Stenotaphrum

Stenotaphrum belongs to the grass family, Gramineae. Stenotaphrum secundatumis commonly known as St. Augustine Grass as well as Carpet Grass, Crabgrass, Wiregrass and Buffalo grass. St. Augustine grass is a vigorous-growing perennial that can only survive in mild climates, withstanding temperatures as high as 105� F. It is widely used as a lawn grass in the South where other grasses won't survive the extreme temperatures. St. Augustine Grass grows naturally on the sandy beaches, salty and fresh water marshes and limestone shorelines of tropical regions. It is found growing wild from South Carolina to Texas and into tropical America. This coarse, creeping plant grows up to a foot high if left unmowed. A few different strains have been developed from the species. One, S. secundatum variety variegatum, is sometimes grown as a container plant. It reaches about a foot in height and has slender, green and white leaves. It spreads by means of a thin, creeping rhizome.

Pot Cultivation

St. Augustine Grass can be grown in a wide range of soil types, but not waterlogged or extremely dry soil. It prefers a moist, somewhat fertile soil with a pH ranging from 5.0 to 7.5. It can grow in soil with a pH up to 8.5 but acquires a chlorotic appearance. This grass can tolerate moderate shade; too shady an area will cause sparse growth. The Southern lawn cinch bug is the most serious pest to this grass in Florida. Other problems may be SAD, white grub and brownpatch. Regular and proper applications of insecticides will control these pests.

Propagation

St. Augustine Grass is usually increased by vegetative methods - stolons, sod or plugs. This species will readily establish from sod, since it spreads vigorously by creeping stolons. The sod plugs or stolons should be planted at 1 to 2 foot intervals. Plugs may be planted at anytime during the growing season as long as water is available. Some St. Augustine varieties can be grown from seed sown in late spring to early summer. The soil should be kept moist for several weeks after planting. The grass can tolerate drier conditions once the seedlings have begun to spread. At planting time, (whether by seed or vegetative methods) a fertilizer high in phosphorous should be applied. Monthly applications of a fertilizer high in nitrogen should follow. This is important to develop a complete cover of grass.