Seville

Seville Grass is considered a dwarf cultivar that is a much finer textured grass than Floratam. Seville is blue-green in color with excellent color retention. Seville tolerates salt, shade, and drought well. Its leaf blade gives it a unique appearance preferred by many homeowners. It is considered one of the most shade tolerant turf grasses among the St. Augustine grasses.

As a general rule, the first fertilizer application of the year should be early April in central Florida and mid-April in north Florida. In south Florida, fertilizer applications may be made throughout the year since growth is year-round. University of Florida guidelines for lawn grass fertilization offer a range of fertilizer rates over which a particular species may be successfully maintained in the various regions of the state. The grass growing in the shade needs less fertilizer than that growing in full sun.

Proper mowing practices are necessary to keep any lawn healthy and attractive. Standard Seville Grass cultivars should be maintained at a height of 3.5-4 inches. Repeatedly mowing at lower heights increases the stress on the lawn, discourages deep rooting, increases the chance for scalping if a mowing event is missed or postponed due to weather, and may increase susceptibility to pest problems. Maintaining the right height helps the grass develop a deep root system and gives a better appearance to the turf. No more than 1/3 of the leaf blades should be removed with any mowing. If possible, mowing height should be increased during periods of moisture stress or if the grass is growing in shade.

It can tolerate wide pH ranges, from the acidic soils often found inland to the high pH soils of the coastal areas. Because Seville can tolerate and persist in areas within a lawn with only 6 to 7 hours of sunlight, it is considered a favorite choice among landscapers for lawns with moderate shade. Irrigating on an as-needed basis is the best way to maintain any established, mature grass, as long as the proper amount of water is applied when needed. Irrigation is needed when leaf blades begin to fold up, wilt, or turn a blue-gray color, or when footprints remain visible after walking on the grass.