Kikuyu Grass Characteristics

Kikuyu lawn is know as the Highveld grass. It is a very tough, fast growing grass and makes a beautiful lawn if properly cared for. It has thin leaves with a sharp point and when seeding it sometimes appears as if cotton wool is lying on the lawn.

Many of the cooler climate golf courses use it on their fairways. It is also known as the sports field grass as it is tough and handles heavy ware and tare very well. To look really good it needs to be mowed often. Unlike LM, kikuyu can be mowed very short, especially late in August (almost scarified) and a good top dressing can be applied. This normally results in a strong flush early in Spring. Unfortunately Kikuyu does not do well in any form of shade. Full sun or nothing. It is also susceptible to very hot areas. Places like Komatipoort, Malelane and Hazyview should not plant Kikuyu unless you have unlimited free water.

When establishing Kikuyu it needs to be kept wet for the first 10-14 days and thereafter a good drenching once a week unless temperatures are very high.