The Best Grass Seed for Full Sun
The best grass seed for full sun is Bermuda if you live in the southern part of the United States, where warm-season grasses thrive. In the north, the best cool-season grass for full sun is tall fescue. "Full sun" typically means at least eight hours of unfiltered sunshine a day.
Grass Seed For Hot Full Sun
The most appropriate grasses to grow in hot areas with full sun in the summer are called warm-season grasses. One cool-season grass, tall fescue, stays green in the winter but can tolerate a hot summer. Although slow establish, zoysia grass (Zoysia spp. ), It can withstand heat and drought. If zoysia is fertilized during the fall, it will retain its color during cooler winter weather. It goes dormant and loses its color during the cooler months of late fall and winter. Useful for lawns but not for heavy sports, St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) prefers full sun. Tall fescue is a medium green grass with a coarse texture, but turf and dwarf turf varieties with a finer texture are available that tolerate moderate foot traffic and infrequent mowing. Although it will survive summer heat, it will turn brown if it is not watered. Its seeds are more expensive than other grasses.
- The best grass seed for full sun is Bermuda if you live in the southern part of the United States, where warm-season grasses thrive.
- One cool-season grass, tall fescue, stays green in the winter but can tolerate a hot summer.
References
- Walter Reeves: Lawn--Choosing the Best Grass
- University of California Integrated Pest Management: Turf Adaptations and Tolerances -- Somewhat Adapted to Summer Heat
- University of Missouri Extension: Establishment and Care of Buffalograss Lawns
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Seashore Paspalum
- University of Hawaii Extension: St. Augustinegrass
- Clemson University Extension: Tall Fescue
- Texas A&M University Extension: Zoysiagrass
Writer Bio
Thomas K. Arnold is publisher and editorial director of "Home Media Magazine" and a regular contributor to "Variety." He is a former editorial writer for U-T San Diego. He also has written for "San Diego Magazine," "USA Today" and the Copley News Service. Arnold attended San Diego State University.