Zoysia Grass — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Zoysia japonica |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 14–21 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 21.1–32.2 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 60–120 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 10.2–20.3 |
| Mature height (cm) | 5.1–15.2 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 10.2–61 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 6–11 |
| Light | Partial sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Cutting |
Growing directions
Establish from sod or plugs in spring; mow at 1.5–2.5 inches and maintain consistent moisture during establishment — once established, irrigation needs decrease significantly. Zoysia grass encompasses several species (Zoysia japonica, Z. matrella, Z. tenuifolia) and numerous cultivars, ranging from coarse-textured 'Meyer' (Z. japonica) to ultra-fine-bladed 'Zeon' and 'Emerald' (Z. matrella x japonica hybrids), and the thread-fine 'No-Mow' Z. tenuifolia — the variation in texture between cultivars is greater than any other warm-season turf grass. Zoysia's outstanding characteristics are its excellent drought tolerance (deep root system), relatively good shade tolerance (better than Bermuda, approaching St. Augustine), superior cold tolerance (among the hardiest warm-season grasses), dense sod that suppresses weeds, and attractive, dense, fine-textured appearance at maturity. The major limitation is its slow establishment rate — a full season or more to fill in from plugs — and its tendency to go dormant earlier in fall and green up later in spring than other warm-season grasses, giving it a longer dormant brown period in transitional zones. In zone 9, zoysia typically remains green from March through November. Popular cultivars include 'Meyer' (coarse, very cold-hardy), 'Emerald' (fine-textured, shade-tolerant, Gulf South standard), 'Palisades' (excellent drought and shade tolerance), and 'Zeon' (ultra-fine, premium home lawns).
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0