Also known as Grama Grass · 281 saves
Bouteloua
Bouteloua, the genus most gardeners know as grama grass. We track 5 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 5 most-saved Bouteloua varieties
2 species of Bouteloua
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Bouteloua in Sow
Save the Bouteloua you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Bouteloua
Whats common across all Bouteloua varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 5 most-grown of them.
The Bouteloua year
- DivideApril and May60% of varieties
Divide large clumps every 3-5 years when center growth weakens
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March60% of varieties
Cut back old, dried foliage to 2-3 inches before new growth begins
- PruneFebruary and March60% of varieties
Mow the turf to a height of 2 to 3 inches if a manicured lawn appearance is desired.
- PlantMay40% of varieties
Plant in spring or early fall in well-drained soil
Do
- Water during prolonged dry spells 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Divide every few years to maintain vigor
- Prune back in late winter to encourage new growth
- Mow infrequently, leaving the grass at its natural height of 4 to 12 inches or cutting to 2 to 3 inches every few weeks.
Avoid
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Plant in poorly drained soil
- Neglect pruning and dividing
- Use heavy fertilizers
What goes wrong with Bouteloua
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| White grubs | Larvae chew roots, causing circular dead patches in the turf. | Apply targeted turf insecticides only if infestations cross economic thresholds. |
| Chinch bugs | Suck sap from grass blades, causing yellowing and thinning. | Reduce irrigation frequency and apply targeted insecticides if damage is severe. |
| Grass webworm | Chewed or webbed grass blades | Use Bacillus thuringiensis (organic) or insecticidal soap |
| Rust | Orange pustules on leaves | Remove affected foliage and improve air circulation |
| Leaf spot (Bipolaris spp.) | Causes small, dark spots on leaf blades during warm, humid weather. | Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer and ensure proper soil drainage. |
| Brown patch (Rhizoctonia solani) | Creates circular patches of dead, brown grass in hot, humid conditions. | Reduce watering frequency and apply targeted turf fungicides if necessary. |
Making more Bouteloua
Seed
- Tuck seeds into prepared soil in spring
- Keep soil moist for 2 weeks
- Germination occurs in 14-21 days
Division
- Divide clumps in early spring or fall
- Replant divisions immediately
- Water thoroughly after planting
Bouteloua questions
How many types of Bouteloua are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 5 distinct Bouteloua varieties. The most popular — ranked by 281 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Bouteloua grow in?
Across its varieties, Bouteloua covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Bouteloua bloom?
Most Bouteloua varieties bloom in mid-summer, late summer, summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Bouteloua should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.