Bahiagrass — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Paspalum notatum |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 14–28 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–29.4 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 60–90 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 5.1–10.2 |
| Mature height (cm) | 30.5–61 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 30.5–61 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 7–10 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Broadcast seed at 15–20 lb/acre into warm, well-prepared soil in full sun; slow to establish but exceptionally drought-tolerant, low-input, and persistent once rooted, thanks to a deep, extensive root system. Bahiagrass is a warm-season perennial grass widely planted across the Gulf South and Southeast as a durable pasture, hay, and erosion-control grass, particularly valued on poor, sandy, or infertile soils where few other forage grasses perform reliably. Its deep, tough root system makes it one of the most drought-resistant pasture grasses available in the region, and its low fertility requirements and tolerance of close, continuous grazing have made it a standard choice for Gulf Coast livestock pasture for decades. The characteristic seed heads, forked into a distinctive V or Y shape, are a recognizable feature of bahiagrass pastures throughout summer and fall. A tough, low-maintenance, long-lived grass for Gulf South pasture, roadside, or erosion-control plantings, zone 7–10.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0