What Is Warm Grass: How To Grow Warm Season Grasses

Using warm weather turfgrass and ornamental grass plantings are commonly recommended for warm, temperate regions for greater success. Learn more about how to grow warm-season grasses and the different types that are available.

What is Warm Grass?

Warm-season grass includes those grass types that will grow best in warm months of spring, summer, and fall. Warm weather turf grass varieties include:

• Bermuda
• Centipede
• Zoysia
• Buffalo
• Bahamas
• St. Augustine
• Carpet grass

It is best to do some research on which warm grass variety will do best for your growing region, as some warm-season grasses are better suited to some areas over others. You can also consult your local Cooperative Extension Office for the best warm season grass for your area as well as instructions for planting warm-season grasses and care. Other than tolerance to heat, the main difference between warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses is that warm grasses go dormant during the coolest part of the year while cool-season grasses die as temperatures rise and moisture drops.

How to Grow Warm Season Grasses

Planting warm-season grasses is done with seed, sprigs, or sod. Plant sprigs or sod May through July and spread seed March through September. It is critical that the roots of warm-season grasses have enough time to establish before cooler weather sets in. Begin mowing grass when it is long enough to cut and keep a cutting height of 1 inch (2.5 cm.) for best results.

Warm Season Ornamental Grasses

Warm-season ornamental grasses thrive in warm weather and tolerate extended periods of drought. It is best to cut old growth in the spring down to about 6 inches (15 cm.) to make way for new growth, which will start as soon as the soil warms. Warm-season ornamental grasses vary in size, shape, and color but are used extensively in southern landscapes as focal plants, foundation plants, and also as barriers. Unlike cool-season ornamental grasses, warm-season ornamental grass does not need to be divided as frequently. Popular varieties of warm-season ornamental grasses include:

• Switchgrass
• Prairie cordgrass
• Perennial fountain grass
• Japanese silver grass
• Hardy pampas grass