St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs – In-Depth Review

Key Features That Stand Out

• Vigorous Growth and Coarse Texture: Floratam is characterized by its vigorous growth habit and a coarse texture, with notably large, purplish-red stolons – a key indicator of authenticity. The leaf blades are wider and longer than those of common St. Augustine grass, contributing to a full lawn appearance once established.
• Adaptable Mowing Requirements: While a mowing height of 1 1/2 inches is recommended, the Floratam variety offers flexibility. If dry weather conditions persist and watering is limited, increasing the mowing height to 2 inches or higher can help the grass better retain moisture and maintain its health.
• Cost-Effective Turf Solution: Considered one of the most economically viable St. Augustine grasses, Floratam is an excellent choice for both residential and commercial applications, offering a balance of quality and affordability for your landscaping projects.
• Vegetative Propagation: As St. Augustinegrass is established through vegetative propagation (sod, plugs, or sprigs), this means planting involves using plant parts with growing points, rather than seeds, ensuring a consistent and reliable start for your lawn.
• Established Regional Suitability: This variety is believed to have originated in the coastal regions of the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean, hinting at its inherent tolerance for challenging environmental conditions often found in such areas.

St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs – 18 Extra Large Live Plugs – Drought, Salt and Shade Tolerant Turf Grass

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What We Like

• Exceptional Tolerance: The St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs boast impressive drought tolerance, meaning it can withstand periods of low rainfall without significant decline, reducing the need for constant watering.
• Salt and Shade Adaptability: Its ability to tolerate both salty conditions and partial shade makes it a versatile choice for various challenging landscape locations, including coastal areas or spots with limited direct sunlight.
• Vigorous Spreading: With large stolons that average 3 inches in length, Floratam grass spreads actively, helping to quickly fill in gaps and create a dense lawn, which is a significant advantage for plug-based establishment.
• Aesthetically Pleasing Lawn: Despite its coarser texture up close, the overall appearance of a mature Floratam lawn is pleasing, offering a full and healthy green carpet that enhances curb appeal.
• Practical Number of Plugs: Receiving 18 extra-large live plugs provides a substantial quantity to begin establishing a new lawn area or to effectively patch and repair existing turf, offering good coverage for the investment.

Performance Analysis

• The drought tolerance of Floratam is a standout feature, crucial for regions experiencing water restrictions or simply for reducing irrigation costs. This resilience means the grass can survive and recover from dry spells more effectively than many other varieties.
• Its salt tolerance is particularly beneficial for lawns near coastal areas or those treated with de-icing salts in winter, preventing common damage and maintaining grass health in saline environments.
• The grass’s ability to thrive in partial shade is another significant performance aspect, offering a reliable turf option for areas that don’t receive full sun, which is often a challenge for grass establishment.
• The coarse texture, while noticeable up close, contributes to the grass’s overall robustness and ability to withstand foot traffic and general wear and tear once established.
• The vegetative propagation method ensures that the established grass will have the consistent characteristics of the Floratam variety, leading to predictable lawn performance.

Best For

• Homeowners in coastal regions who need a grass that can tolerate salt spray and sandy soils.
• Individuals living in areas prone to drought conditions or who want to minimize water usage for their lawn.
• Landscaping projects in yards with a mix of sunny and shady areas, particularly those with moderate shade.
• Establishing new lawns or repairing damaged areas where a hardy, fast-spreading grass is desired.
• Commercial properties or residential developments looking for a cost-effective yet resilient turfgrass solution.

Buying Guide

Key Features to Look For

• Vigorous Growth: Ensure the variety is known for its active spreading habit, as seen with the large stolons of Floratam.
• Tolerance Attributes: Prioritize grasses with proven drought, salt, and shade tolerance depending on your specific environmental conditions.
• Leaf Blade Characteristics: Look for wider and longer leaf blades, which contribute to a fuller lawn appearance.
• Color of Stolons: For Floratam, the presence of large, purplish-red stolons is a good indicator of authenticity and vigor.

Important Materials

• The product consists of live sod plugs, meaning you are planting living plant parts with established root systems and growing points for immediate establishment.

Essential Factors to Consider

• Climate and Region: St. Augustinegrass, including Floratam, generally thrives in warmer climates. Ensure your region is suitable for this type of grass.
• Sunlight Exposure: While Floratam tolerates shade, it performs best with at least some sunlight. Assess the light conditions in the areas you plan to plant.
• Soil Type: Most St. Augustinegrass varieties prefer well-draining soil. Consider amending your soil if it tends to be heavy or waterlogged.
• Mowing Height: Be aware of the recommended mowing height (around 1 1/2 inches, potentially higher for drought stress) to maintain optimal grass health and appearance.

Budget Planning

• Floratam is noted as being one of the most cost-effective St. Augustine grasses, making it a budget-friendly option for establishing or repairing lawns. The price per plug should be compared to the coverage area to assess value, and 18 plugs offer a good starting point for many projects.

When to Buy

• The best time to plant sod plugs is typically during the warmer months when the grass is actively growing, usually spring through early fall in warmer climates. This allows the plugs ample time to establish before cooler weather arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended mowing height for Floratam grass?

The recommended mowing height for Floratam is typically no more than 1 1/2 inches. However, if you are experiencing dry weather and limited watering, you can increase the mowing height to 2 inches or higher to help the grass retain moisture.

How do Floratam plugs establish and spread?

Floratam grass is established by vegetative propagation, using live plant parts. The large stolons of Floratam are designed to spread, helping the grass to fill in the planted areas and create a dense lawn over time.

Can Floratam grass tolerate areas with limited sunlight?

Yes, Floratam is known to be shade tolerant, making it a suitable choice for yards that receive partial shade. However, like most grasses, it will generally perform best with some direct sunlight.

What makes Floratam a cost-effective grass option?

Floratam is considered one of the most cost-effective St. Augustine grasses available, offering a good balance of quality and price for both residential and commercial landscaping needs.

How can I identify authentic Floratam sod when purchasing?

Authentic Floratam sod is characterized by its large, purplish-red stolons. It’s important to demand this characteristic when purchasing to ensure you are getting the genuine Floratam variety.

What are the benefits of establishing a lawn with sod plugs versus seed?

Establishing with sod plugs means you are planting live plant parts with growing points, which typically leads to a faster and more reliable start compared to seed, especially for St. Augustinegrass which is not grown from seed.

Is Floratam suitable for coastal environments?

Yes, Floratam is believed to be native to coastal regions and is known for its tolerance to salt, making it a good choice for lawns in or near coastal areas.

The St. Augustine ‘Floratam’ 3 Inch Sod Plugs – 18 Extra Large Live Plugs – Drought, Salt and Shade Tolerant Turf Grass offer a robust and resilient grass solution for challenging environments. With its proven tolerance for drought, salt, and shade, coupled with its cost-effectiveness and vigorous growth, this variety is a smart choice for establishing a beautiful and hardy lawn.