When Do You Fertilize Centipede Grass

If you want a lush, green lawn, knowing when do you fertilize centipede grass is the most important step. Getting the timing right makes all the difference between a healthy turf and one that struggles.

Centipede grass is unique. It’s a low-maintenance grass that actually prefers poorer soils and doesn’t need much fertilizer. Too much, or fertilizer applied at the wrong time, can cause more harm than good. This guide will walk you through the simple schedule to follow for optimal growth.

This is your core schedule. For established centipede grass lawns, you typically only need to fertilize once, maybe twice, per year. The golden rule is to feed it when it’s actively growing and can use the nutrients.

The Best Time of Year to Fertilize

The ideal window for your main fertilization is in late spring, after the grass has fully greened up. This is usually around May, but it depends on your local climate.

Wait for Green-Up: Don’t fertilize while the grass is still dormant and brown. Wait until it has consistently been green for a couple of weeks.
Soil Temperature is Key: A good indicator is when soil temperatures at a 4-inch depth reliably reach about 70°F. You can find local soil temp data online.
Avoid Fall Fertilization: Fertilizing too late in the season (after August in most areas) can promote tender new growth that will be damaged by the first frost.

Signs Your Lawn Actually Needs Fertilizer

Since centipede grass needs little fertilizer, look for these signs before you automatically apply it:

Pale green or yellowish color instead of the characteristic medium-green.
Very slow growth compared to previous years.
A soil test confirms a nutrient deficiency (this is the best method).

Choosing the Right Fertilizer

Using the wrong type of fertilizer is a common mistake. You must select a product that matches centipede grass’s needs.

NPK Ratio: Look for a fertilizer with a ratio like 15-0-15, 16-4-8, or similar. The key is a low-phosphorus formula. Centipede grass is sensitive to high phosphorus.
Slow-Release Nitrogen: This is crucial. Slow-release nitrogen feeds the grass gradually over time, preventing the rapid surge of growth that can lead to thatch and stress.
“Weed and Feed” Warning: Avoid these combination products. The herbicide timing rarely matches the optimal fertilizer timing for centipede.

How to Read a Fertilizer Bag

The three numbers on the bag represent Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). For centipede, the middle number (P) should ideally be 0 or very low, unless a soil test shows a deficiency.

Step-by-Step Fertilization Process

Doing it correctly ensures even application and prevents burning your lawn.

Mow: Mow your lawn a day or two before you plan to fertilize.
Calibrate Your Spreader: This step is often skipped but is vital. Set your broadcast or drop spreader to the rate listed on the fertilizer bag.
Apply Evenly: Walk at a steady pace, slightly overlapping your passes to avoid streaks of missed or double-applied fertilizer.
Water It In: Lightly water the lawn after application. This helps move the fertilizer granules off the grass blades and into the soil, preventing burn.

What to Avoid: Common Fertilization Mistakes

These errors can set your lawn back for an entire season.

Over-fertilizing: This is the #1 problem. It leads to excessive thatch, increased mowing, and greater suscetibility to cold damage and disease.
Fertilizing Too Early: Feeding dormant grass wastes product and can pollute waterways as the grass can’t use it.
Using High-Nitrogen Fertilizers: These cause a flush of growth that centipede’s root system can’t support, weakening the grass over time.

The Role of Soil Testing

A soil test removes all the guesswork. It tells you exactly what nutrients your soil lacks. You can get a test kit from your local county cooperative extension office. Test your soil every 2-3 years for best results, and always follow it’s specific recommendations.

Seasonal Lawn Care Calendar

Fertilization is just one part of the picture. Here’s how it fits into the full year.

Spring (Late April – May)

Wait for full green-up.
Apply your main fertilizer application if needed.
Apply pre-emergent herbicide for weeds if necessary, but seperately from fertilizer.

Summer (June – August)

Mow high, around 1.5 to 2 inches.
Water deeply but infrequently during droughts.
Only fertilize if a mid-summer soil test shows a severe deficiency, and use a very light application.

Fall (September – November)

Do not fertilize.
This is a good time for aeration if your soil is compacted.
Keep mowing as long as grass is growing.

Winter (December – March)

The lawn is dormant. Avoid any foot traffic on frosty grass.
This is the perfect time to plan and get your soil test done.

FAQ: Your Centipede Grass Fertilization Questions Answered

Can I fertilize centipede grass in the fall?

It is not recommended. Fall fertilization can stimulate new growth that winter frosts will kill, weakening the grass. The exception is an application of potassium-only fertilizer if a soil test recommends it for winter hardiness.

Is it okay to fertilize centipede grass twice a year?

For most lawns, once is enough. A second, very light application might be considered in mid-summer only if the grass shows clear signs of deficiency and a soil test confirms it. More often than not, once is plenty.

What is the best fertilizer number for centipede grass?

A fertilizer with a low or zero middle number is best, such as 15-0-15. The high potassium (the last number) is beneficial for stress tolerance and overall health.

Why did my centipede grass turn yellow after fertilizing?

This is often a sign of iron deficiency, not a lack of nitrogen. Applying a nitrogen fertilizer can sometimes make an iron chlorosis worse. Consider applying iron supplements (chelated iron) separately to restore the green color without the excessive growth spurts.

How soon after fertilizing should I water?

You should water within 24 hours, but a light watering immediately after application is ideal to rinse the granules into the soil and prevent them from sitting on the grass blades, which can cause burning.

Remember, with centipede grass, less is often more. Sticking to the simple schedule of one late-spring feeding with the right fertilizer will keep your lawn healthy and green without encouraging the problems that come with overcare. Pay attention to your lawns color and growth, and let a soil test be your guide for truly optimal results.