If you have a centipede grass lawn in Florida, you know its low-maintenance charm. Knowing when to fertilize centipede grass in Florida is the key to keeping it healthy without causing harm.
This warm-season grass thrives on neglect, but a well-timed feeding makes all the difference. Get the timing wrong, and you risk damaging its beautiful, light-green turf. Let’s break down the optimal schedule for your climate zone.
When to Fertilize Centipede Grass in Florida
The golden rule for fertilizing centipede grass is to do it only during its active growing season. In Florida, that window is primarily from late spring through early fall. The most critical application is the first one of the year.
Wait until your grass is fully green and has been mowed at least twice. This usually happens when soil temperatures consistently reach about 70°F. For most of Florida, this timing falls between April and May.
North Florida Schedule
In North Florida (Zones 8a-9a), the growing season starts a bit later. Your ideal fertilization window is from early May to late August.
- First Application: Early to mid-May
- Second Application (if needed): Early to mid-July
- Do not fertilize after September 1st. This allows the grass to prepare for dormancy.
Central Florida Schedule
Central Florida (Zones 9b) has a longer season. You can begin a little earlier and might consider a light third feeding.
- First Application: Late April to early May
- Second Application: Early to mid-July
- Optional Third Application: Early September, but only if the lawn shows signs of needing it and with a light hand.
South Florida Schedule
In South Florida (Zones 10-11), centipede grass grows for most of the year. However, the core fertilization period remains focused.
- First Application: April
- Second Application: June
- Optional Third Application: Early September
- Avoid heavy fertilization during the peak of the hot, rainy summer to prevent runoff.
Why Timing is Everything
Fertilizing too early in spring can force tender new growth that a late frost might damage. It also feeds winter weeds. Fertilizing to late in fall is worse. It stimulates growth when the grass should be slowing down, making it vulnerable to cold damage and disease.
Choosing the Right Fertilizer for Centipede Grass
Centipede grass has unique nutritional needs. It’s not a heavy feeder and is sensitive to certain nutrients.
Key Fertilizer Characteristics:
- Low Nitrogen: Use a fertilizer with a slow-release nitrogen source. Too much nitrogen causes thatch buildup and green-up to fast.
- Low Phosphorus: Centipede grass needs little phosphorus. A soil test is the best way to know if you need any. Many Florida soils already have adequate levels.
- Includes Potassium & Iron: Potassium strengthens the grass for stress. Iron enhances green color without the excessive growth spurts that nitrogen causes.
A good formula for centipede is something like 15-0-15 or a similar ratio with slow-release nitrogen and iron. Always follow the label rates—centipede often does well with slightly less than the bag recommends.
Step-by-Step Fertilization Guide
Follow these steps for a successful and safe application.
1. Perform a Soil Test
This is the most important step many skip. A soil test from your local county extension office tells you exactly what your lawn lacks. It prevents you from over-applying nutrients, which saves money and protects the enviornment.
2. Mow and Water Beforehand
Mow your lawn a day or two before you apply fertilizer. Ensure the grass is dry during application, but water the lawn lightly the day before if the soil is parched. This prevents burning.
3. Apply Fertilizer Correctly
- Use a calibrated broadcast spreader for even coverage.
- Apply half the product walking north-south, and the other half walking east-west. This criss-cross pattern prevents streaks and missed spots.
- Keep fertilizer off driveways and sidewalks to prevent it from washing into storm drains.
4. Water Deeply After Application
Lightly water the lawn immediately after applying. This washes the granules off the grass blades and into the soil. Use about 1/4 inch of water. Then, resume your normal deep, infrequent watering schedule.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Steering clear of these errors will keep your centipede lawn thriving.
- Over-fertilizing: This is the #1 mistake. It leads to thatch, insect problems, and requires more mowing. Centipede often needs only 1-2 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 sq. ft. per year.
- Using Weed & Feed Products: These often contain herbicides that centipede grass is sensitive to, and the fertilizer ratio is usually wrong. Apply fertilizer and weed control separately.
- Fertilizing Dormant Grass: If your lawn is brown and dormant (winter or severe drought), do not fertilize. It cannot use the nutrients and they will be wasted or cause pollution.
- Ignoring Soil pH: Centipede grass loves acidic soil (pH 5.0 to 6.0). If your soil pH is to high, the grass can’t absorb nutrients properly, even if they’re present. A soil test will show your pH.
Seasonal Lawn Care Tips Beyond Fertilizing
Fertilization is just one part of the puzzle. Here’s how to support your lawn year-round.
Spring (Preparation & First Feed)
Wait for full green-up. Apply pre-emergent herbicide if needed for summer weeds, but be sure its safe for centipede. This is also a good time to aerate if you have compacted soil.
Summer (Maintenance & Monitoring)
Mow high, around 1.5 to 2 inches. Never remove more than 1/3 of the blade at once. Watch for signs of stress like iron chlorosis (yellowing with green veins) and apply iron supplement if needed instead of more fertilizer.
Fall (Preparation for Dormancy)
Your last fertilization should be done by early September for most areas. Continue to mow as growth slows. Keep an eye out for large patch disease, which can appear as circular brown spots.
Winter (Rest)
The lawn is dormant and brown. Avoid heavy traffic on it. This is the perfect time to plan for next season, get your tools serviced, and review your soil test results.
FAQ: Centipede Grass Fertilization in Florida
Can I fertilize centipede grass in the fall?
It’s generally not recommended. A late fall fertilization promotes tender growth that can be damaged by the first frost and can contribute to disease issues. Stick to the early fall cutoff.
What is the best fertilizer number for centipede grass?
Look for a complete fertilizer with a ratio like 15-0-15 or 16-4-8, but ensure it has slow-release nitrogen and that the phosphorus is only applied if your soil test indicates a deficiency.
How often should you really fertilize centipede grass?
Most healthy centipede lawns in Florida do beautifully with just one application per year, applied in late spring. If your soil is very sandy or the lawn shows pale color mid-summer, a second light application may be beneficial.
Why is my centipede grass yellow after fertilizing?
Yellowing can be caused by to much nitrogen, a lack of iron, or a soil pH that is to high. An iron supplement (like iron sulfate or chelated iron) can often green it up quickly without the excessive growth.
Is milorganite good for centipede grass?
Milorganite is an organic, slow-release fertilizer that is generally safe for centipede grass because it won’t burn and provides iron. However, it does contain some phosphorus, so its best used after a soil test confirms you need it.
By following this Florida-specific timing and using the right products carefully, you’ll maintain a healthy, low-fuss centipede lawn that thrives in our unique climate. Remember, with this grass, less is often more. A little patience and observation go a long way in achieving that perfect, lush carpet of green.