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How does buffalo grass grow? 

Ever wondered how buffalo grass works its magic, turning your backyard into a green paradise? It’s more than just a pretty face. Buffalo grass is a tough, go-getter that spreads across your lawn like a pro, all while staying low-maintenance. 

Whether you're looking to give your garden a makeover or just curious about how this powerhouse grass grows, you're in the right place. In this guide, we'll dive into the secrets behind buffalo grass’s growth, how you can get it to spread faster, and tips for keeping it healthy and lush.

For a visual understanding of how buffalo grass grows into a healthy lawn, watch our video. It explains everything you need to know about growing Sir Walter buffalo grass. 

Understanding buffalo grass growth 

Buffalo grass is a warm-season grass, which means it grows best in the warmer months. However, it stands out because it can tolerate cooler temperatures compared to other warm-season grasses. This hardiness makes it an ideal choice for Australian lawns.

When does buffalo grass grow?

Buffalo grass, such as our Sir Walter turf, primarily grows during the warmer months of spring and summer. You’ll notice it thriving when temperatures are consistently above 18°C. Growth slows down during autumn and winter, especially in regions where temperatures drop below 10°C. However, the grass remains green and maintains its appearance with proper care.

• Best growing season: Spring and summer
• Dormant season: Winter (in colder regions)

How buffalo grass spreads naturally 

Buffalo grass spreads via stolons, which are horizontal runners that grow above the soil. These stolons send out shoots that root at various points, helping the grass cover new areas over time.

How does buffalo grass spread across an area? 

Buffalo grass’s growth pattern relies heavily on stolons. These runners creep along the surface and establish new roots wherever they touch the soil, allowing the grass to spread naturally.

• Spreading method: Stolons (above-ground buffalo grass runners)
• Growth pattern: Horizontal spread, covering bare patches over time.

How fast does buffalo grass spread?

The speed of buffalo grass spread depends on factors such as soil quality, water availability, and the overall care it receives. On average, buffalo grass can spread around 30–60 cm per year under ideal conditions. With proper maintenance, you can expect a well-established lawn within 6–12 months.

• Average spread rate: 30–60 cm per year
• Time to establish: 6–12 months

How long does buffalo grass take to grow?

Soft-leaf buffalo grass is a relatively slow-growing grass, especially compared to other species like Kikuyu grass. However, its slow growth is offset by its low maintenance needs and durability.

How long does buffalo grass take to establish?

Establishing a buffalo lawn typically takes between 6 and 12 months. If planted from turf rolls, it can establish more quickly compared to seeds, which take longer to germinate and grow. With the right care, including consistent watering and fertilising, you can expect your buffalo grass to establish fully within a year.

• From turf: 6–12 months to establish
• From seed: Up to 18 months for full establishment

Once planted, buffalo grass can take several weeks to start showing visible growth, especially if grown from seed. The initial growth phase focuses on developing strong roots, which is essential for the long-term health of the grass.

Tips to encourage buffalo grass to spread 

Encouraging buffalo turf varieties to spread can be a priority if you're looking to fill in bare patches or establish a thick, even lawn. There are several techniques you can use to promote faster and healthier growth.

To encourage buffalo grasses to spread more effectively, it’s important to maintain optimal growing conditions. Here are some key tips to help create the attractive lawn you desire:

• Mow regularly – Keeping the grass trimmed to the right height (around 5–6 cm) encourages lateral growth in the grass blades.
• Fertilise during growing season – Using a nitrogen-rich fertiliser in spring and summer can stimulate stronger stolon production and create a healthy buffalo lawn.
• Water consistently – Keep the soil moist, especially during the initial growth phase. Buffalo grass needs 2.5 cm of water per week during active growth.
• Reduce competition – Minimise weeds and competing grass types by applying weed control measures to the buffalo lawn regularly.

How to get buffalo grass to spread 

In addition to maintaining ideal growing conditions, there are a few extra steps you can take to ensure your buffalo grass spreads effectively:

• Aerate the soil: Aeration promotes better water, nutrients, and oxygen absorption, encouraging healthy stolon growth.
• Top dress with compost: A thin layer of compost spread over your lawn can improve soil health and stimulate growing buffalo grass.
• Apply growth stimulants: Organic growth stimulants, such as seaweed-based products, can give your grass an extra boost.

Factors that impact buffalo grass growth 

While buffalo lawns are hardy, several factors can impact their growth and spread.

Soil conditions

Buffalo grass thrives in well-draining, loamy soil with a neutral pH. If your soil is too compacted or has poor drainage, you may need to aerate or amend the soil to ensure healthy growth.

Sunlight exposure 

Buffalo grass prefers full sunlight but can tolerate some shade. If your lawn receives 4–5 hours of direct sunlight daily, your buffalo grass will thrive.

Where does buffalo grass typically grow well?

Buffalo grass thrives in a variety of climates, making it a popular choice for lawns across Australia. It performs best in warm, temperate regions but is also known for its ability to tolerate cooler climates better than many other warm-season grasses. Buffalo grass can handle both full sun and partial shade, making it ideal for backyards with mixed light conditions.

Growing a lush buffalo lawn with Lilydale Instant Lawn 

At Lilydale Instant Lawn, we offer high-quality buffalo turf and expert advice to help you establish and maintain your lawn. From turf installation to ongoing maintenance tips, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you grow a lush buffalo lawn.