Nobody likes their lawn to look like a dull brown potato sack amidst the beautiful summer call. The headache never goes away since those weeds have a better plan.
At the crucial time during the green-up season, turfgrass can be hyper delicate. If the climate does not meet the essential requirements, your lawn can face terrible damage even when others are a vibrant green.
Therefore, you have to turn to the best fertilizer for centipede grass that understands tolerance better than anything else. Simply grabbing the first thing in the market will not suffice!
Below are my top favorites to sustain the natural green lawns of any climate. I have also realized, over the years, how budget plays a significant role, so I have got you covered.
Our 8 Best Fertilizer for Centipede Grass
So what if the centipede grass hardly requires much maintenance? Complete negligence can ruin the whole view, so choose only the one that suits the soil type.
1. Scotts Southern Turf Builder Lawn Food
Let me begin with the best fertilizer for centipede grass in florida. If you already live in the southern region, you should be aware of the warm weather there.
The Southern Turf Builder by Scotts; hence, is a lawn food that strengthens the grass to become healthier. It contains a 26-2-13 formula to provide lush green and help intake the nutrients.
This package delivers the necessary elements like nitrogen, potash, iron, etc., for 15,000 sq. ft. of turf. Its highlighted aspect is the enhancement of water and feeds absorption compared to an unfed lawn.
Considering the climate in the southern region, this product is gentle but will protect the terrain against extreme heat and drought. While Scotts offer different other feeding products, the All-in-one Particles is what the consumers have favored the most.
You need not reapply for it until after three months. The slow-release formula gives you plenty of time not to worry about the lawn’s well-being. Thankfully, this is a pet-friendly product, and there is no harm walking on the lawn after the application.
Of course, all these are possible if the user follows the tips with ultra-care. If you wish to achieve the thick, deep roots, my suggestion is to use the feeding after green-up so that the land can withstand the weed stresses.
Then, mow with love and leave the clippings for efficient water usage. Lastly, sprinkle water early in the morning with the sprinklers that help reach into the roots without evaporating.
Pros
- Long-term feeds
- Protects against drought and heat
- It helps absorb water and nutrients better
- Pet-friendly; okay to re-enter right after application
- Provides strong roots to handle stresses
Cons
- Possibility of burn spots if not used correctly
2. Simple Lawn Solutions Commercial Grade Lawn Energizer
There is just something about the liquid energy booster. If that product successfully restores your lawn to its rightful glory, all the more reason to invest in it.
The ease of use and positive responses have made it the best fertilizer for centipede within a short period of application. It has a ratio of 6-0-0, which allows you to energize the grass any season.
This blending also includes iron and chelated micronutrients to turn those blades as green and upright as possible.
Simple Lawn Solutions has truly formulated a feeding product that I could not help but feel impressed about. In case you do not know, this brand was established by a family in the USA, with 25 years of prior experience in this field.
All you will have to do is – connect the hose to the built-in spray of the bottle, turn on the water tap, and enjoy the morning delivering the maximum nourishment. This unit is suitable for any grass type, by the way!
Once the fertilizer enters the soil, it ensures the optimum level of nutrition intake that later increases the root thickness. In the end, you will attain the vigorous, dark green centipede grass filled with healthy blends.
Do not forget to mow routinely, though. Just applying fertilizer is not the only solution if you do not follow the rest of the instructions.
Pros
- It can treat large section a turf
- 6-0-0 formulated NPK to revitalize the grass
- Built-in sprayer for ease of use any time
- Excellent mixture for green boost
- Stays lush for about a month
Cons
- Requires strict instruction follow-up to avoid mess
3. Fertilome Centipede Lawn Fertilizer
This centipede grass lawn fertilizer by ferti lome is bagged with superb feeding elements for your lawn. The 20 lbs. can cover the entire 5,000 sq. ft. of land with the ratio number of 15-0-15.
Therefore, you are getting plenty of nitrogen and potassium to feed the grasses what they exactly need. No matter the soil type, this combo will always work to enhance the feeding absorption with time.
Many people might not have heard of this product, but it is the outcome I believe in. It is a great slow-release formulation that contains 3% of iron and other necessary micronutrients.
Such combination is suitable not only for the centipede but also for other grass types like Bluegrass, Fescue, St. Augustine, Bahia, and more. The best suggestion is to apply it during late spring and fall.
If your lawn faces a yellowing effect, this granulated formula can revive the soil and roots with plenty of required nutrients. Remember it is not water-soluble, do not even attempt it!
Use a spreader or hopper to apply the fertilizer on a dry lawn for a better result. The only issue I have come across is that it is not organic. Hence, keep the pets and children out of the turf during and after the application.
Pros
- Easy to apply with a spreader
- Enhances feed absorption of roots
- 20 lbs. can cover massive areas
- Powerful for extra greening effect
- Applicable for various grass types
Cons
- Not soluble with water
4. Simple Grow Solutions Super Seaweed Humic Fulvic Acid Blend (32 Ounce)
I will not say it twice; Simple Grow Solutions has created one kind of the finest fertilizer for centipede grass once again. It is a 32 oz. concentrated liquid to transform the dull-looking lawn into a rejuvenating sight.
The product contains seaweed and Humic/Fulvic Acid substances for the supreme soil treatment. It also means the concentration is completely organic, harmless to nature.
Besides, it is like the magic food for all grass types and various plant categories. There is no doubt it will increase nutrient uptake. However, what I find most astonishing is the rich growth of the grass within a short amount of time.
This mineral-filled solution buffers pH problems while increasing germination capacity. As a result, you will see a significant change in stress reduction and retention capacity for the soil to hold more water.
The brand has formulated this product to ensure no lawn/turf owner has to deal with brown spotted grass, weak growth, and low uptake of the feeds. In a way, it corrects the turfgrass by releasing versatile auxins to promote cell elongation.
Remember to spray it well with water, about 10 oz., per 1,000 sq. ft. for the operation. The best way to get the optimum result is by applying it after a granulated fertilizer administration.
Without any biased opinion, I highly recommend it to treat the turf with unique sustenance.
Pros
- Provides outstanding result
- Versatile use advantage
- Reduces brown spotted grass
- Increases CEC, fertilizer transfer, and germination capacity
- Includes organic minerals for healthy uptake
Cons
- Very slow outcome
5. Safer Brand Lawn Restore Fertilizer – 25 lb
Here is a slow-release fertilizer by Safer Brand whose main purpose is to develop strong roots. It is only possible due to the rich nitrogen and potassium composite within the ratio of 9-0-2.
This formulation does not just restore the turf with thick, lush green grass but also promotes soil with beneficial nutrients. It is a formula that feeds the microorganisms living on the earth.
Therefore, the soil filled with healthy nourishments helps the roots grow and defend the territory from various diseases, fungi, and pest insects. Later, the lawn slowly learns to thrive incredibly during the season.
Even the application direction is a breezy operation for any inexperienced to follow too. Simply spread the granules within the area evenly, and that is it! Of course, you can let yourself and the children/pets come to the yard afterward.
Just make sure they do not ingest any of the bits. Now all you have to do is enjoy the positive outcome developing with time. A healthy balance eliminates the burning of the grass as well.
It eventually helps the turf to remain resilient against stressful conditions caused by weather and weeds. Since the key to the vigorously green yard is the proper balance in feed intake, I believe this unit can deliver such promise in abundance.
Just remember to set the sprinkler on schedule to keep the routine unaffected and prevent dehydration.
Pros
- It lasts up to eight weeks
- 9-0-2 formula to promote healthy roots
- 25 lbs. can cover large turfs
- Delivers robust root growth system
- 1-step easy application procedure
Cons
- The granules have strong smell
6. Doc’s Super Juice All in One Soluble Supplement Lawn Fertilizer
If your turf is suffering from iron deficiency, it is time to replace the current fertilizer with the Doc’s Super Juice All-in-one complete balance.
It contains the most reliable analysis of 14-2-4 of NPK with 4% of chelated iron. There are other elements like manganese, copper, magnesium, sulfur, etc. as well.
This concentrated soluble granule formula is suitable for both warm and cool-season types of grass. And this one bag is enough to treat one whole acre (43,560 sq. ft.) of the terrain with full concentration.
You can always prepare it for half-rate concentration also, which will cover two acres of the land with ease. Therefore, this is a product for gardeners with large turf or people who do not wish to purchase fertilizers every three months.
It will not matter how much water to add to make the solution. The distribution nature of it provides an even and balanced spread over with constant nutrition that not a single root can ignore.
Just make sure to apply it with a sprayer for fast operation. You will see the effect within 6-12 days, superb growth with dark green color. The best part is that you will not have to wait days for the nutrients to get absorbed into the soil.
It takes about 1 to 4 hours only, depending on the lawn size. You can say goodbye to the slow-release granular. Besides, you can utilize this unit as a supplement to the current granular program you implement as well.
Do not forget to read the instruction before using the contents. Not all turfs have a similar size, so get acquainted with how much needed for your land to get the perfect outcome.
Pros
- Simple preparation process with water
- The formula offers multitudes of nutrition
- Fast-acting, harmless solution
- Ideal for iron deficiency
- Easy to distribute evenly due to spray/hose application
Cons
- The supplement is weak; takes time
7. Natural Liquid Fertilizer 16-4-8 NPK Gallon
The Natural liquid fertilizer is for those whose lawn requires more nitrogen than the rest. Like I have mentioned many times, all yards/lawns are not the same despite living in the same state.
So do not copy your neighbor’s fertilizing ratio number and expect it to work on your soil. Once you learn what the land needs, you will automatically come to understand the personality of your centipede grass turf.
But there is always somewhere to start from. The 16-4-8 NPK analysis in this concentration is an amazing fertilizer for gardeners. Use about 3 to 10 oz. to sufficient water to cover 1,000 sq. ft.
Take a break for 14 to 21 days after each application. Let the liquid get absorbed into the soil by sprinkling water afterward. My suggestion is to utilize the fertilizer with a sprayer mechanism for consistent distribution.
The bio-enhanced product eventually raises vibrant, healthy grass with improved uptake function. In short, the soil gets tremendous amounts of stimulating feeds, allowing the turf to transform into robust greens.
A few of the users often ask this question, whether it is okay to spray both herbicide and the fertilizer at the same time. Although it minimizes the hard work, I would rather apply them separately to avoid any risk.
Thanks to its versatile use, you can apply it to home plants as well. The instructions are a bit different but work like a charm all the same.
Pros
- Multipurpose application
- Gives centipede grass a dark green lush
- Works as lawn winterizer in fall as well
- It contains other vitamins and elements
- Stays vibrant for 4-8 weeks
Cons
- Requires hard mix
8. Covington Naturals Liquid Lawn Fertilizer
Before you get this product by Covington Naturals, make sure you follow the tight sprinkling schedule. Every inch of water sprayed on the ground matters to achieve a healthy dark green look.
This is a lawn food with the formulated analysis of 3-18-18. You can see that the nitrogen in this product is lower than the rest of the elements. Hence, it is recommended for root growth for a firm foundation before strengthening the grass.
It is also highly regarded for foliar and transplanting besides soil application. However, let us focus on the healthy balance it provides on the lawn for now.
If you wish to attain that lush boost of centipede grass terrain without any harmful chemicals, this one has the most superior elements for the purpose. The precise NPK combination will promote healthy and robust growth in no time.
What I loved most is the swift germination process during seeding. It takes only about 4 to 5 days; a week or two later, the whole lawn will green up effectively.
Well, I do have to warn you that it might not be ideal for a busy person as the application must be repeated after every 2 to 4 weeks. That is around when the lawn seems most thirsty.
Always apply the fertilizer early in the morning and never try it out at night. Moreover, my advice is to cease all mowing at least 24 hours before and after use. Once again, water your lawn!
Pros
- 3-18-18 NPK develops roots impressively
- Helps flowers blossom
- Easy application with a hose spray
- Constructs better soil structure and roots
- Swift germination process
Cons
- Must follow the instructions to avoid counteractions
What to Look for Before Buying Centipede Grass Fertilizer
The fertilizer you decide for the terrain has to be compatible with the centipede grass. However, a lot of other factors are looked into to prevent impeding.
Know the Elements
Whenever you stagger blindly for the centipede grass fertilizer, think of the NPK elements. These are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Each has a particular role in sustaining the grass with nutrition.
Nitrogen is overall a good element for grass, while phosphorus helps in growing the roots and production. Potassium, on the other hand, keeps the plants/grass healthy.
When using the granule form of fertilizers, the NPK formula is always controlled to a certain ratio so that you do not worry about over absorption.
Determine the Ratio
Now the NPK formula has a ratio that must be adhered to for a productive result. Each pant has a different intake of these elements. Therefore, the ratio will differ for various grass types as well.
Many consider a 10-10-10 fertilizer for centipede grass is sufficient for the land. However, this type of grass requires more N and K than P – that the lesser phosphorus, the better.
To give you an example, you can try out the 16-4-8 NPK liquid fertilizer or give granule bags with a ratio of 9-0-2 a chance.
Keep in mind that it all relies on the soil type you have and what concerns you face regarding the grass vitality. Therefore, the ratio could shift to less N but more P and K.
In that case, you might have to seek something like 3-18-18. Sometimes all your turf probably needs is N; so, the ratio will go 6-0-0.
In short, first, you have to determine the cause and then decide on the fertilizer if you want a greener and healthier outcome.
Soil Type on Your Lawn
It is quite important to understand your lawn’s soil type to determine what sort of fertilizer to apply and how much. Since every state and region has various pH levels, soil test recommendations are the best way to learn more.
All you have to know is that the centipede grass thrives in sandy soils that provide up to 4.5-6.0 pH levels.
Iron is a crucial part for these grasses to grow without turning yellow. In a way, the soil type in your region alongside the acidic level regulates how to supplement the lawn accordingly.
Fertilizer Type
There are two kinds, one of which is liquid and the other granulated.
The liquid is often concentrated; you have to dilute it with water and spray. You can even apply it to the irrigation water. Home gardeners often favor it for ease of use.
In contrast, the granulated ones last much longer in effect. They are inexpensive and do not depend on the soil or groundwater for activation. Each granule usually has a 0.2-4 cm diameter, depending on the utilization purpose.
The best part is you will not have to fertilize that frequently with granules. Their slow release period will keep you stress-free for 1-9 months, based on nutrient intakes.
How Much to Apply
As you mow the centipede lawn, you should realize that the nutrients are also being removed from the grass. So, it is without a doubt, you have to add the missing elements.
In every kg of grass you mow, there are about 30g N, 10g P, and 20g K. Therefore, read the ratio mixture carefully before applying it to the turf. If your lawn grass is stressed, it might require more than the ornamental ones.
There is no specific amount of NPK application since the ratio might vary from one turf to the other. The basic knowledge you have to attain is that N and K ought to be more than P for a balanced liveliness.
Centipede Grass Problems
There are several types of grass in the centipede family. Naturally, they all face problems when growing if not cared for accordingly.
Weeds
It is the biggest nuisance in the history of gardening. But if there is the presence of herbicides in weed, not all hope is lost. Just keep the timeline in check. Wait at least a week or two to apply fertilizers once you remove the weeds.
Excessive Nitrogen
Just because N is essential for healthy growth does not necessarily mean shower the turf with continuous nitrogen elements. Besides, timing plays a major factor as well. Too early or too late application, despite the precise amount, can kill your grass.
Of course, make sure the drainage system is moderately ideal.
Diseases
The centipede grass problems also include mole crickets, ground pearl, and patch disease besides a cold injury. They inhibit the smaller circular areas of grass from growing into green grass.
Eventually, the area expands and spreads out all over the terrain, killing healthy grass in the process.
The ground pearl and mole crickets are soil-inhabiting insects. It is better to treat the mole cricket-infested areas from June. Getting rid of ground pearl is almost next to impossible.
As a result, the most plausible solution is to replace the lawn with a healthier/stronger centipede grass that can tolerate the feeding.
When and How to Fertilize Centipede Grass
You must never delay the fertilizing process. From the temperature to the season, take everything into account.
When
Centipede grasses go through winter dormancy, which means the green visibility will occur in late spring. However, you should not fertilize during this time as the unexpected cold can cause damage.
The best timing is from April to June when it greens up, depending on the climate. What is more critical is that the user must not apply too early or way later in the season.
Meaning, you should make sure the temperature does not top more than 85˚F.
Wait a couple of months after the first application. So, it is around August to September you have to work on the second batch.
How
According to the experts, the spring application should have more N with zero P, whereas the fertilizer should have roughly equal ratios in the fall.
Keep a large container with a spraying mechanism to use the concentrated fertilizer. Simply add water and the required substances; that is all.
Spraying gives you more control over precise distribution on the whole turf.
When using the granular fertilizer, simply scatter them in an organized manner to ensure the whole area is covered. You can do it quickly with a spreader or a hopper.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)
1. Are fertilizers environmentally friendly?
Answer: I wish it were this simple. Some granules are not friendly to the environment, thus poses a hazardous effect upon ingestion. It is pertinent for both humans and pets.
2. How much of N should I apply per 1,000 sq. ft.?
Answer: The basic rule is to implement 1 or 2 pounds of nitrogen. It equals 1% or 1 lb. of N per 1,000 sq. ft.
3. Do I water the turf after fertilizing?
Answer: I advise waiting a bit, say about an hour? Give time for the soil and grass to absorb liquid fertilizer first.
It goes the same for the solid ones; sprinkle or spraying water one hour later will help dissolve the granules and leech into the soil effectively.
4. Is it necessary to test the soil before fertilizing?
Answer: Yes, because what you use in Florida might not be the same solution in Texas. It is better to know the soil profile and what nutritional composition it is well-matched with to make the right choice.
There are portable gadgets found in hardware stores that are fast and convenient for this operation.
5. Which fertilizer is best for the centipede grass?
Answer: This is based on the results you get after testing the soil of your lawn. The ones mentioned here are all great, but you must not overuse any, even if it suits the grass.
6. How much fertilizer do I apply per acre of centipede grass?
Answer: Although the turfgrass very little maintenance, it is still one of the most temperamental grass for the lawn. So, my best recommendation would be 14 to 45 pounds.
7. What are the best NPK factors for centipede grass?
Answer: As I have said before, this type of grass demands higher amounts of nitrogen and practically no phosphorus unless there is a deficiency of it. So the proportion should read something like this, 15-0-15 or 9-0-2.
The ratio formulation might change, for example, to 16-4-8, only if there is inadequate phosphorus in the soil.
Final Words
Once you understand the type, label, and necessities, the rest is easy to attain the best fertilizer for centipede grass.
The pros and cons weigh heavily for each product. As long as you have maintained the weeds and feed measured nutrients to the grass carpet, you are all good.
Hopefully, this article has helped you somewhat in avoiding some of the errors we often make in the beginning. I was no exception either. With accurate information and instruction, you can become as experienced as a professional too.
Excessive fertilizing can kill whatever blades are left in the yard so, be patient, please! And good luck!