Planting Centipede Grass Seed - Centipede grass seed can be planted any time of the year.  However,  for best results plant centipede grass seed between April 15 and October 15.  Daylight lengths or photo periods are longer and night time temperatures are normally between 60 to 70 degrees activating the seed to germinate much faster.

When To Plant
Seed a new lawn anytime it can be prepared, except in late summer. March and April are the best planting months, but quicker germination will occur during May, June and July. After the soil gets cold in late fall (November in most areas) it is again safe to seed because the Centipede seed will not germinate until the soil warms next spring.

How Much Seed To Plant
To calculate the area to be planted, multiply the length of the lot in feet by the width in feet to arrive at the number of square feet. Deduct a reasonable amount for buildings, paved drives and walks.

Plant not less than one-fourth (1/4) pound per 1,000 square. One pound per 2,000 square feet often produces a good lawn in two to three months of summer growth. Using plenty of seed is the least expensive part of establishing a good lawn. "Saving" on the cost of seed results in spending more on watering and cutting weeds.

Successful Establishment ... is a Three Phase Process

Good Seedbed Preparation: Grade, level and smooth your lawn. Remove debris, sticks and stones, and mix about 15 pounds balanced lawn fertilizer per 1,000 square feet into the soil. Good formulas are 8-8-8, 10-10-10. See special instructions for preparation and fertilization of old lawns.

Distribute Seed: Use a Cyclone type seeder. Divide seed in half and go over the area twice, sowing from east to west and then north to south to insure uniformity.

Lightly Rake to Cover Seed: Lightly rake into to 1/4 to 1/2 inch of soil. Roll or lightly drag to smooth. Use a mulch like wheat straw on sloping areas where erosion might be problem. Distribute mulch thinly so as not to shade young centipede seedlings.

After Planting
Water well immediately after planting, and continue to water as often as necessary to keep your soil constantly moist. Keep soil moist below 1/2 inch. After seedling emerge, water less frequently until watering only as needed once the stand is established.

Winter Plantings
If planting in winter, apply a light application of ryegrass seed (2 to 3 pounds per 1000 S.F.).

Weeds
Control weeds by mowing frequently until centipede is established.

CAUTION: Do not use a weed and feed fertilizer or any other weed control chemical except Roundup before seeding Centipede because such chemicals will inhibit germination or kill the Centipede seedlings as they sprout!

Planting Info provided by Patten Seed Co and Hancock Seed Co.