What should I do if I water my Vasey's grass too much or too little?
Overwatered Vasey's grass If your grass is turning yellow or pale green, it may be getting too much water. Although Vasey's grass is tolerant of almost any soil type (it is not sensitive to pH, and can be in sandy, loamy, or clay soil types), it doesn’t do well in soil that doesn’t drain well. Avoid planting this grass in marshy areas or where the ground feels spongy. If you irrigate your lawn, err on the side of too little water vs too much, since Vasey's grass does best if it’s allowed to dry out before being watered again. Wet soil can allow fungus to grow, or create a favorable habitat for insect pests and weeds. Of course you can’t control how much rain falls on your Zoysia grass, and the occasional heavy rainfall is unlikely to cause problems for this resilient plant. However, long-term overwatering can cause the plant to suffer and even die off. Underwatered Vasey's grass One of the advantages of growing Vasey's grass is that it can survive without much water since it has adaptations that help it to conserve water. This grass has a deep root system, meaning it can use groundwater if it hasn’t been watered in a while. In drought conditions, this grass will turn yellow and get crispy, but it can recover once the dry spell is over. The ability to recover from a variety of conditions is one of the many reasons that Vasey's grass is such a popular grass.
How to water Vasey's grass?
In most places where grasses are used in landscaping, there will be sufficient rainfall to keep it looking good without supplemental irrigation or watering. However, if it is planted in a very dry climate or there is a lengthy drought, Vasey's grass may die out if it isn’t watered. During the winter months, this grass goes dormant and may appear to be dead, but it still needs moisture to keep from becoming fully dehydrated. It regrows as weather warms up in the spring. A good rule of thumb for watering Vasey's grass is that it does best with about an inch of water every 1 week. A thorough drenching in a short period of time is better than a slow and steady drip, as it leads to a stronger, deeper root system. Freshly planted grass has more specific requirements for watering. After planting, the young grass needs to be kept moist for the first 3 to 4 weeks until it has a chance to establish itself. The best time of year to plant Vasey's grass is in the late spring to early summer, when there tends to be plenty of rainfall anyway. However, if your area experiences a dry spell after you’ve recently planted grass in your lawn, it is a good idea to cover the grass to prevent water evaporating or to water the lawn to keep soil moist.
What should I consider when watering my Vasey's grass?
The environmental conditions, soil type, and amount of drainage will affect how often Vasey's grass needs to be watered. If your lawn has sandy soil that doesn’t retain much moisture, you may need to irrigate to keep this grass looking its best. Clay soils that drain slowly and hold a lot of water are less likely to need additional water, but can be bad for Vasey's grass as this grass is sensitive to too much water around its roots.
Do I need to cut my Vasey's grass?
Vasey's grass can grow very quickly during the growing season, and will start to look untidy if it is not mowed regularly. This grass produces flowers and seed heads that many people find unattractive, but regular mowing will cut those down before they become noticeable. Removing seeds before they develop will also keep your Vasey's grass seeds from spreading to areas where you’d rather not have it growing. In order to keep this grass looking as good as possible, regular maintenance including mowing is necessary.
When is the best time to cut my Vasey's grass?
Vasey's grass is known for its need for frequent mowing, and it grows most quickly during the summer months when there is plenty of sunlight to spur new growth. You should expect to mow at least once per week in summer. In spring and fall, you can adjust your mowing frequency depending on the height of the grass. This grass species tolerates being mowed very short, down to ¾ in/2cm, but will do best if it is cut to a height of around 2 in/2.5cm. Be sure not to remove more than ⅓ of the height of the leaf blade each time you mow, since cutting judiciously will help avoid brown patches due to scalping. The best time of day to prune Vasey's grass is in the morning on a day when there is no precipitation in the forecast. This gives the wound enough time to callus over throughout the day, making it less vulnerable to infection.
How should I cut my Vasey's grass?
There are no special requirements or equipment needed for mowing Vasey's grass, although a rotary mower works especially well for removing the seed heads. This grass species tolerates being mowed very short, down to ¾ in/2cm, but will do best if it is cut to a height of around 2 in/2.5cm. Be sure not to remove more than ⅓ of the height of the leaf blade each time you mow, since cutting judiciously will help avoid brown patches due to scalping. It is not necessary to bag clippings when mowing Vasey's grass. The best time of day to prune Vasey's grass is in the morning on a day when there is no precipitation in the forecast. This gives the wound enough time to callus over throughout the day, making it less vulnerable to infection.
What should I be careful with when mowing my Vasey's grass?
If allowed to get too tall, Vasey's grass can become difficult to mow since it has very coarse blades. Although it is possible to cut Vasey's grass very short, shorter blades can weaken the grass and stunt its ability to grow. If possible, keep this grass longer but cut it more frequently. Avoid cutting Vasey's grass when it is wet, such as after a rainstorm or watering. Wet grass leaves are more difficult to cut, making them more likely to be torn or bruised by the mower blade. Cutting wet grass can also cause disease and give the lawn a patchy, uneven appearance. Use a sharp mower blade on young Vasey's grass. When the grass has just emerged, its roots have not yet established themselves well enough to be anchored in the soil. A dull blade can tear the Vasey's grass from the ground, so sharpen the blade or use a new one the first few times you mow each year. Unsharp blades can cause large wounds through which fungi can easily infest the lawn.
What type of sunlight does Vasey's grass need?
Vasey's grass needs full sun every day, and these plants rely on a minimum of six hours of sunlight to keep their leaves, roots, and blooms in a healthy state. Even though most perennials need six hours of sunlight a day, plants like the Orange Daylily or Giant Coreopsis could live off less sun for a minimum of three hours daily. Even though these perennial flowering plants can live with only three hours of direct sunlight, they won't be able to thrive like they would in sunnier conditions.
Can sunlight damage Vasey's grass? How to protect Vasey's grass from the sun and heat damage?
The few Perennial Flowering Plants that don't like excessive heat in warm climates might react poorly to too much sun if they have heat damage. These plants may wilt or dry out from too much sun and may also develop growth issues if they're regularly in the sun during the most intense heat of the day. Some plants don't need protection from the light afternoon sun, but those that are harmed by intense afternoon exposure should be provided some shade in warmer climates. Gardeners could give these plants plenty of shade by planting them in spots that don't receive direct heat during the afternoon, like under trees or behind bushes.
Should I protect Vasey's grass from sun exposure?
While many perennial plants need plenty of sun to bloom to their fullest extent, some of them benefit from less sun in warmer climates. For example, people who live in hotter climates might want to provide shade for their flowering perennials in the hot afternoon sun, and this is even more true for months in the summer. Even though some perennial flowering plants will benefit from partially shaded in the hottest climates, plants like the Giant Coreopsis aren't intimidated by too much sun. They might sit outside in the full sun in hot weather and still thrive.
What will happen if Vasey's grass gets inadequate sunlight?
If you're growing Vasey's grass and you aren't getting enough sunlight, you'll notice signs of inadequate requirements in your plants. Most plants won't produce as many blooms as they would if they had full sun exposure. Some plants will develop dry spots on their leaves, but most of these plants will still bloom in the inadequate sun. Even though they bloom, the flowers will be smaller and less full.
Does Vasey's grass need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?
Vasey's grass is great flowers in gardens and will have optimum blooming if it gets six hours of sunlight a day minimum. Sometimes, flowers stay fresh longer if they're partially shaded during the really hot parts of the day. When Vasey's grass is young, gardeners want to ensure their younger plants are getting plenty of sunlight but don't have to endure intense heat during the afternoon sunlight. If you have a fully mature plant, provide it with plenty of sun so it may keep up its growth properly.
How much light does Vasey's grass need for photosynthesis?
Vasey's grass will need a minimum of six hours of light to best support their photosynthesis cycles. These flowering plants need the sun to help their foliage and blooms grow. However, certain perennial flowering plants like the Giant Coreopsis might need anywhere from eight to twelve hours of full sun a day to maintain their large flowers and healthy foliage.
How much light should Vasey's grass get per day to grow healthily?
If you want your Vasey's grass to grow healthy and bloom as much as possible during its blooming season, you should try to give your plant six hours of direct sunlight. Some perennial plants might even do more sunlight and could sit in the sun for up to twelve hours, depending on the heat in the area and the general environment. Plants like the Red Hot Poker and Giant Coreopsis thrive in much hotter climates and might sit in all types of strong sunlight. Some home gardeners have to use grow lights because their spaces don't allow for tons of outdoor sunlight. Most perennials could grow happily in grow lights, but they will need anywhere from eight to fourteen hours of artificial light to stay strong since these lights don't have as much power as the sun.
What is the optimal temperature for Vasey's grass?
The best temperature for Vasey's grass depends on the time of year. There are two primary seasons to discuss for temperature: the growing season, and the dormancy season. During the growing season, once Vasey's grass has begun to sprout, the ideal temperature range should be anywhere from 65~80℉(18~27℃). Any colder than 15℉(-10℃), and the plant will suffer; its leaves may brown and wilt, but if this is a short cold snap, then Vasey's grass may be able to survive with some help. During the warmer parts of the year, Vasey's grass will need to be similarly protected from temperatures that are too high. 95-105℉ (35-40℃) is the top of this plant’s temperature range, and anything above that will compromise the integrity of the foliage and blooms of Vasey's grass. Hotter temperatures can cause wilting, drooping, and even sunburn on the leaves, which can be difficult for Vasey's grass to recover from. There are quite a few ways to combat this issue that are quick and easy!
Temperature requirements for first year or seedling Vasey's grass
If this is the first year of your Vasey's grass outside as a new plant, then it may need a little extra tending during the coldest months of the year. Not only can frost more severely damage a first-year Vasey's grass, but it can also prevent it from growing back as a healthy plant come spring. This plant needs to be kept at 40℉(5℃) or above when they’re not yet established, which can be done either by bringing your Vasey's grass inside for a month or two, or putting up mulch or fabric barriers that protect from frost damage. It’s also a good idea to plant Vasey's grass in a shadier spot during the first year or two, as smaller and weaker plants have a more difficult time maintaining their own temperatures in the heat. First-year Vasey's grass should receive no more than five hours of direct sunlight per day, particularly if the ambient daytime temperature gets above 80℉(27℃). Shadecloth and frequent watering or misting are the keys to summer heat control.
How can I protect Vasey's grass from extreme temperatures?
If cold temperatures (below 15℉(-10℃)) do occur during the growing season, there are a few measures you can take to help protect Vasey's grass from frost or cold damage. If you’re growing Vasey's grass in a container, then the container can simply be brought inside in bright, indirect light until the temperatures rise up over the lower threshold again. Another option that’s better suited for ground-planted Vasey's grass is to use mulch or horticultural fabric to create an insulated barrier around the plant, which will protect the plant from frost and cold wind. For temperatures that are hotter than 80℉(27℃) in the shade during the day, be careful to only expose Vasey's grass to six hours or less of sunlight per day, preferably in the morning hours. Putting up shade cloth, or a fine plastic mesh, can help reduce the amount of direct sunlight that hits the plant during the hottest parts of the day. You can also install a misting system that allows for a slow release of cooling mist around the base of the plant during the day to lower ground temperatures.
Dormant season temperature recommendations for Vasey's grass
During the cold winter months, Vasey's grass needs a certain measure of cold in order to stay in dormancy until it’s time to sprout. Sprouting too early, that is before the danger of the last frost has passed, can be fatal to Vasey's grass, especially if it’s already had a head start when the frost hits. Winter temperatures should ideally stay below 32℉(0℃), but if they get up to 40℉(5℃), everything will be just fine. An unexpected warm spell during the cold months, which can happen in more temperate climates like woodland rainforests, can trigger a premature sprout from Vasey's grass. In this case, if there’s still imminent danger of frost, you may want to try covering it with clear plastic on stakes so that the cold has less of a chance of damaging the new sprout. This setup can be removed when the danger of frost has passed. Occasionally, Vasey's grass will be able to resprout at the correct time without any help, but this method increases the chances of a successful second sprouting.
Why do I need to fertilize my Vasey's grass?
The leaves of the Vasey's grass comprise most of its main structure, and fertilization is one of the most impactful ways that you can ensure that those leaves look great while also serving their function. Proper fertilization will help your Vasey's grass hold leaves with consistent color and a healthy texture. Fertilization also works below the soil's surface to help your Vasey's grass generate new roots and maintain the roots that are already part of the root system. This means that fertilization will not just keep your plant healthy now, but it will also help your plant be better capable of absorbing soil nutrients in the future.
When is the best time to fertilize my Vasey's grass?
If you grow your Vasey's grass outdoors each year, this perennial plant will send new growth shooting out in early spring. The emergence of those leaves is a sign that the time is right to begin fertilization for the year. Often, a Vasey's grass will perform just fine with a single application of fertilizer when the spring arrives. However, if you wish to maximize the growth of your Vasey's grass, you can repeat the feeding multiple times throughout the spring and early summer. If you choose this route, you can feed your Vasey's grass about once every month to a month and a half.
When should I avoid fertilizing my Vasey's grass?
In the late fall and winter, your Vasey's grass will enter a dormant phase in which it will no longer produce new growth. At this time, you should avoid fertilizing your Vasey's grass. If you choose to fertilize multiple times during spring and summer, you should begin reducing your fertilization rate as summer approaches, as your Vasey's grass 's growth rate will also slow. Overall, it is never a wise choice to fertilize your Vasey's grass during times when the weather is unseasonably hot or when the soil is extraordinarily dry. Fertilizing in either of those cases can stress your Vasey's grass and cause it to perish prematurely.
What type of fertilizer does my Vasey's grass need?
Fortunately, choosing the best fertilizer for a Vasey's grass is a very straightforward task. These plants will thrive on a general-purpose garden fertilizer that has equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A fertilizer that has a ratio of 10-10-10 or something similar will be very effective. When in doubt, be sure to avoid fertilizers that have high amounts of nitrogen. Most of the best fertilizer for a Vasey's grass will come in a granular form. These fertilizers should be slow-release and will be very easy to apply to the soil. It can also be helpful to feed your Vasey's grass using an organic soil amendment such as compost.
How do I fertilize my Vasey's grass?
Wait until your Vasey's grass has just barely poked its first leaves through the soil's surface in early spring. Once you see that sign, apply a granular slow-release fertilizer with a balanced formula to the soil that surrounds the base of your Vasey's grass. You can repeat a similar process later in the season if you choose. When reapplying fertilizer to a Vasey's grass, you should, again, apply the fertilizer to the soil at the base of the plant rather than to the plant itself. At times, this may require you to move some leaves out of the way to access the soil above the roots. It's also often a good choice to water your Vasey's grass before and after you feed it.
What happens if I fertilize my Vasey's grass too much?
The Vasey's grass doesn't necessarily need to receive high volumes of fertilizer each year, which means overfertilization is entirely possible. If you overfertilize your Vasey's grass, you will likely notice first that the leaves have turned brown. Overfertilization of Vasey's grass is especially common if you use a fertilizer that has higher concentrations of nitrogen. High nitrogen content will likely cause the leaves of your Vasey's grass to become discolored, lose much of their moisture, and begin curling at the margins. Many gardeners avoid such complications by limiting fertilization of their Vasey's grass to once per year in early spring.
Get tips and tricks for your plants.
Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.
Download the App for Free