Different types of turf produce a different looking seed head, it can make your lawn very unsightly at different times of the year and making it difficult to know what a seed head is or what is a weed. In this blog we look at the most common types of seed heads in different grass types, what causes them to grow and how we can prevent them or stop them from growing.

Seed heads usually appear in your lawn for a few weeks once or twice a year, commonly occurs when the temperatures are changing. They may make your lawn look unsightly and rough underfoot, but they won’t cause any damage to your lawn. This is a naturally occurring cycle that the plant will produce when under stress.

 Buffalo Grasses

Buffalo seed heads will grow from the runner, also known as stolon. The seed head will be thicker with exposed seeds and will feel tough. They also have a very similar appearance to asparagus. They usually grow at the same height or just above your lawns leaf height.

Most buffalo grasses like Sir Walter DNA Certified Buffalo seeds are sterile. This means that the grass cannot be spread by its seed.

Couch Grasses

Couch seed heads too can be mistaken as weeds. They can be green to purple in colour and will grow on a stem above the grass level. At the top of the stem, there will be a cluster of spikes (usually two to six spikes) that hold the seeds. These spikes are around two to five cm long.

Most turf sold as a solid turf variety like TifTuf Hybrid Bermuda and Nullarbor Couch will produce a sterile seed head that cannot spread.

Kikuyu Grass

Kikuyu grows pollen sacs that extend above the grass leaf on white filaments and are often mistaken as a web. These filaments will grow in a cluster of 2-4 flower spikelets. Kikuyu seeds are produced within the leaf sheath and are not visible.

Zoysia Grasses

Zoysia seed heads will either be white or purple in colour. They will feel ‘tough’ to touch and will come from one stem with small flowers that hold the seeds.

What are the two main reasons that cause seed heads to grow?

The first being a change in seasons. Seasonal changes can cause a bit of stress on the lawn as the grass adapts to the changes in temperatures. For most grass varieties this will occur once or twice a year.

The second is that your lawn is lacking something. This will usually be water or nutrients.

How can you help stop seed heads in your lawn?

If your lawn has gone to seed, in most cases the grass will stop producing seeds over the coming weeks. The best way to help stop your lawn from going to seed is through regular mowing, watering, and fertilising.

When mowing, only remove one third of the leaf blade off at once to help reduce plant stress. In the warmer months, you may be required to mow at least once a week depending on your climate and turf variety. Watering your lawn less frequently for longer is best. For fertilising, a slow-release granular fertiliser that has a good ratio of NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) like Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser is ideal to help encourage strong growth for a healthy lawn.

 

 

 

 

A plant growth regulator (PGR) like Primo Maxx will limit your lawns vertical growth and can help reduce the number of seed heads that your lawn produces. Regular mowing, twice a week, and the use of a PGR at full rates will minimise the seed head from flowering.

pH test

If your lawns seed heads don’t go away after a few weeks after increasing watering, fertilising, regular mowing, and aerating, it is worth doing a soil pH test.

Visit the New Lawn Turf Lawn Care Shop for all your professional products to help you create that stunning lawn you have always wanted. Click the link HERE