Bahia Grass
Paspalum notatum
A tough, drought-tolerant grass that thrives in sandy soils and hot climates where other grasses struggle. Originally from South America, Bahia grass forms a dense, low-maintenance lawn that can handle heavy foot traffic and extended dry periods. Its deep root system makes it excellent for erosion control and sustainable landscaping in challenging conditions.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
8–10
USDA hardiness
Height
2 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Bahia Grass in USDA Zone 8
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Bahia Grass · Zones 8–10
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Dry. Growth rate: Rapid. Propagation: Division, Seed. Regions: Coastal, Piedmont.
Harvesting
V-shaped seed head with many small spikelets
Type: Caryopsis.
Harvest time: Fall, Summer
Bloom time: Summer
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Diseases, Drought, Poor Soil
- +Fast-growing
Companion Plants
Plant Together
White Clover
Fixes nitrogen in soil, improving grass nutrition and reducing fertilizer needs
Crimson Clover
Adds nitrogen to soil and provides ground cover during cooler months
Vetch
Nitrogen-fixing legume that enhances soil fertility for grass growth
Lespedeza
Deep-rooted legume that improves soil structure and adds nitrogen
Plantain
Deep taproot breaks up compacted soil, improving water and nutrient penetration
Dandelion
Accumulates nutrients from deep soil layers and improves soil aeration
Yarrow
Improves soil health and attracts beneficial insects for natural pest control
Chicory
Deep taproot improves drainage and brings nutrients to surface soil
Keep Apart
Wild Garlic
Competes aggressively for nutrients and can inhibit grass growth through allelopathy
Johnson Grass
Allelopathic properties suppress Bahia grass growth and establishment
Cogon Grass
Highly invasive and allelopathic, severely inhibiting native grass growth
Brazilian Pepper
Produces allelopathic compounds that inhibit grass germination and growth
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent resistance to most diseases, very hardy
Common Pests
Mole crickets, armyworms, chinch bugs
Diseases
Dollar spot, brown patch (rare)