4.0 inches — this is TALL and non-negotiable. Cutting Floratam short exposes stolons to sun scald and invites weed invasion. Palmetto and Raleigh: 3.0-4.0 inches per UF/IFAS ENH5 — Palmetto is a SEMI-dwarf and does NOT belong in the 2-2.5 inch dwarf tier. CitraBlue: 2.0-3.0 inches. The true dwarfs (Seville, Captiva, Delmar): 2.0-2.5 inches. Never remove more than 1/3 of the blade in a single mowing. Sharp blades are critical — St. Augustine's wide blades show ragged cuts clearly, and torn tissue is the primary entry point for gray leaf spot fungus. Mow every 5-7 days during peak summer growth. Return clippings to feed the soil unless disease is active.
Frequently Asked Questions
What height should I mow St. Augustine?
Floratam, BitterBlue and Classic: 3.5-4.0 inches. Palmetto and Raleigh: 3.0-4.0 inches — Palmetto is a semi-dwarf, not a dwarf. CitraBlue: 2.0-3.0 inches. The dwarfs (Seville, Captiva, Delmar): 2.0-2.5 inches. All per UF/IFAS ENH5. Never remove more than one-third of the blade height in a single mowing.
Can I scalp St. Augustine in spring?
No. Never scalp St. Augustine. It spreads only by stolons and recovers very slowly from aggressive cuts. A hard scalp can leave bare soil exposed for weeks, inviting weeds.
Why do sharp mower blades matter for St. Augustine?
Dull blades tear St. Augustine's wide leaves instead of cutting them cleanly. Torn tissue creates entry points for gray leaf spot fungus — the #1 St. Augustine disease in summer.
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