St. Augustine Grass — Complete Guide
St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) has the best shade tolerance of any warm-season grass. With broad, flat blades and a blue-green color, it creates a lush, tropical-looking lawn. It is the dominant lawn grass along the Gulf Coast and in Florida.
Is St. Augustine Grass Right for Your Lawn?
| Characteristic | Rating |
|---|---|
| Shade Tolerance | High |
| Drought Tolerance | Medium |
| Traffic Tolerance | Medium |
| Maintenance Level | Medium |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Season Type | Warm-season |
Where Does St. Augustine Grass Grow Best?
St. Augustine thrives in the warm-season zone, particularly along the Gulf Coast, Florida, and coastal regions (USDA zones 8-10). It has poor cold tolerance and should not be used where winter temperatures regularly drop below 20°F. It is not suitable for the transition zone.
How Much St. Augustine Seed or Sod Do I Need?
St. Augustine is almost exclusively installed as sod or plugs. It produces very little viable seed, so seeding is not recommended. Sod: 1 pallet covers approximately 450 sq ft.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Best shade tolerance of any warm-season grass
- Thick, lush appearance
- Fast spread once established
- Good salt tolerance for coastal areas
Cons
- Poor cold tolerance
- Cannot be established from seed
- Requires more water than Bermuda
- Susceptible to chinch bugs and fungal diseases