Varieties of Bahia Grass For the North Florida Area

 

Common Bahia Grass:

     Common Bahia grass is not normally recommended for use as a lawn grass because of its coarse texture and relatively light coloring.

     It is also extremely cold sensitive and is not suitable for areas with winter frosts.

Common Bahia has a very open or sparse growth habit making it more susceptible to infestation of weed species in the area than other varieties.  

     Avoid Common Bahia grass if possible.

Argentine Bahia:

     Wider leaf blades and a deeper green coloring than that of the species make Argentine Bahia a good choice of the available varieties of Bahia for use as a lawn.

 It is more tolerant of cold temperatures than common Bahia, tolerating soil temperatures down to 25 degrees without being killed off. (Do not use in areas where soil temperatures drop below 20 degrees)

     Argentine Bahia also has good insect and disease resistance, average fertilizer needs, good traffic tolerance and low water requirements typical of Bahia.

      Argentine Bahia has good shade tolerance but still needs some direct sun throughout the day to thrive.

Argentine Bahia is tolerant of a wide range of soils but will grow best in slightly acidic sandy soils.

 

Pensacola Bahia:

The most widely grown variety of Bahia today due to its extensive use in pastures and roadsides throughout the southeastern United States.

  Can be planted further north due to its increased cold tolerance although still a warm season grass for southern states.

  Pensacola Bahia has a slimmer leaf blade and produces more seed heads than Argentine Bahia reducing its appeal as the choice of Bahia for lawn grasses.

Pensacola Bahia’s extensive root system, increased stress tolerance, drought tolerance and ability to take heavy traffic with minimal damage make it an excellent choice for roadside plantings or areas where soil erosion is problematic.