Buffalo Grass Seed Forms An Amazing Grass

By Andy Zain

Buffalo grass is a type of grass that grows wild on the Great Plains. It can survive extreme hot or cold weather, and it is known for its strength and durability. Because it is a wild grass, it needs only a small amount of water to thrive. If you are looking for a low maintenance, durable grass, plant buffalo grass seed.

Buffalo grass turns green two to three weeks later than many other types of grass. It stays green all summer long with only a little water. When it stops growing and becomes dormant in the fall, it turns a light beige color until the following spring.

By using potassium nitrate, a person can cause this grass to germinate quickly. It will only take up to fourteen days. Another incredible characteristic of Buffalo grass is that from the time of planting, it can grow 5 inches before 50 days pass. It spreads and thickens by sending out runners like strawberry plants do. All of these things make it a relatively fast grass cover.

Most grasses need plenty of water, and they will dry up and die in a hot, dry area. Buffalo grass is different, because it does well in those areas. It needs the morning sunlight, well-drained soil and an average of 7 hours of sunlight each day. Because of these characteristics it is a favorite of home builders and companies that build roads.

Scientists have developed a new generation of buffalo grass. This new type is more dense because the roots are closer together, and it produces more plants by sending off runners, allowing it to cover the area faster the first year after it is planted. You don't have to worry about weeds, because buffalo grass is so thick, they can't grow in it.

Buffalo grass will grow in any type of soil except coarse, sand based soils. However, if organic material is added to this type of soil, buffalo grass can grow in it. It is important for the PH of the soil to be within 6. 0 and 7. 5. Buffalo grass seed can be planted in the spring, once the ground temperature has reached 60 degrees, and on throughout the summer. The general rule of thumb is to calculate 75 days before the first average frost date and not to plant buffalo grass after that date.

Ground preparation for buffalo grass is similar to that of other seeds. The ground needs to be tilled to an average eight inches, be well broken up and free from clods, allowing for a healthy root system. It will need to be raked and all large weed debris removed. By using a roller you can firm it so a person's foot won't sink more than one-half inch.

Now it is time to plant. Since most people plant smaller spaces, the seed can just be broadcast across the top of the ground. Don't put it any deeper in the ground than one-half inch. The best depth to plant it is between one-fourth and one-half inch.

People like buffalo grass because it germinates quickly, it is simple to plant and it's very easy to take care of. If you need grass quickly in a certain area, use buffalo grass seed. - 30228

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