Introduction
St. Augustine 'Floratam' (Stenotaphrum secundatum 'Floratam') is the most widely planted lawn grass in Florida, known for its coarse, broad blades, rapid establishment, and excellent heat and humidity tolerance. It is a moderate warm-season turfgrass that performs well throughout Florida's warm seasons. Available as sod.
Growing conditions
- Light: Full sun to partial shade; requires at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
- Water: Moderate to high; water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth.
- Soil: Well-draining soil; adaptable to a range of soil types including sandy Florida soils.
- Fertilizer: Nitrogen-rich fertilizer 3 to 4 times per year following Florida-friendly guidelines.
- Season: Warm-season turfgrass; active growth spring through fall; semi-dormant in winter.
Planting tips
Install sod on a prepared, level surface. Water immediately after installation and keep moist for the first 2 weeks until roots establish. Mow at 3.5 to 4 inches height. Avoid mowing more than one-third of the blade at a time. Not recommended for heavily shaded areas.
Troubleshooting
Chinch bugs
Irregular brown patches in sunny areas. Apply a labeled insecticide and water deeply to reduce stress.
Gray leaf spot
Gray lesions on blades during rainy season. Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer and improve drainage.
Thinning in shade
Insufficient sunlight. Consider a shade-tolerant variety such as 'Seville' or 'Palmetto' for shaded areas.
Pet safety
St. Augustine grass is non-toxic to pets and is generally safe for dogs and cats.
Quick care summary
Difficulty: Moderate. Light: Full sun to partial shade, minimum 6 hours daily. Watering: Moderate to high, water deeply and infrequently. Humidity: Moderate to high. Pet safety: Non-toxic.
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