Zoysia Grass Seed 101: Achieve a Durable, Low-Water Lawn

Due to the rapidly polluting air, homeowners require a healthy, lush green space. Green areas improve a home’s appearance, provide essential environmental benefits, and support various life forms. Regular care and upkeep are necessary to maximize a green space.

Basic lawn care usually involves using nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Small amounts of other nutrients and healthy soil microbes can also help grow grass well. Lawn care should also include careful watering and mowing and meeting any specific grass type needs.

Zoysia grass seed is popular for dense, durable lawns with deep roots. It’s a warm-season grass, ideal for areas with long, hot summers, and creates a lawn that uses less water and is more resilient under stress.

Growcycle offers guides on growing different types of grass, including St. Augustine and Bermuda grass. It also provides products for all gardening needs, like essential nutrients, gardening tools, and treatments for weeds, pests, and diseases.

What is Zoysia Grass Seed?

Zoysia grass seed is used to grow Zoysia grass, a popular choice for warm-season lawns because it creates a dense, hardy turf with a deep root system. Known for its lush green appearance and resilience, it is ideal for areas with long, hot summers. This grass type requires less water than some other varieties, making it a good choice for water conservation.

Zoysia is also low-maintenance, needing less frequent mowing and offering strong resistance to pests, diseases, and foot traffic. Once established, it provides a thick, carpet-like lawn that effectively resists weeds. Zoysia grass seed can be a great option for those looking for a durable, drought-tolerant lawn.

Characteristics of Zoysia Grass

Zoysia grass is known for several key characteristics that make it a popular choice for lawns, especially in warm climates:

• Drought Tolerance: Zoysia grass has deep roots, which allow it to access water stored in the soil more effectively, making it highly drought-resistant. It can stay green longer during dry spells compared to other grass types.
• Low Maintenance: This grass requires less frequent mowing and fertilization once established. Its slow growth rate reduces the need for constant upkeep, making it appealing for homeowners looking for a low-maintenance lawn.
• Dense Growth: Zoysia grass grows in a dense, carpet-like pattern, which helps crowd out weeds. This thick coverage means it provides a strong defense against weed growth and helps create a uniform look.
• Resilience to Foot Traffic: With a strong root system and thick blades, Zoysia grass can withstand heavy foot traffic. It bounces back well, making it ideal for lawns, parks, and other areas with regular activity.
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Zoysia is naturally resistant to many common pests and diseases, which means it often requires fewer pesticides. This resilience contributes to its popularity in home and commercial landscaping.
• Seasonal Dormancy: As a warm-season grass, Zoysia thrives in hot weather but goes dormant in the colder months, turning brown in fall and winter. While this means it requires minimal care during dormancy, it’s worth considering if growers prefer year-round green grass.
• Shade Tolerance: Zoysia has moderate shade tolerance, which means it can adapt to areas with partial sunlight. However, it grows best in full sun and may thin out in heavy shade.

Types of Zoysia Grass

Zoysia grass is mainly divided into three types based on its growth rate, heat and cold tolerance, and appearance. Here are discussed all the three types of zoysia grass:

1. Zoysia matrella

Zoysia matrella has fine-bladed, soft, and velvety grass leaves. This comfy texture ensures lush green grass. It is preferable in areas where the sunlight is not very intense; plants get moderate sunlight due to the shade. The grass has a slower growth rate than other types of zoysia. 

2. Zoysia japonica

Zoysia japonica is the best in surviving cold conditions among all types of Zoysia grass. Its thicker and coarse leaves offer high durability to foot traffic and are a good choice for outdoor parks and playgrounds. Compared to other Zoysia varieties, it has a higher growth rate, and denser grass grows in comparatively less time. 

3. Zoysia tenuifolia

Zoysia tenuifolia requires highly hot regions to show maximum growth. Being a warm-season grass type, it has the least tolerance for winter among all other Zoysia grass types. It offers a cushion-like appearance, which is why it is considered a go-to choice for green spaces that are primarily established for decorative purposes. 

How to Plant Zoysia Grass Seed for Lawn?

Planting Zoysia grass seed for a lawn involves several steps to ensure successful germination and growth. Here is a simple guide on how to plant Zoysia grass:

1. Test the Soil

Before planting Zoysia grass on a lawn, growers should examine the soil’s chemistry. A soil test uncovers the soil's nutrient profiles, pH, and other details. Based on the soil test, the grower should adjust the required parameters of the soil to make it suitable for healthy lawn growth. 

2. Prepare the Area

Once the soil testing is completed, growers should prepare the soil to plant the Zoysia grass seed:

• Any unwanted objects like debris or stones must be removed from the soil.
• Gentle tilling is preferable if the soil has become compacted due to high wear.
• Growers must take proper measures to make the area free from weeds and insect attacks.
• Soil leveling throughout the lawn area is required to ensure practical seed application. 

3. Add the Compost

Before the seed application, growers can add a fine layer of organic compost to the topsoil. This way, the soil gets the required nutrients without using active chemicals. Growers may also consider composting a good option as it moistens the soil well, which ensures practical seed application. However, a fragile layer of compost should be added, as the excess application may hinder the seed from reaching the soil.

4. Apply Zoysia Seeds

To ensure practical Zoysia seed application on the soil, it is good to divide the area into various small rectangular compartments and then spread the seeds. This way, growers can ensure the seeds are applied evenly throughout the lawn.

Moreover, a suitable spreader also works well for spreading seeds evenly on the leveled lawn. A drop spreader can effectively serve the purpose of home lawns with smaller areas. 

5. Soil to Seed Interaction

After seed application, growers must take measures to interact the seeds with the soil. Without the seed-to-soil interaction, root formation and grass growth may eventually cease. The compost layer also initiates the soil-seed interaction.

Growers may further boost this by adding gentle splashes of water after seeding. Moreover, adding a thin layer of the soil above the seeds is also effective for this interaction.

6. Mowing

Mowing the grass ensures a healthy lawn appearance while giving the grass the edge to absorb maximum nutrients and water. Zoysia seeds grow maximum in around six to eight weeks after seed application.

During this time, the grass grows up to 2 to 3 inches, which is the best height for mowing. However, growers should consider the first turn of mowing once the grass has developed a robust root system. 

Additional Tips for Healthy Zoysia Grass

To keep Zoysia grass healthy and vibrant, here are some additional tips that can help boost its growth and resilience:

Plant at the Right Time

Zoysia grass seed grows best in late spring, so growers should plant the seeds during this season to ensure effective and quick growth. Before the blazing summer starts, the lawn establishes its roots and vegetation and is best prepared to withstand the weather stresses. Growers can also consider early fall for planting Zoysia grass seeds as the soil temperature is warm enough due to the previous summer. 

Consider the Native Climate

Zoysia is a warm-season grass whose seeds flourish well in warmer environments. Though different varieties of Zoysia seeds have different temperature requirements, they all grow well in areas with prolonged summers and shorter and mild winters. Growers should consider whether their native environmental conditions align with the grass seed requirements before planting it into their lawns. 

Ensure Proper Sunlight

Different types of Zoysia grass seeds flourish well in areas with maximum sunlight exposure. Being a warm-season grass, it thrives ideally at 80-95 degrees Fahrenheit. Shaded regions or areas with partial sunlight are also preferable for optimal grass growth.

However, these seeds can not grow in humid environments or colder regions. For effective grass growth, growers must ensure that the area receives at least 6 hours of full sunlight daily. 

Feed the Suitable Nutrients

Applying suitable nutrients at the right time ensures optimal grass growth. When planting Zoysia grass seeds on the lawn, any starter fertilizer with all the macronutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, is preferable. 

Growers can use fertilizers with high phosphorus content while planting Zoysia grass seeds. People who do not want to overwhelm their soils with active chemicals during the seed planting stage may go for organic options like bone meal or fish emulsion. 

Choosing the Right Lawn Fertilizer for a Lush, Green Lawn

Maintaining a lush, green lawn is a common goal for many homeowners, but it requires more than just regular mowing and watering. One of the most crucial aspects of lawn care is proper fertilization.

LEARN MORE →

Remove the Thatch Layer Annually

Thatch is the organic layer between the grass and the soil. Frequent applications of fertilizers, particularly organic nutrients, may form thatch. It is beneficial for grass growth to some extent as it effectively holds fertilizer granules and seeds that may get blown away by heavy winds.

The excessively thick layer of thatch is notorious for efficient grass growth as it hinders nutrients and water access to the roots. Growers may use a suitable tool to remove excess thatch build-up at least once a year.  

Proper Care Until Root Formation

When planted, Zoysia grass seeds are vulnerable to different stresses until they successfully establish a healthy lawn. Growers must take proper care of the grass until the roots develop to ensure its resilience.

This grass usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to germinate effectively, but the vigorous roots develop in almost 6 to 8 weeks. So, growers must regularly water and fertilize the lawn till grass develops a sturdy root network.

How to Effectively Maintain Zoysia Lawn in Varying Seasons?

Zoysia lawn grass has different maintenance requirements in each season. Growers should consider these factors while establishing and maintaining a green lawn with Zoysia grass seeds:

Spring

In spring, start by removing thatch if it’s more than ½ inch thick, and aerate the lawn to improve soil airflow and nutrient absorption. Apply a balanced fertilizer after the lawn turns green, but avoid fertilizing too early to reduce weed growth.

Use a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent weeds from sprouting and gradually increase watering as the weather warms up. This will prepare the Zoysia lawn for active growth in the warmer months.

Summer

During summer, mow the lawn regularly, keeping the grass at a height of about 1-2 inches. To keep it healthy, avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height at a time. Water deeply about once a week, providing around 1 inch of water to encourage strong roots.

Watch for pests like grubs and diseases like brown patches, treating them quickly if they appear. If needed, apply a light fertilizer mid-summer to support continued growth, but don’t over-fertilize, as it can lead to too much thatch.

Fall

As temperatures start to cool, water gradually reduces since Zoysia grass needs less water in the fall. Apply a small amount of fertilizer with extra potassium early in the season to help strengthen the grass for winter.

Use a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent cool-season weeds from taking over, but avoid heavy treatments as the lawn starts to prepare for dormancy. Raise the mower height a bit before winter to keep the grass at a healthy length as it transitions to dormancy.

Winter

In winter, Zoysia grass goes dormant and turns brown, so it requires very little care. Avoid walking on the lawn too much to protect it in its vulnerable state. Don’t fertilize or use herbicides; the grass isn’t actively growing and won’t benefit.

Rake up any fallen leaves or debris to improve airflow, which helps prevent mold and disease. Use this time to plan any repairs or reseeding for spring so that the lawn will be ready to grow again when warmer weather returns.

Benefits of Planting Zoysia Grass Seeds in the Lawn

Planting Zoysia grass seeds on a lawn offers several valuable benefits:

Heat Resistance

Zoysia grass seeds can flourish well even in hotter regions. Unlike most grasses, which burn or become weak in intense summer, Zoysia grass has the potential to grow lush green and dense vegetation even in the scorching heat.

Due to its heat-resistant nature, growers may consider it the ideal choice for high-temperature regions where other plants can not survive. 

Drought Tolerance

Being a warm-season grass, it can survive extreme drought conditions. This allows the grass to survive for a long time in times of limited or no water supply. Zoysia grass seed develops extensive roots that store sufficient water.

Moreover, the leaves are designed to restrict water loss via evaporation. Zoysia's higher-than-usual water retention ability makes it a good option for areas with fewer water resources. 

Requires Fewer Mowing Turns

Plants that remain well-maintained even with minimal care and maintenance measures are ideal for growing. Zoysia grass has a slower growth rate than other grasses, so growers do not have to worry about frequent mowing. This way, growers get a healthy lawn while saving time, money, and energy. 

Easy to Maintain

Zoysia grass requires proper care and maintenance until the roots are formed. However, once the lawn has established itself, growers may save themselves from the hassle of lawn maintenance as it needs less water and fewer mowing turns. However, growers should ensure proper nutrient application to prevent the grass from being nutrient-deficient. 

Boost the Lawn Appeal

Even with minimal care, zoysia grass seed establishes itself into deep green colored grass that reflects a healthy and aesthetic lawn. An established lawn feels like a premium space carpeted with a lush green hue, enhancing the space’s outlook. 

Natural Defense to Diseases and Pests

Well-established Zoysia grass is resilient to several diseases and pest attacks. Unlike other plants that require chemicals to prevent fungal and pest attacks, Zoysia is naturally resistant to several stresses, making it an excellent choice for growers. 

Comfortable Texture

An established and mowed Zoysia lawn offers a soft and even texture. The dense grass provides a cushion-like texture, making it safer for kids and pets. Moreover, people may enjoy walking and sitting on their Zoysia lawn due to the comfortable texture. 

Bear High Foot Traffic

Lawns and green spaces with Zoysia grass offer high durability. Despite the heavy foot traffic by kids, pets, and families, the grass can last long, even with fewer maintenance measures. This makes it the ideal choice for growers who want to plant a lawn or garden to cater to a large number of people. 

How is Zoysia Grass Environmentally Beneficial?

Zoysia grass offers several environmental benefits that make it a sustainable choice for lawns and landscaping:

Water Conservation

Zoysia grass has a deep root system that allows it to access water stored deep in the soil. This drought tolerance means it requires less watering than many other grass types, which helps conserve water resources, especially in drought-prone regions.

Reduced Chemical Use

Due to its natural resistance to pests and diseases, Zoysia grass typically requires fewer chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This reduction in chemical usage minimizes the potential for water runoff and soil contamination, contributing to healthier ecosystems.

Carbon Sequestration

Like all grasses, Zoysia absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. By establishing a healthy Zoysia lawn, homeowners can help sequester carbon, reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

Soil Erosion Prevention

The dense growth of Zoysia grass helps stabilize soil, reducing erosion caused by wind and water. This is particularly beneficial on slopes or in areas susceptible to erosion, helping to protect local waterways from sedimentation.

Biodiversity Support

Zoysia lawns can support various forms of wildlife, including beneficial insects and birds. A healthy Zoysia lawn can provide habitat and food sources, contributing to local biodiversity.

Urban Heat Reduction

Lawns planted with Zoysia grass can help reduce the urban heat island effect by cooling the surrounding air. This can lead to lower energy consumption for cooling buildings and improved comfort in urban areas during hot weather.

Air Quality Improvement

Grass, including Zoysia, helps improve air quality by trapping dust and other pollutants. The presence of grass can also reduce noise pollution, creating a more pleasant environment.

FAQs

In which soils Zoysia grass may show effective growth?

Zoysia grass may flourish well in multiple soil types, whether sandy, clay, or loamy. However, a well-drained sandy loam with a perfect soil pH of 5.8 to 7.0 is the ideal medium for growing Zoysia. 

What to do if the Zoysia grass develops patches?

Patchy grass may be caused by fungal or disease attacks. Growers should apply a suitable fungicide. If the patches are due to poor maintenance, immediately aerating, reseeding, and dethatching the organic layer may help restore the lush green grass. 

Is spraying herbicide fine to eliminate weeds from Zoysia grass?

An effective herbicide can kill or eliminate the weed population from any Zoysia lawn. However, growers should not apply herbicide to a newly established lawn that has not yet developed its root system.

The Bottom Line

Zoysia grass seed can grow well in different kinds of soil, making it a simple choice for gardeners. Gardeners can create a healthy lawn with thick Zoysia grass by using the right methods for planting seeds and choosing the best fertilizers and care techniques. However, it has specific features that gardeners need to keep in mind, as it might not work well in every location. Since it is a warm-season grass, it grows best in hot areas.

Gardeners can check out the Growcycle for more information on what they need to know before starting any gardening. It provides helpful information on various gardening needs, such as organic gardening, growing healthy lawns, and hydroponic systems.

Disclaimer: This material is for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for legal, medical, financial, or any other form of professional advice.

About the Author

Victor Miller

Environmental Journalist Focused on Sustainable Agriculture

Victor Miller is an environmental journalist at Growcycle, where he covers the latest news, trends, and innovations in sustainable agriculture. He has a deep passion for storytelling that emphasizes ecological balance and responsible farming practices.

Before joining Growcycle, Victor worked for several agricultural and environmental publications, reporting on significant environmental issues and interviewing key figures in the sustainability sector. His work has been featured in various industry journals and online platforms.