The Story
Plant Bio
Paspalum notatum is a tough warm-season perennial grass native to South America that spreads indefinitely by thick, scaly horizontal rhizomes. Its coarse foliage forms a low turf mat beneath distinctive two-branched, V-shaped flowering stalks that rise in summer.
The species is distinguished by its divergent paired racemes held atop slender culms and exceptional tolerance for infertile, acidic sandy soils. It enters semi-dormancy during extended dry spells, greening up rapidly upon receiving rain.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Grass
Height
30"
Width
36"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Low to medium
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
South America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Summer – Fall
In flower about 6 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun or light shade with sandy or acidic soil.
- Prepare the seedbed or sod foundation by loosening the top few inches of soil and leveling.
- Lay sod rolls tightly together or broadcast seed evenly during mid to late spring.
- Water daily until roots establish, then reduce frequency to rely primarily on rainfall.
Pro Tip
Mow regularly at two to three inches throughout summer to remove emerging seedheads before they harden into rigid, unsightly stalks.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Mow frequently during active summer growth to keep seedheads under control.
- Maintain soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal foliage color.
Don't
- Do not over-fertilize with high nitrogen levels, which triggers rapid seedhead production.
- Do not plant in poorly drained, continuously saturated soils.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Bahiagrass questions
What zones can Bahiagrass grow in?
Bahiagrass is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
When does Bahiagrass bloom?
Bahiagrass typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Bahiagrass need full sun?
Bahiagrass does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Bahiagrass drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Bahiagrass handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Bahiagrass with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.