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Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) is a popular warm-season grass that thrives in full sun, producing a dense, lush lawn when correctly cared for.
Native to the highlands of East Africa, Kikuyu grass has been widely naturalised in Australia, particularly in New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia, due to its adaptability to the Australian climate.
What is Kikuyu grass?
Gary Lusk is the managing director at Lilydale Instant Lawn. He says the main characteristic of Kikuyu grass is its “medium soft leaf, lighter green colour, thick and spongy surface.”
Commonly used for residential lawns, parks and sports fields, Gary says Kikuyu grass is a top choice for families with an open backyard and dogs. The species features strong, deep roots that consist of both stolons (above-ground runners) and rhizomes (below-ground runners), creating a dense thicket that recovers quickly from wear and tear.
Types of Kikuyu
The most popular commercial variety in Australia is Eureka Premium Kikuyu, which Lary says is “darker green, has a shorter dormancy and is male sterile.” Additionally, Common Kikuyu is often found in public parks and sports fields; however, Larry says, “It’s a seeded variety that will get a seed head, which is white and ugly.”
Lastly, Larry says, “Crown Kikuyu is not as dark and has a longer dormancy period.”
Benefits of Kikuyu grass
- Fast establishment: Kikuyu runners enable the grass to cover large areas quickly, making it ideal for new lawn installations.
- Drought-tolerant: Kikuyu is highly drought-tolerant and recovers well after dry periods.
- High traffic tolerance: Suitable for active families, pets, and high-footfall areas.
- Green year-round: Stays greener in winter than other warm-season grasses.
- Low cost: One of the more affordable turf varieties available in Australia.
What are the disadvantages of Kikuyu grass?
While this grass variety offers numerous benefits, Kikuyu has a few drawbacks for homeowners and gardeners.
- Invasive: Its runners can invade garden beds and nearby lawns.
- High maintenance: Requires regular mowing and edging to keep it contained. If left to its own devices, it can take over your yard.
- Shade sensitivity: Performs poorly in shaded areas. If your lawn has shady areas, it’s a good idea to consider Buffalo grass as an alternative. Larry says, “Buffalo will handle the shade much better than Kikuyu.”
How to plant Kikuyu grass
Kikuyu can be established from seed, runners, or rolls of turf. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Prep your soil: Kikuyu grows best in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 5.5-7.0. Clear the area of weeds and debris.
- Install turf: Lay Kikuyu turf in late spring or early summer (Kikuyu germinates best in soil over 21 degrees) for optimal growth. Water thoroughly after installation.
- Sow seeds: If planting from seed, ensure even distribution. Lightly rake the soil and water frequently to encourage germination.
- Water: Water daily until established. Reduce watering to less frequent but deeper intervals.
Kikuyu grass care and maintenance
Maintaining a Kikuyu lawn involves regular mowing, watering, fertilising, and weed management.
Mowing
- Frequency: Mow every 7–10 days in summer. Less frequently in cooler months.
- Height: Maintain a height of 3–5 cm. Frequent mowing helps reduce thatch buildup and keeps the lawn dense and healthy.
- Larry says, “Never mow more than 30% of the leaf at one time.”
Watering
- New lawns: Water daily for the first 2–4 weeks.
- Established lawns: Water deeply 1–2 times per week, depending on rainfall.
Fertilising tips
- Use a nitrogen-rich fertiliser in spring and late summer to promote lush growth.
- Avoid over-fertilising, which can increase thatch and lead to invasive spread.
Weed and pest control
- Kikuyu can handle its own when it comes to other weeds, crowding many of them out due to its density. In saying that, Larry says it’s a good idea to use a pre-emergent such as Oxafert. “If by chance you happen to have some weeds, there are selective herbicides that can assist.”
- It can also defend itself against most pests and diseases. However, keep an eye out for armyworms during warmer months. If you notice yellow rings on your lawn, it could be a fungal issue called ‘Kikuyu yellows’, which affects the grass’s roots. However, if your lawn is healthy and well-maintained, it’s unlikely you’ll encounter any problems.
Kikuyu vs. Other lawns
To help make choosing a lawn easier, here’s a quick rundown of how kikuyu grass compares to other lawns.
In a nutshell, “Kikuyu is more aggressive, can creep under edging and barriers to invade garden beds and is hard to get rid of,” says Larry. “With this in mind, this makes this a very tough grass.”
Kikuyu vs. Couch Grass
Kikuyu and Couch are both warm-season grasses, but they suit different needs and lawn styles.
- Kikuyu: Known for its aggressive growth and high drought tolerance, Kikuyu establishes quickly and handles wear exceptionally well. It’s great for households with kids or pets, sports areas, and open sunny spaces. However, its rapid growth means more frequent mowing and maintenance are required.
- Couch: Offers a finer, more manicured appearance and is often chosen for its aesthetic appeal in formal or ornamental gardens. It requires less mowing than Kikuyu and has a better tolerance for low mowing heights. However, it can be slower to recover from damage and wear, making it less ideal for high-traffic lawns.
Kikuyu vs. Buffalo Grass
Buffalo grass is another favourite among Australian homeowners and is often compared with Kikuyu for residential lawns.
- Kikuyu: Generally cheaper to install and quicker to establish. Its fast-growing nature makes it perfect for covering bare spots and large areas efficiently. However, it doesn’t perform well in shaded areas and requires edging to keep its invasive runners in check.
- Buffalo: More shade-tolerant and less invasive than Kikuyu, Buffalo grass also feels softer underfoot, making it a better option for families wanting a comfortable lawn experience. It grows more slowly, meaning less frequent mowing, but it also takes longer to recover from damage.
In short, Kikuyu is ideal for sunny, high-traffic areas where fast growth is a priority. Buffalo suits gardens with shade, and those seeking a softer, lower-maintenance lawn. Couch is best for aesthetic lawns with less foot traffic.
How to remove Kikuyu Grass
Due to its invasive nature, some gardeners may want to limit Kikuyu’s spread:
- Edging: Install garden edging to prevent runners from entering garden beds.
- Herbicide: Use glyphosate-based herbicide for spot treatment (always follow label instructions).
- Manual removal: Dig out roots and rhizomes in small areas.
Kikuyu grass is one of the most popular lawn choices in Australia, particularly for gardeners wanting a resilient, fast-growing turf. While it requires consistent maintenance to prevent it from spreading, its affordability and drought resistance make it a go-to choice for many Australian backyards.
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