Using the best centipede grass seed is a brilliant decision when you are located in warm areas. Besides having an excellent look, this grass offers the advantage of low maintenance and extreme heat tolerance. Most of the varieties of seeds available in the market contain excellent conditions.
However, the centipede grass seeds excel for their flexibility to grow in sunny and shaded areas. Also, for the increased resistance to the already natural strength of this grass. Therefore, all the efforts to find the best option will return great benefits in the medium and long term when it comes to saving your budget for maintenance and reseeding.
Types of Centipede Grass
Centipede grass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) is a warm-season grass variety that is popular for lawns, especially in the southeastern United States due to its heat tolerance and low maintenance requirements. There are several cultivars of centipede grass, each with its own characteristics. Here are some common types of centipede grass:
Common Centipede Grass: This is the most widely used and recognized variety. It has a medium-green color and a medium texture. It’s known for its low-maintenance requirements but may not be as cold-tolerant as some other varieties.
TifBlair Centipede: TifBlair is a patented variety of centipede grass that is more cold-tolerant than the common type. It’s often used in slightly colder regions than other centipede grass varieties.
TifCote Centipede: TifCote is a newer centipede grass variety that is known for its improved drought tolerance compared to the common variety. It has a finer texture and a more uniform appearance.
AU Centennial: This is another cold-tolerant centipede grass variety. It is known for its dark green color and its ability to withstand colder temperatures compared to common centipede grass.
Oaklawn Centipede: Oaklawn is a variety that is often chosen for its good drought tolerance and low-maintenance characteristics. It has a fine texture and a medium green color.
Covington Centipede: Covington is a cold-tolerant variety with a medium texture. It is known for its dark green color and is suitable for areas with colder winters.
Santee Centipede: Santee is a newer variety with good heat and drought tolerance. It has a fine texture and a medium green color.
Seville Centipede: Seville is a variety that is known for its dark green color and good disease resistance. It has a finer texture compared to common centipede grass.
When choosing a type of centipede grass for your lawn, consider factors such as your climate, soil type, and specific lawn care needs. Different varieties may perform better in certain conditions, so it’s important to select the one that suits your region and preferences best.
Choosing the top centipede grass seed
Since the centipede grass is a resistant grass with many extra features, when choosing the seeds, you should focus on aspects that enhance their natural features. Below is a list of the best options to consider.
1. Gulf Kist Centipede Grass Seed for a Dense Green Lawn
These are grass seeds that will give you thick blades with a gorgeous lush cover. But it doesn´t come naturally. The reason to achieve such a great grass consists of the special coating of the seeds. It allows them to survive under the most harmful conditions. Also, they have better germination rates and the coating allows better seed-to-soil contact.
Although a big brand does not manufacture these grass seeds, it is constantly proving that they offer incredible results.
- Coated seeds that establish a microenvironment that stimulates vigorous growth
- Extra protection against fungus
- Extra retention of water due to the coating
- It grows slow
- One pound of seeds covers up to 4,000 sq. ft
- Once established, the grass requires to feed twice a year
- Product dimensions: 8.2 x 4.6 x 1.8 inches
- Item weight: 1.05 pounds
- Manufacturer: Woerner Turf
- It is not necessary to add mulch due to the coating
- Requires less mowing due to the slow-growing
- It only requires fertilizer after the grass is fully established
- The manufacturer offers a warranty
- It is essential to till the soil before planting to guarantee good results
The coating of these seeds adds a necessary element that contributes greatly to obtain better grass. In the end, the resulting centipede grass requires less mowing, less fertilizer, and less care. In other words, it is a budget-friendly option with the highest quality and standards.
2. Certified TifBlair Centipede Grass Seed – Direct from The Farm
This product offers certified and coated seeds that come directly from the farm. These three conditions guarantee maximum results. And, they make that the centipede grass that the seeds produce has the qualities of the best varieties. Among them, the new grass is highly resistant and tolerant of extreme weather conditions.
Also, its faster coverage allows you can enjoy a green carpet of the most amazing grass in a shorter time. These certified seeds provide you with the best of centipede grass but multiplied by two.
- The seeds are coated to increase their germination rate and survival
- 1 lb bag covers up to 4,000 sq. ft
- It grows under full sun or partial shade
- The soil temperature requires to be 60° or higher before seeding
- Recommended for Southern coastal areas and upper transition zone
- It offers faster coverage than other common centipede grasses
- Product dimensions: 8 x 5.4 x 1.5 inches
- Item weight: 1 pound
- Manufacturer: Patten Seed Company
- It has low fertility requirements
- The product comes directly from a family farm
- The resulting grass stays greener during more time in the Fall and recovers the green earlier in Spring
- It grows well even in poor soils
- Seeds are too tiny and difficult to spread
- About half of the content of the bag is inner matter or coating
Final Verdict
This might be considered a premium pack of seeds due to all the qualities that it has. So, if you are looking for the greatest, this is a great option to consider. Besides, the content has great coverage, and the price remains competitive.
3. Scotts EZ Seed Patch and Repair Centipede Grass
This is a revolutionary seeding mix that took a step ahead for centipede grass. That is because it contains unique materials that maximize the absorption of water and fertilize during the growing process. Since the seeds are already high-quality, the chances to obtain a wonderful centipede lawn in record time is guaranteed. And, those features also make it ideal for patch and repair.
Key Features
- Seeds have high-performance quality
- It includes mulch that acts like a sponge to absorb 6x its weight in water
- Suitable to grow in full sun and partial shade
- It includes slow-release fertilizer that boosts the germination of the seeds
- Protective layer that keeps seeds away from harmful diseases
- Tackifier to avoid seeds from washing away
- It grows in acidic soil and tolerates scorching heat
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 6.13 x 16 x 9.38 inches
- Item weight: 4.75 x 12.25 x 8.65 inches
- Manufacturer: Scotts
Pros
- When the mulch is full of water, it provides a moist protective layer to the seed
- It grows well on sloped areas
- It germinates in about 14-30 days
Cons
- The pack doesn´t show the coverage of the product
Final Verdict
Although it is initially advertised to cover patches, this centipede grass seeds work incredibly well for seeding a full lawn. Having the support of the Scotts brand makes it even better than it is a 3-in-1 product. So, if you are looking for high-quality and comfortable with fewer steps, this is the product you need to get.
4. Lawnifi Santee Centipede Grass Seeds for Lawn, 2 lbs Covers 4,000 Sq Ft
Lawnifi Santee Centipede Grass Seeds are a premium choice for homeowners looking to establish a lush, low-maintenance lawn. This product is designed to cover up to 4,000 sq ft with just 2 lbs of seed, making it an efficient solution for medium to large lawns. Centipede grass is known for its slow growth and minimal fertilizer needs, making it an excellent choice for those who want a lawn that requires less mowing and fertilizing. It thrives in warm climates, particularly in the Southeastern U.S., and is well-suited to sandy soils.
Lawnifi’s grass seed is formulated to be drought-resistant, reducing the need for constant watering, while its ability to tolerate moderate shade allows it to grow in a variety of landscapes. The seeds establish dense, soft turf, ideal for residential lawns, parks, and other green spaces.
Pros:
- Low maintenance: Centipede grass requires minimal mowing and fertilizing, making it easy to care for.
- Drought-resistant: Designed to tolerate dry conditions, reducing water usage.
- Moderate shade tolerance: Suitable for lawns with some shaded areas.
- Covers a large area: 2 lbs of seed covers up to 4,000 sq ft, making it a cost-effective option for large lawns.
- Soft texture: The grass grows into a soft, dense turf that is comfortable underfoot.
Cons:
- Slow establishment: Centipede grass is known for its slow growth, which means it can take a while to fully establish.
- Sensitive to over-fertilization: Centipede grass does not respond well to excessive fertilization, which can damage the turf.
- Climate-dependent: Best suited for warm climates and may not thrive in colder regions.
This product is well-received by users looking for a low-maintenance solution for their lawns, particularly in the Southeast. Reviews generally highlight its drought tolerance and ease of care, though some mention the slower establishment time as a potential downside.
5. Hancock’s Centipede Grass Seed – Coated – 2 lbs.
Hancock’s Centipede Grass Seed is a premium seed blend specifically designed for creating lush, low-maintenance lawns in warm, humid climates. Coated for better moisture retention and germination, this grass seed is perfect for residential lawns, parks, and public green spaces. With 2 lbs covering up to 4,000 square feet, it is ideal for large areas that need durable yet aesthetically pleasing turf.
Centipede grass is a slow-growing, warm-season grass variety that thrives in sandy or acidic soils and is particularly popular in the Southeastern United States. It requires minimal fertilizer and less frequent mowing than many other grass types, making it a low-maintenance option. The coated seeds from Hancock ensure better water retention during the germination phase, helping to improve seed-to-soil contact and establishing a more robust lawn faster.
Pros:
- Low-maintenance: Centipede grass requires less mowing and fertilizer compared to other varieties, saving time and effort.
- Coated seeds: The seed coating enhances water retention and promotes better germination rates.
- Drought-tolerant: This variety withstands dry periods, reducing the need for constant watering.
- Covers a large area: 2 lbs of seed can cover up to 4,000 sq ft, providing excellent value for large lawns.
- Adaptability to poor soils: Thrives in sandy and acidic soils, making it ideal for challenging soil conditions in the Southeastern U.S.
Cons:
- Slow growth: Centipede grass establishes more slowly than some other grass varieties, requiring patience.
- Limited cold tolerance: Best suited for warm climates and may not perform well in regions with harsh winters.
- Sensitive to high nutrient levels: Over-fertilization can damage centipede grass, making careful nutrient management necessary.
Hancock’s Centipede Grass Seed is a popular choice for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance, drought-resistant lawn solution. Customers frequently praise its ease of care and resilience, but patience is required as the grass can take time to fully establish.
6. Pennington Centipede Seed/Mulch
Grass seed and mulch together in one product is like a marriage made in heaven! And this is what this product offers. Also, the fact that is offered by the renowned brand Pennington adds even more value.
As the centipede grass is a slow-growing variety, the mulch adds very needed protection during the time it takes to germinate. It helps to improve the structure of the soil as well as the drainage. In the end, it makes the garden look better and more attractive.
Key Features
- 2-in-1 product with seeds and mulch
- Seeds are coated with Penkoted technology
- Mulch is Bio-170 Organic
- It produces a dense lawn
- It grows well in sunny areas
- The content of the pack covers up to 2,000 sq. ft
- It is 99.9% weed-free
- Excellent traffic and drought tolerance
Specifications
- Product dimensions: 3.55 x 7.5 x 16 inches
- Item weight: 5 pounds
- Manufacturer: Pennington Seed
Pros
- The product is very simple to use and apply
- Over time, the resulting grass develops weed resistance
- It is manufactured in the USA
Cons
- Seeds have to be planted at the exact season to germinate and produce results
- It only grows under sunny areas
Final Verdict
If your soil and climate conditions are not the best, this product is an excellent option. That is because it includes the much to protect the area. Also, the seeds are coated with Penkoted technology, which guarantees higher protection. It is perfect for your budget and to avoid unnecessary work.
Buying Guide
When you opt for buying centipede grass seeds, you must take into consideration some aspects. This is a great opportunity to evaluate the conditions and location of your land. That is because many centipede seeds are enhanced to develop some extra features.
As a result, you can find that you can seed centipede grass in some places that traditionally were not a good choice for it. Check below the most important aspect you should check.
Cold Tolerance
Centipede is a warm-season grass, and it doesn´t tolerate freezing easily. To counteract this problem, some manufacturers are adding coatings that offer additional resistance. This is especially vital if you live in the Southern area that is closer to the North. Otherwise, you take the risk of losing your seed during that period.
Soil requirements
Although centipede seeds respond well to poor soils, other features determine the viability of the soil to receive this grass. Among them, Centipede grows and develops better in low PH soils,
Blend
This variety of grass mixes really well with many types of grasses. A blend is helpful when you want to keep the green of your lawn during the entire year. To do so, you need to mix it with cool-season grasses like Bermuda or similar.
Content of the Pack / Coverage
Manufacturers have their own recommendations regarding the number of seeds you need to plant. However, the process remains similar from onebrand to another,and the standard is about 1,000 sq.ft per every 1 lb.
Sun and Shade
Initially, centipede grass grows better under the sun. However, some seeds are also tolerant ofshade. In this sense, check the label of the product if you have a space that is mixed with shaded areas to make sure you can seed centipede there and succeed.
Traffic Tolerance
Overall, centipede grass has good tolerance to traffic that includes children and pets. And, some seeds enhance even more such tolerance. Therefore, if you plan to use the space for parties, events, gatherings, and other similar activities, then you should check one of those seeds that offer higher tolerance.
FAQ´s
Q – Does centipede grass reseed itself?
A –Yes, it may reseed itself. When it grows enough, it can produce racemes that also produce seeds. Then, they drop from the grass and can disperse to the surrounding areas.
Q – What grasses can I mix with centipede grass?
A – You can mix Centipede with both warm and cool-season grass. If you want coverage during the cool-season, then opt for a warm-season grass that can flourish during these months while Centipede rests.
Q – How long does it take the centipede grass to grow?
A – It starts germinating in about 14-21 days. However, to obtain full coverage, it might take 1 year or more. These times may vary according to the climate, the rain, and the temperature of the soil.
Q- How long does it take Scotts centipede grass to grow?
A- if you use scott centipede grass seed and mulch, it will take 10-28 days to grow grass. But for the establishment, you have to wait almost 2 months.
Final Words
The best centipede grass seed will offer you an amazingly lush and green lawn. And somehow that might be considered priceless. When you select the proper centipede grass for your soil, you have the chance to add the advanced features that benefit your lawn in the long run. Although it is a warm-season grass, it still combines well with other varieties that will let it rest during cold seasons.
