How to Plant & Maintain Dichondra Lawns
STARTING A DICHONDRA LAWN:Dichondra should be planted in the spring through early summer and will grow well in USDA zones 9, 10, and 11. We have provided a
USDA hardiness climate map if needed. Dichondra will not grow well in the
northern USA. Starting a Dichondra lawn is similar in effort to a grass lawn.
Preparing the Soil:
Dichondra grows best on a deep, loose well-drained soil, so the
seedbed should be spaded or roto-tilled at least 6 inches deep.
If you plan on installing a sprinkler system do this prior to
planting. Work into the soil a general purpose lawn food at
rate of 1# of nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. Break up any clods and
rake the surface smooth and level to a slight slope so no low spots
that will hold water exist and drainage will be good. Rake off
rocks, sticks & other debris.
Seeding Dichondra:
Dichondra seed need a warm soil temperature in order to germinate
and sprout. The best time to seed Dichondra is when
temperatures are 70+ degrees. This is usually late spring or
early summer to early fall in most areas. When soil
temperatures are too low, seed sprouting and lawn establishment is
much slower and more care is required.
Sowing Seeds:
Seed should be broadcast or sown a the rate of 1 pound per 500 to
1000 sq. feet. The heavier rates will give a solid stand
faster. Rake in the seed to COVER them lightly. A very
shallow covering of peat moss or similar organic matter, which is
weed-feed, will help hold moisture until your seed sprout.
Watering:
The seed bed must be kept moist, but NOT soggy. A seed sprout
will die once it dries out so multiple sprinklings 3-5 times a day
are usually required to keep the soil moist. Use a fine mist
to avoid washing away soil and seeds. Correct watering is the
most challenging and important step in starting any type of lawn.
Dichondra seed will sprout in 1-2 weeks during warm weather.
The first leaves that appear will be long and narrow and will NOT
look like true Dichondra leaves. In a week to 10 days after
most of the seedlings are up, let the soil surface dry partly out
between sprinklings. Gradually increase the amount of water
applied with each irrigation while slowly reducing frequency.
Taking care of your Dichondra lawn:
Maintaining a really good dichondra lawn requires attention. But the
rewards can be well worth it..
Fertilizing:
Feed your established Dichondra lawn monthly with 1/2 to 1 lb. of
actual Nitrogen. Do NOT apply fertilizers when the Dichondra
leaves are wet and be sure to hose off leaves when you do fertilize.
A thorough washing after fertilizing will carry the plant food into
the soil. Fertilization during fall and winter months will
often help.
Watering Established Dichondra:
It is a common mistake to water Dichondra TOO often and TOO lightly.
This causes shallow rooting, which weakens the plant and makes it
more susceptible to weed invasion and diseases. Apply at least 1" of
water during any single application (subject to soil runoff issues).
Mowing Dichondra:
One of Dichondra's many attractions is that it requires LESS
frequent mowing than lawn grasses. It will look neater,
however, if mowed at least every two weeks and this will also help
to control weeds. Set your mower to a height of 1.5 to 2.0
inches during summer months. Close cutting (3/4 inch) when
temperatures are cool encourages dense small leaved turf.
Don't' remove too much growth at any one cutting or when you wait
too long to mow. This can cause a scalped look.
Weed & Insect Control:
The first line of defense is a neatly, maintained turf. Developed through good management in fertilization, mowing and watering. Several new pre and post applied herbicides
can assist in weed control on Dichondra. Insecticides can help control of Flea beetles, cutworms and weevil's. Check with you local garden center or Cooperative Extension agent
for recommendations on specific chemicals or herbicides that are legal in your state.
Seedland does not sell chemical herbicides, weed control products, or insecticides.
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