Usage Guide | Zoysia grass seed
This guide covers sowing Zoysia grass seed: preparing the ground, calculating the seeding rate, sowing at the correct depth, establishment watering and the first mowing. Follow these steps to achieve a dense, fine, low-maintenance lawn and get the most out of this slow-growing variety.
Product specifications
Zoysia grass (Compadre variety, Zoysia japonica) is offered in a single raw-seed format. These are its reference figures for planning the sowing.
| Specification | Zoysia (Compadre) |
|---|---|
| SKU | 094317 |
| Species | Zoysia japonica (Compadre) |
| Seed type | Raw (uncoated) |
| Packaging | 22.7 kg (50 lb) bag |
| Seeding rate | 1–3 lb per 1,000 ft² (40–80 lb/acre) |
| Sowing depth | 0.3 cm (1/8 in) |
| Germination | 21–28 days |
| Sun exposure | Full sun to partial shade |
| Ideal soil pH | 6.5 – 7.0 |
| Mowing height | 2.5 – 6 cm (1 – 2.5 in) |
Step-by-step sowing instructions
Prepare and level the ground
Remove weeds, stones and debris, loosen the top few centimeters of soil and level the surface. The ideal is a loose, even soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A good seedbed prevents puddles and patchy germination.
Calculate the rate and spread the seed
Use 1 to 3 lb per 1,000 ft² (40–80 lb per acre). Spread in two crosswise passes for uniform coverage and rake very lightly to cover the seed at just 0.3 cm (1/8 in). Do not bury it: zoysia needs light to germinate.
Sow at the right time of year
Sow in spring and summer, when nights stay consistently above 18 °C (65 °F). In warm soil, germination is faster and more even; sowing in cold soil delays or ruins establishment.
Water for establishment
Apply light, frequent watering (daily) to keep the surface layer moist until germination, which takes 21 to 28 days. Do not waterlog. As the lawn fills in, reduce the frequency and increase the volume per watering so the roots grow deeper.
First mowing and the start of maintenance
When the lawn reaches about 5–6 cm, give the first mowing, removing at most one third of the height. Keep zoysia between 2.5 and 6 cm. After that first mowing, apply a light fertilization to help the turf close in.
Complementary products
To secure establishment watering and keep weeds in check while the lawn fills in, these products pair well with zoysia sowing:
Drip irrigation tape maintains the constant moisture zoysia needs during its 21 to 28 days of germination, without waterlogging. Weed barrier fabric helps control weeds along edges and perimeter areas while the turf has not yet closed in.
Maintenance and care
Once established, zoysia is low-maintenance: it tolerates drought, demands less watering and fertilization than other turfgrasses and, thanks to its density, naturally suppresses a good share of weeds. Keep it at a height of 2.5 to 6 cm with regular mowing and a light fertilization during the growing season. In coastal areas, apply an occasional deep watering to flush excess salts from the soil.
Zoysia germinates slowly (21 to 28 days). Do not reseed or give it up for lost during the first two weeks: as long as you keep the surface layer moist and the temperature warm, the seed is working underground. That early patience pays off with a much denser, lower-maintenance lawn.
Do not bury the seed. Zoysia needs light to germinate and should sit at just 0.3 cm (1/8 in). Covering it with too much soil, or sowing while the soil is still cold (nights below 18 °C / 65 °F), ruins germination.
Frequently asked questions
How long does zoysia take to germinate?
21 to 28 days under optimal conditions, considerably longer than other tropical turfgrasses. This is normal and does not indicate a problem: keep the surface layer moist with light, frequent watering, and the temperature warm, and germination will come in evenly.
Can I sow zoysia at any time of year?
It is best to sow in spring and summer, with nights consistently above 18 °C (65 °F). In warm soil, germination is faster and more uniform. Sowing in cooler months or in cold soil delays establishment and leaves uneven patches.
Do I need to cover the seed with soil?
Barely. Rake very lightly to leave the seed at about 0.3 cm (1/8 in) and in good contact with the soil. Do not bury it: zoysia needs light to germinate, so a thick layer of soil prevents emergence.