Pennisetum clandestinum is familiar with various common names, most often Kikuyu grass. It is a tropical grass species originating from Eastern South Africa. Due to its rapid growth, and hostile nature, it is a harmful and damaging weed in some regions.
However, it is quite famous as a grass lawn in Australia, America, especially in some California, South Africa, and Newzealand regions because it is less expensive as it withstands even drought conditions.
What is Kikuyu grass?
Pennisetum clandestinum or Kikuyu is a rhizomatous grass with green, flattened, and upwardly folded leaves. It mainly grows in sandy soil and a height of 2.9 to 5.9 inches. It grows best between 21 to 40 degrees centigrade as it is drought tolerant.
Kikuyu Grass Maintenance
For the best establishment of the roots and plant, every turf needs to water, mow and fertilize regularly. Soak in more water will promote extensive root growth. Kikuyu grass mainly grows in warmer months, so it should be water every day. But once the roots get enough strength, the amount of watering must reduce a little. Fertilizing Kikuyu is also necessary, but make sure not to fertilize Kikuyu heavily. Mowing is also foremost once a week. The best time to fertilize Kikuyu is in the summers because they mainly grow in warmer months.
Fertilizing a plant is very important because it protects the plant from harmful weeds, pests, and different diseases. These maintenance criteria are usually used for the healthy growth of Kikuyu grass.
Kikuyu Grass Problems
A famous quote says that; “prevention is better than cure” is the chief message discussed here. There are several problems related to the cultivation of plants and crops. Kikuyu yellow is a common disease as far as Kikuyu grass is concerned, which damages the root system adequately, causing the grass to die. This disease favors the damp or wet soil and hot water and spreads rapidly. Problems related to crops and plants are cured by taking deep care and applying fertilizers. But there are no specific fungicides related to Kikuyu yellows. The only way to prevent this disease is not to move or spread infected soil to other parts of the grass in damp weather.
Kikuyu Grass Seeds
Kikuyu is a warm-season grass that is drought tolerant that stands well in dry and rough weather conditions. They are soft, greenish leaves and are grown in the lawn, look ravishing. Kikuyu seeds are quick and rapidly grow in warm weather and also require less care and maintenance. The Kikuyu seed is dark brown, more or less egg-shaped, about 2.5mm long and 1.5mm wide.
Sowing lawn seeds in spring is the best time to establish a lawn because it helps seed germination fast. Sowing seed is not much complicated; taking good care helps in fast seed germination. Kikuyu seeds also require care time to establish perfect Kikuyu grass. Generally, generation time is 7 to 10 days, but it takes around three weeks for Kikuyu grass. So, proper watering for 2 to 3 weeks is necessary for Kikuyu cultivation.
Kikuyu grass care
Kikuyu grass provides the best alternative for traditional lawn grass. It looks beautiful when grown in lawns. Proper care is needed to develop Kikuyu grass. The following care needs to grow Kikuyu grass more effectively:
● Sowing Kikuyu grass
It is necessary to sow Kikuyu seeds properly. Germination time takes 2 to 3 weeks, which requires enough watering of seeds. The growth of Kikuyu seed is slow in starting, but it grows fast after some time.
● Mowing Kikuyu grass
Mowing any grass is necessary once or twice a week. Similarly, for Kikuyu grass, mowing is a must. Mowing too short is not for wet weather; it is not preferable.
● Kikuyu grass fertilizer
Nitrogen-rich fertilizers are often used in Kikuyu grass for rapid production. For a few Kikuyu diseases like Kikuyu yellow are not well treated by fertilizers. Therefore, they require proper care and maintenance.
Kikuyu grass is renowned for its rapid lush green growth that looks ravishing when grown in lawns. They are often used in sports fields, grounds, and specifically for golf courses. They are looked after by the Green man. Mowing and proper care are needed to get the grass up to date. Proper sowing of seeds, watering twice or even thrice a week, and usage of fertilizers make the finest Kikuyu grass and ready to make your lawns look amazing. Taking care of some diseases is also necessary as we know prevention is better than cure.
