Bahiagrass
by Dr. Robert Black, Consumer Horticultural Specialist

Bahiagrass was introduced into the United States from Brazil in 1914 to be used as a pasture grass on the poor, sandy soils of the southeast. Since then several other varieties have become available for use as lawngrasses.

Bahiagrass can be grown from seed which is abundant and relatively inexpensive. Once established, these grasses develop an extensive root system which makes them better able to withstand drought than other lawngrasses. Bahia produces a very durable sod which is able to withstand heavy traffic. In addition, bahiagrasses have fewer pest problems than any other Florida lawngrasses.

Bahiagrass has an open growth habit and tall unsightly seedheads that are produced from May to November. The tough leaves and stems make bahias hard to mow. Bahiagrass is not well adapted to soils having high pH (alkaline soils), grow poorly in areas of high salt spray, may yellow due to lack of iron, and can be seriously damaged by mole crickets.

Four varieties of bahiagrass seeds or sod are sold for lawns. 'Argentine' is by far the best for lawns. The leaves are wider than 'Pensacola' but longer, narrower, and more numerous than common. It is cold hardy, forms a dense sod and has good color. 'Pensacola' has narrow leaves and is used extensively along roadsides in Florida. 'Paraguayan' and common bahiagrass have lower cold tolerances than the other two varieties. 'Paraguayan' is very susceptible to dollar spot disease. Common bahiagrass has an open type of growth and has poor color and coarse texture, therefore it is not recommended for use as a lawngrass.

Proper fertilization is important to any lawngrass. Minimum maintenance requires the application of a complete fertilizer in the spring and late summer. Apply a complete (N-P-K) turf-type, slow-release nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 16-4-8 or 15-4-15) to provide 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet of lawn. Mowing is important to bahiagrasses. A sharp, heavy duty rotary mower should be used to cut the grass at a height of 3 to 4 inches. Bahia is so tough that the mower will have to be sharpened frequently. If a dull blade is used and the cut is ragged, the lawn will take on a dull gray color and have a very poor appearance. A properly maintained bahiagrass lawn will need to be cut about once a week.