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St. Augustine – Floratam

Floratam is a warm-season turfgrass that thrives in Florida’s hot, humid climate. Known for its rapid growth in spring and summer, Floratam naturally slows down in the fall and becomes dormant in winter. While it can’t survive temperatures below 20°F, this is rarely an issue in Florida landscapes. It performs best in nutrient-rich, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.

This grass is a standout for coastal homeowners due to its excellent salt tolerance, making it one of the most resilient choices near the shoreline. However, it needs full sun to truly flourish—Floratam requires 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain its color and density.

Floratam isn’t ideal for heavy-use areas like playgrounds or sports fields because it has moderate wear tolerance. Still, it’s a great fit for most residential and commercial lawns, thanks to its horizontal spread that helps it quickly recover and fill in damaged patches.

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 Why Choose It

  • Less Mowing Required — With slower vertical growth, you’ll spend up to 50% less time mowing.

  • Elegant & Dense — Thick dark-green blades deliver a full, visually stunning carpet of grass.

  • Improved Shade Tolerance — Thrives in both full sun and filtered light conditions.

  • Built-In Weed Control — Naturally resists weeds like dollarweed and clover thanks to its dense growth and reduced seed production.

Care Guidelines

  • loratam grows quickly and should be mowed about once per week during its active growing season. Keep the mowing height between 3 and 4 inches and always use a sharp blade to avoid tearing the grass, which can leave it vulnerable to pests and disease.

  • Thatch Management:
    Floratam is known to build up thatch over time. While a small amount is beneficial, excessive thatch can block essential water and nutrients. Rake out any heavy thatch before mowing to keep the lawn healthy and breathable.

  • Watering:
    After installation, new Floratam sod must be watered once or twice daily for the first 2–3 weeks until roots establish. Once established, aim for 1 inch of water per week, applied deeply to encourage strong roots. Avoid short, shallow watering—30 to 45 minutes of soaking is best.

  • Fertilization:
    If your soil is low in nitrogen, consider using a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every 4 to 8 weeks during the growing season to maintain a vibrant, lush appearance.


Performance & Maintenance Details

  • Ideal Use: Residential & Commercial Lawns

  • Mowing Height: 3"–4"

  • Blade Width: 8–9 mm

  • Shade Tolerance: Low (prefers full sun)

  • Wear Tolerance: Moderate

  • Drought Tolerance: High

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