Kikuyu grass, native to East Africa, has proven to be an excellent lawn choice for the varied climates of South Africa. Named after the Kikuyu people of Kenya, this grass is admired for its robust nature, its ability to withstand periods of drought, and its rapid growth rate. Kikuyu grass’s resilient characteristics make it a popular selection for home lawns, sports fields, and public parks.
Its thick, green carpet-like appearance adds to its appeal, while its low maintenance requirements make it a practical choice. Despite intense heat or occasional frost, Kikuyu grass maintains its vibrant green hue, lending a year-round aesthetic appeal to any landscape.
Importance of choosing the right grass type for South African lawns
Choosing the right type of grass for South African lawns is of utmost importance due to the country’s varied climate conditions. A suitable lawn grass must be able to withstand South Africa’s harsh summers and mild winters. It should be drought-resistant, capable of withstanding periods of little rainfall, and should also thrive in the frequent sunny conditions.
The right grass type should be robust, capable of recovering quickly from damage—whether from foot traffic on sports fields or children playing on a home lawn. It should also be resistant to local pests and diseases, ensuring a healthy, lush lawn with minimal maintenance.
The aesthetic appeal of the grass cannot be overlooked. The chosen grass needs to maintain its color throughout the year, providing a vibrant green backdrop to the South African home.
In all these aspects, Kikuyu grass proves to be an excellent choice, providing not just resilience and low maintenance, but also year-round beauty for South African lawns.
Advantages of Kikuyu Grass – Why It’s a Popular Choice
One of the primary advantages of Kikuyu grass is its robust and resilient nature. It grows rapidly, which enables it to recover quickly from damage. This makes it an ideal choice for spaces that experience heavy foot traffic, such as sports fields and public parks.
Kikuyu grass is also highly drought resistant. It can survive in conditions of low rainfall, making it well-suited for South African climates that often experience long, dry periods. Despite the harsh conditions, Kikuyu grass maintains its vibrant green colour, ensuring a beautiful lawn throughout the year.
Another significant advantage of Kikuyu grass is its low maintenance requirements. It is resistant to most local pests and diseases, reducing the need for regular applications of pesticides and fungicides. It also doesn’t require frequent watering or mowing, making it a practical and cost-effective choice for many homeowners and groundskeepers.
Kikuyu grass has a thick, carpet-like appearance that adds a lush, green aesthetic to any space. Its dense growth pattern also helps in preventing soil erosion, making it a beneficial choice for landscapes that are prone to erosion issues.
In essence, the advantages of Kikuyu grass extend beyond its aesthetic appeal. Its robustness, resilience, low maintenance needs, and beneficial environmental impact contribute to its popularity as a lawn choice in South Africa.
Kikuyu Grass – Characteristics and appearance
- Kikuyu grass exhibits a dense and coarse texture, characterized by its robust, rapid growth pattern. Its broad, flat leaves are a striking bright green colour, helping it stand out from other grass types, and contributing to its lush, carpet-like appearance. Kikuyu grass typically grows to a height of 30-50mm, but can reach up to 150mm if left untrimmed.
- The grass’s growth habit is aggressive and spreads through runners, allowing it to quickly cover bare patches and recover swiftly from damage. This is facilitated by its extensive root system, which can delve deep into the soil, thus ensuring its resilience during periods of drought.
- Kikuyu grass also produces small white flowers during its growing season, which runs from early spring to late autumn. These add to the visual appeal of the lawn without detracting from the overall green aesthetic.
- In terms of touch, Kikuyu grass feels springy underfoot due to its dense growth, providing a comfortable surface for outdoor activities. Its high wear tolerance, coupled with its striking appearance and texture, make Kikuyu grass a highly suitable choice for a variety of outdoor spaces, from home lawns to professional sports fields.
How to Care for Your Kikuyu Grass Lawn
Caring for a Kikuyu grass lawn, while relatively straightforward, does require some attention to ensure it remains healthy and vibrant.
Watering
Kikuyu grass is drought-tolerant, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t appreciate a good watering. In the dry season, water once or twice a week, making sure the soil is thoroughly soaked. During wet periods, nature will take care of the watering for you.
Fertilizing
Feed your Kikuyu lawn with a slow-release nitrogen-rich fertilizer during the growing season. Apply it in early spring to kickstart growth, and again in mid-summer to maintain its lush green appearance. Always water thoroughly after fertilizing to ensure nutrients are absorbed into the soil.
Mowing
Kikuyu grass grows quickly and may require weekly mowing during peak growing seasons. Aim to keep the height between 30-50mm for a dense, lush lawn. Regular mowing encourages lateral growth, improving the grass’s density and appearance.
Weed Control
Kikuyu’s rapid growth typically outcompetes most weeds. However, if weeds appear, apply a selective herbicide designed for broadleaf weeds. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying herbicides.
Pest and Disease Control
Good lawn hygiene can prevent most pests and diseases. This includes regular mowing, removing leaf litter, and ensuring your lawn is not overly wet. If a problem arises, use suitable fungicides or insecticides, taking care to follow safety precautions and application instructions.
Proper Edging
Due to the aggressive growth habit of Kikuyu grass, proper edging is crucial to prevent it from invading other areas of your garden. Regular trimming around the edges of your lawn can keep this fast-growing grass in check.
Common Problems with Kikuyu Grass and How to Avoid Them
Despite its many benefits, Kikuyu grass isn’t without its problems.
- Overgrowth: Due to its rapid growth rate, Kikuyu grass can easily become invasive, encroaching on garden beds and other areas. This overgrowth can be managed by regular mowing and edging. Consider installing a root barrier around your lawn to prevent the grass from spreading beyond its intended area.
- Susceptibility to Frost: While Kikuyu grass is drought-resistant, it is not frost-tolerant. In areas with heavy frost, the grass may brown during winter. However, it usually recovers quickly with the arrival of warmer weather. To minimize frost damage, avoid watering your lawn in the evening and early morning when frost is most likely to occur.
- Pests and Diseases: While generally hardy, Kikuyu grass can sometimes fall prey to lawn grubs or fungal diseases, especially in overly wet conditions. Ensure good lawn hygiene by regularly mowing, removing leaf litter, and avoiding overwatering. If problems persist, use appropriate fungicides or insecticides, ensuring you follow safety precautions and application instructions.
- Nutrient Deficiency: Kikuyu grass can sometimes show signs of nutrient deficiency, such as yellowing leaves, which can be due to a lack of nitrogen. Regular fertilizing, especially during the growing season, can help prevent such issues. Opt for a slow-release, nitrogen-rich fertilizer and ensure you water thoroughly after application to enable nutrient absorption into the soil.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kikuyu Grass
Common inquiries from South African lawn owners
Is Kikuyu Grass suitable for all regions of South Africa?
While Kikuyu Grass is well-adapted to various climate zones in South Africa, it thrives best in warmer regions with mild winters. It can tolerate both coastal and inland conditions, making it a popular choice for many areas.
How often should I water my Kikuyu lawn?
Initially, frequent watering is essential to establish the grass, but once established, Kikuyu Grass is drought-resistant. Typically, it requires watering every 7 to 10 days during the growing season and less during cooler months.
How do I prevent Kikuyu Grass from invading my garden beds?
Kikuyu Grass is known for its vigorous growth and spreading nature. To prevent it from invading garden beds, install physical barriers like metal or plastic edging. Regularly inspect and trim the edges of your lawn to discourage its encroachment.
Is Kikuyu Grass suitable for high-traffic areas?
Yes, Kikuyu Grass is well-suited for high-traffic areas, making it an excellent choice for family lawns and commercial spaces. Its resilience allows it to recover quickly from foot traffic and play activities.
How do I deal with lawn pests that may affect Kikuyu Grass?
Common pests like armyworms, cutworms, and African black beetle can affect Kikuyu lawns. Implement preventive measures like maintaining proper lawn hygiene and using natural predators. If necessary, use appropriate insecticides with care to target specific pests.
LAWNCARE PLUS EXPERT TIPS – Expert answers and practical solutions
Expert tip: Best practices for mowing Kikuyu Grass
Mow your Kikuyu lawn regularly but avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass height in a single mowing session. Keep the grass at a height of around 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) to promote healthy growth and prevent scalping.
Expert tip: Fertilization schedule for Kikuyu Grass
Fertilize your Kikuyu lawn during the growing season, which typically falls in spring and summer. Use a balanced fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) ratio suitable for lawns. Follow the package instructions and avoid over-fertilization to prevent thatch buildup.

Expert tip: Managing thatch in Kikuyu lawns
Thatch is a layer of dead grass and organic debris that can accumulate between the green grass and soil surface. To manage thatch, dethatch your lawn using a specialized dethatching rake or hire a professional to aerate and dethatch your lawn when needed.
Expert tip: Kikuyu Grass in shady areas
While Kikuyu Grass prefers full sun, it can tolerate light shade. However, in heavily shaded areas, it may struggle to thrive. Consider planting shade-tolerant grass varieties in those spots or explore alternatives like shade-tolerant ground covers.
Expert tip: Winter care for Kikuyu Grass
In colder regions, Kikuyu Grass may go dormant during winter, turning brown. This is normal and not a cause for concern. Avoid heavy foot traffic on the lawn during this time, and refrain from fertilizing until the grass starts actively growing again in spring.
By addressing these frequently asked questions and providing expert answers, South African lawn owners can confidently embrace the benefits of Kikuyu Grass and ensure their lawns remain vibrant and healthy throughout the year.