Centipede grass care

Eremochloa ophiuroides is often sold as the "lazy man's grass" -- and while that characterization overpromises, centipede grass does genuinely require less maintenance than any other common warm-season turf. It needs minimal fertilizer, tolerates acidic, infertile soils, and grows slowly enough.

Eremochloa ophiuroides is often sold as the "lazy man's grass" — and while that characterization overpromises, centipede grass does genuinely require less maintenance than any other common warm-season turf. It needs minimal fertilizer, tolerates acidic, infertile soils, and grows slowly enough that mowing intervals can stretch to two weeks. The catch: it is extremely sensitive to over-management, and most centipede decline in the United States is caused by well-intentioned homeowners applying too much lime, too much fertilizer, and too much water.

Species overview

Eremochloa ophiuroides is native to southeastern China and was introduced to the United States in 1919. Per NC State TurfFiles, it spreads by stolons, produces a dense but medium-textured lawn, and has a distinctive apple-green color different from the darker tones of bermuda grass and zoysia.

A few improved varieties are available:

• TifBlair — improved cold tolerance for zone 7b—8a
• Oaklawn — standard variety, widely planted
• Centennial — dwarf type with reduced vertical growth
• Common centipede from seed — adequate for low-budget establishment