Bahiagrass
Florida gardeners can choose from several types of lawn grasses, including bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flugge). It was originally introduced to Florida as a pasture grass, but it’s also an option for home lawns.
Many people who opt for a bahiagrass lawn do so because of its relatively low maintenance needs. Because bahiagrass forms an extensive root system, it has better drought tolerance than other Florida lawngrasses. Bahiagrass also needs fewer nutrients than other turfgrasses and has fewer problems with insect pests and diseases. A popular cultivar for home lawns is ‘Argentine’.
However, bahiagrass doesn’t provide the same uniform cover that other grasses do, and some people find its tall seedheads unattractive.
Bahiagrass can be established as sod or seed at any time of year in much of Florida, but in North Florida, the best time to plant your bahiagrass is during the spring or early summer months.
During times of active growth, bahiagrass should be mowed every 7–14 days to a height of 3–4 inches. Because its leaves and seed head stems are very tough, the mower blade must be sharpened regularly to ensure a good, clean cut. Mowing with a dull blade can lead to a ragged appearance and even disease and insect problems. The most serious insect threat to bahiagrass is the mole cricket.