Drought, Salt and Shade Tolerant 'Floratam' Sod Plugs

Floratam, a vigorous and coarsely textured St. Augustine grass variety, boasts large, purplish-red stolons with internodes averaging 3 inches in length. This distinct characteristic should be demanded when purchasing sod. Compared to common St. Augustine grass, Floratam's leaf blades are wider and longer.

Despite its coarse texture when viewed up close, the overall coarseness of Floratam's blades is reduced when the grass is viewed as a lawn. The recommended mowing height for Floratam should not exceed 1 1/2 inches. However, if the grass is not watered during dry weather, the mowing height can be increased to 2 inches or higher if possible.

One of the most cost-effective St. Augustine grasses, Floratam is believed to be native to the coastal regions of both the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean. St. Augustinegrass, including Floratam, is established solely through vegetative propagation, which involves the use of plant parts with growing points, such as sod, plugs, or sprigs, rather than seeds.

Proper irrigation is crucial for the successful establishment of newly planted grass. During the first 7-10 days after planting, multiple short (5-10 minutes) irrigations throughout the day are recommended to prevent the grass from drying out. For the following 7-10 days, a single daily irrigation applying 1/4-1/2 inch of water is advised. Thereafter, the frequency should be reduced to 2-3 times per week, again applying 1/4-1/2 inch of water.

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