Many homeowners choose to skip the sod when establishing a beautiful zoysia grass lawn. They choose to use seed instead. Using zoysia seed is a cheaper and sometimes more effective approach to growing a zoysia lawn.
Coated Zoysia Grass Seed vs. Uncoated
Most varieties of seed come in two options, coated and uncoated. Coated seeds are superior for many reasons but come with a premium price tag. Coated seeds offer excellent germination and growth. With a drastic increase in germination, fewer coated seeds will need to be applied per square foot than uncoated seed. The increased germination and effectiveness of coated grass seed is due to to three main properties:
Moisture Wicking
A cocoon of moisture-wicking material surrounds coated grass seed. The material draws moisture away from the soil and into the kernel. The increased moisture around the seed will jumpstart germination. The high moisture wicking will make daily watering more effective and droughts less of a threat.
Ballistic Properties
A coated seed is heavier than its uncoated counterpart. The increase in weight means that the seed will be more evenly distributed and will land more firmly. A heavier seed will be less affected by water and wind. Imagine trying to scatter a handful of ping pong balls versus a handful of golf balls. The golf balls will settle closer to where they land and will be easier to evenly distribute.
Soil Contact
Soil contact is essential for germination. The coating on a seed increases the surface area and soil contact. The increased soil contact will increase the odds of successful germination.
When to Seed a Zoysia Lawn
The earliest you should seed a new zoysia lawn is in the late spring. You want to be sure the threat of frost has passed as frost can damage fledgling seedlings. Ideally, don't seed after mid summer. You'll want your zoysia fully established before cool weather returns.
The same rules apply to overseeding. Also wait at least 4 weeks after application of any herbicides before attempting to overseed.
Best Zoysia Seeds
Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed
- 5lb Bag
- Thrives in Heat & Drought
- Seeds up to 2,000 sq. ft.
Scotts Turf Builder features a coated seed and enriched mulch in one package! Allows for faster and healthier yard establishment. The mulch mix that is included in the product adds extra nutrients and drought protection.
Zenith Seeds is on the cutting edge of Zoysia Grass research. The company has perfected creating the perfect Zoysia grass variety. Zenith Zoysia grass has been engineered to need less water, tolerate moderate shade, and is more disease resistant. Zenith Zoysia is an uncoated seed, but its growth properties outweigh its lack of coating. Zenith's grass seed features a broader blade than traditional varieties, leading to a thicker and more robust lawn.
