Kikuyu Grass: A Comprehensive Guide for New Zealand Lawns

Kikuyu Grass NZ

These articles explore the benefits of Kikuyu grass in NZ, its origin, how to manage it effectively, and how to grow a Kikuyu lawn in New Zealand.

Growing A Kikuyu Lawn

The advantage of growing a Kikuyu lawn is that it grows well in coastal areas where other grasses would struggle and still produces an amazing lawn. However, the key to a fantastic Kikuyu lawn is patience and growing it in the right climate. In frost prone areas it will likely die off and go dormant during winter, hence why the South Island is generally not regarded as being suitable by The Plant Company.

Let’s assume you have followed the instructions given in the sections, Preparing The Soil For A New Lawn and How To Seed A Lawn, and now you have a newly struck, Kikuyu lawn. The lawn itself is actually a mixture of annual ryegrass (85-90%) and Kikuyu (10-15%). The ryegrass is added to support the Kikuyu which is often slow to germinate and can be overtaken by other weeds. As the ryegrass is an annual, it dies out at the end of summer to leave a pure stand of Kikuyu. Pure Kikuyu seed is expensive and when used by itself creates grass weed problems that are a challenge to resolve due to its slower germination. That is why a blend is always used across the turf industry.

After the Kikuyu lawn has been actively growing for 3-5 weeks, put on the broadleaf herbicide, Turfix and follow the label instructions. It is vital that over-spraying is avoided and label rates are followed to avoid injuring the young seedlings. This needs to be repeated in spring, summer, and autumn for good control but can be used less frequently as broadleaf weeds present. Keep an eye out for grass weeds such as Paspalum and manually remove any of these seedlings as soon as they show. Just use a screwdriver to ease them out and drop a little more seed into the hole if the grass is a bit “thin” in that area. If you followed the recommendations in the article, Preparing The Soil For A New Lawn, there should be few, if any.

Fertiliser is essential for growing a Kikuyu lawn well and fertiliser for established lawns should be applied during spring, summer, and autumn at low rates to keep the lawn growing actively. DO NOT use urea or any ammonium based fertilisers as this they are a common cause of “burning” in lawns.

While Kikuyu lawns are generally regarded as drought tolerant, they will benefit from being watered, especially during their first year. Remember, the goal is to produce a lush lawn as quickly as possible to suppress weeds. Anything that can help the grass grow will help towards achieving a better lawn overall.
Please refer to the following articles for advice on: Rolling The New Lawn and Mowing The New Lawn.

Benefits of Using Kikuyu Grass

There are many benefits to using Kikuyu grass:

Low Maintenance and High Resilience

• One of the primary benefits of Kikuyu grass is its low maintenance requirements. Once established, it requires minimal watering and fertilization. Its rapid growth rate helps it recover quickly from damage, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas such as sports fields and parks.

Soil Erosion Control

• Kikuyu grass is known for its robust root system, which helps stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. This makes it particularly useful in areas with sloping terrain or where the soil is prone to wash away during heavy rains.

Drought Tolerance

In regions where water conservation is a priority, Kikuyu grass stands out due to its drought tolerance. It can survive extended dry periods without significant damage, reducing the need for constant watering.

Kikuyu Grass Environmental Impact

Kikuyu grass, if managed well, can be an environmentally friendly choice. Its dense coverage reduces the need for chemical weed control and minimizes soil erosion, which benefits local waterways by reducing sediment runoff. Moreover, a thick mat of Kikuyu grass can provide a habitat for various insects and small animals, contributing to local biodiversity. However, it's essential to keep its spread in check to prevent it from becoming a monoculture, which could disrupt native plant species.

Kikuyu Grass vs. Kaikoura Grass

Kikuyu grass and Kaikoura grass are one in the same! It just happens that in some parts of NZ, it has become accepted to call Kikuyu grass Kaikoura grass.

Managing Kikuyu Grass

Despite its many benefits, Kikuyu grass can be invasive if not properly managed. Its rapid growth and spreading nature mean it can quickly overtake other plants and grasses if left unchecked.

Kikuyu Control Techniques

• To keep Kikuyu grass under control, regular mowing is essential. By maintaining a height of around 2.5 to 5 cm, you can prevent the grass from seeding and spreading. In addition, border edging can help keep it from encroaching on flower beds and other areas where it's not wanted.
• Chemical control is another option with Roundup being an effective control measure.

The Origin and Adaptation of Kikuyu Grass

Kikuyu grass originates from the East African region, particularly from Kenya. It was introduced to New Zealand many years ago and has since become a staple in both urban and rural landscapes. The grass thrives in the temperate climate of New Zealand, which is similar to its native environment.

Why Kikuyu Grass is Ideal for New Zealand

Kikuyu grass thrives in areas with mild winters and warm summers, making New Zealand an ideal habitat. Its ability to withstand drought conditions and poor soil fertility makes it a resilient choice for many landowners. The grass establishes quickly and forms a dense mat, which helps prevent soil erosion—a significant benefit in regions prone to heavy rainfall.