How do you grow Korean grass?

Answer 1

Korean grass (Zoysia tenuifolia) is a lovely, hardy compact grass that grows in mounds. It is possible to grow them as flat turf, however will then require regular care to reroll down the sod and mow frequently. Left alone, it is perhaps the most decorative of the three common types of Zoysia found in the U.S.

While it is currently possible to grow from seed, more labor is required and seeds you purchase have to be specially pretreated. There can be a low rate of success with germination. Not impossible to grow from seed, and you might get a better quality plant, but you have to do your research and work the work.

You can more easily plant Korean grass from flats you purchase at a good local nursery store. As with other plants, the less dead, yellowing growth in the flat, the better.

While you may wish to cover your entire bare area with Korean grass from the beginning, it isn't necessary. Dirt between the clumps will eventually be covered, as the grass grows and spreads out over time.

== == Prep the dirt as you would any lawn. Till a few inches into the soil, and remove stones, pieces of branch, and roots from any previous plantings. Mulch and sprinkle on fertilizer. Smooth out the soil, sloping slightly away from any buildings for drainage. Water until the soil the is soft and wet, but without much puddling.

Next, look at your landscape, and think about how you want your clumps to be planted. Korean grass looks best with staggered plantings that curve around. Poke holes in the area before planting to get an idea of what design you'd like.

Begin removing the clumps from the flat. You will see that the clumps tend to be elongated in shape, much like breadsticks. Don't be afraid to gently separate them into pieces that would better fit your landscape. Using fingers, a spoon or spade, dig and set the clumps into the spaces you made previously, about 1-2" depth. Be sure to watch for exposed feeder roots, set them into the soil, and cover. Press the clumps firmly down into the soil for good contact. Lightly rewater the soil and plantings.

For warmer climes, such as Southern California, water three times a day the first week just until the soil is soft, two the second, and then every day or every other thereafter. Like any other lawn, monthly fertilizer sprinkles help! Again, don't overwater so it puddles.

Korean grass is a generally drought tolerant grass. Sometimes Korean grass develops patchy or thin areas over time... this can usually be corrected by shorter watering times and less fertilizing. Bear in mind that it goes dormant in the winter and can get brown for a few months. It will return green in the spring with regular care.

Although it should be ok in full sun, I have seen that it's generally greener in the partial shade areas of my Zone 23 neighborhood near downtown Los Angeles. It is not a recommended grass for colder climes and high traffic areas.

Information compiled from the awesome nursery folks at San Gabriel (the great Mr. Liang) and Sunset Boulevard (thank you Alan!) nurseries, plantanswers.tamu.edu/turf/publications/zoysia.html, turfmerchants.com, and the Sunset Western Garden Book. Google Zoysia tenuifolia for detailed info.

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