Do you have a centipede lawn and want to know about the centipede grass fertilizer schedule? Then read throughout this content. It will certainly assist you.
Centipede grass is a slow, thriving, warm-weather grass. The color of this grass is apple green. This grass is well-upholstered winged turf grass.
This grass requires limited fertilizer. This will endure sufficient shade and irregular mowing. So to keep the lawn well-trimmed and lovely, you should follow a fertilizer schedule.
Contents
Centipede Grass Fertilizer Schedule
Early Spring (March to April):
Apply a balanced fertilizer with a 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 ratio of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). For example, a 15-5-10 or 16-4-8 fertilizer is suitable. Apply at a rate of 1 to 1.5 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.
Late Spring (May to June):
If your centipede grass lawn needs additional nutrients, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers in late spring, as they may encourage excessive growth and thatch development.
Summer (July to August):
Centipede grass is known for its low fertility requirements. Avoid heavy fertilization during the summer months to prevent stress on the grass. Water deeply and infrequently during dry periods.
Early Fall (September to October):
Apply a balanced fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content, such as a 6-4-8 or 8-4-8 fertilizer. Apply at a rate of 1 pound or less of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.
Late Fall (November):
Apply a winterizer fertilizer with a lower nitrogen content to help the grass prepare for dormancy. Winterizer fertilizers typically have a higher ratio of potassium to promote root development and cold tolerance.
Additional Tips:
It’s essential to have your soil tested to determine its nutrient levels accurately. This will help you tailor your fertilizer application based on your lawn’s specific needs.
Water the lawn after fertilizing to help the nutrients penetrate the soil and reach the roots. Avoid fertilizing during periods of drought or extreme heat to prevent stress on the grass.
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on the fertilizer package for application rates and instructions. Adjustments to the schedule may be necessary based on local climate conditions, soil type, and specific lawn needs. Additionally, consider any local regulations regarding fertilizer use and environmental impact.
Mowing Schedule
From January to April, you should mow the lawn a little. The mower blade height should be 1 inch high from the lawn. When the lawn green up, you can reduce the height of the mower but don’t set it too low that it might peel the lawn.
You can mow the lawn in late April or in early May. Use a sharpened mower blade to cut the grass easily unless if it tears the grass can occur diseases.
Get started with mowing the lawn first from May to August. During this time, you should keep the mower blade height 2 inches high from the lawn. Be careful while mowing the lawn. If the lawn doesn’t look good, then lift the mower blade to the previous length.
From September to December, mow your lawn at a normal height until the temperature decreases in the fall. When the temperature falls to 70° F put up the mower height again into 2 inches.
Weed Schedule
Before applying fertilizer, you should use weed killer on your lawn. Crabgrass and other summer weeds can grow with grass. So first, use a pre-emergent weed killer to get rid of these weeds. Apply the pre-emergent for centipede grass which is especially recommended for it.
For coastal & central areas, mid-February is the best time to apply weed killer. And for mountain areas, mid-March is the best time to apply weed killer.
To give season-long control to regularly grassy and warm-season weeds, you have to apply weed killer for a second time 8 -10 weeks after the preliminary application.
Watering Schedule
During the winter season, watering is an important element to eliminate drought stress. Keep an eye on winter rainfall. If there is no rainfall over 3-4 weeks during winter, you have to water the lawn.
Deep watering promotes deeper root growth. This grass should be watered when it gets dry, and the grass color turns grey-green. At this time, you can apply 1 inch of water. This grass doesn’t go sluggish like other grasses.
Know More details about watering schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
How frequently should you fertilize centipede grass?
You should fertilize centipede grass twice a year. First time in mid-spring and the second time in mid-summer. You can also apply feed products with it to give the necessary nutrients to the lawn.
What is the best fertilizer for centipede grass?
High quantities of fertilizer such as too extensive nitrogen can cause disease or phosphorus can weaken iron levels. So you can apply phosphorus-free fertilizer. 15-0-15 is the best fertilizer for centipede grass.
How do you thicken centipede grass?
By delivering intense watering and yearly fertilizer regularly can thicken your centipede grass. In a slight quantity, acidic soil is best for centipede grass. And the perfect pH extent is between 5.0 – 6.0.
When should I fertilize my Centipede grass?
It’s recommended to fertilize Centipede grass in late spring, typically around April or May, when the grass is actively growing. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or early fall, as Centipede grass tends to go dormant during this time.
What type of fertilizer is best for Centipede grass?
Centipede grass thrives with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with a ratio of 15-0-15 or similar. Look for fertilizers specifically formulated for Centipede grass or those labeled as “southern lawn” fertilizers. These typically contain the right mix of nutrients for optimal growth.
How often should I fertilize Centipede grass?
A general guideline is to fertilize Centipede grass once or twice a year. Applying fertilizer in late spring and possibly again in early summer can provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth. Avoid excessive fertilization, as Centipede grass is sensitive to high nitrogen levels.
Can I use the same fertilizer for Centipede grass as other grass types?
While some general-purpose fertilizers may work for multiple grass types, it’s advisable to use a fertilizer specifically formulated for Centipede grass. This ensures the right balance of nutrients, especially considering Centipede grass’s sensitivity to high nitrogen levels.
Is it necessary to water after applying Centipede grass fertilizer?
Yes, it’s crucial to water your Centipede grass thoroughly after applying fertilizer. This helps to activate the nutrients and ensures proper absorption by the grass roots. Watering also prevents the fertilizer from sitting on the grass blades, which can lead to burning and damage. Aim for about 1 inch of water within a day or two of fertilization.
Final Notes
Centipede grass is a dense and slow thriving grass. It is not like other grasses. It’s mainly a warm season, or you can say summer season grass.
This grass should be mowed every 5-7 days. But when the lawn is dry in June, you shouldn’t mow very often. Maintaining the schedule may help you to keep your lawn lovely and full of healthy grass.
So now you know the centipede grass fertilizer schedule and are also ready to boost your lawn.
