Kikuyu Grass Care Guide

Kikuyu is known for being one of the toughest and fastest-growing lawn varieties. It spreads quickly, repairs itself when damaged, and handles heat and heavy use better than most lawns. When cared for properly, Kikuyu creates a lush, soft, bright green lawn that is durable and resilient. Because Kikuyu grows by both underground rhizomes and above-ground runners, it has the ability to:

Recover from wear quickly
Fill bare patches naturally
Thicken into a dense, weed-resistant lawn

However, the same vigor that makes Kikuyu strong also means it requires consistent maintenance:

Regular mowing helps prevent thatch build-up
Steady feeding maintains strong colour
Watering correctly encourages deep root growth

Ideal Growing Conditions

Kikuyu grows best when its environment supports active root and blade growth.

Sunlight: 5–7+ hours full sun daily (partial shade is okay, deep shade causes thinning).
Soil Type: Adapts to sandy, loam, and clay soils; thrives in well-drained, fertile soil.
pH Range: Neutral to slightly acidic (6.0–7.0).
Mowing Height: 20–40mm for general lawns; 40–50mm in shaded or hot periods.
Traffic Tolerance: Excellent — ideal for family lawns and pets.

How Kikuyu Spreads

Kikuyu spreads aggressively by sending out runners that will climb, creep, and root into new areas. This is why it:

Quickly fills bare spots
Thrives under repeat foot traffic
Must be edged regularly to contain it

With the right care routine, Kikuyu stays vibrant, green, and thick — forming a lawn that is both attractive and hard-wearing.

72299681_978905285811248_4212353756810964270_n (1)

75214695_3839429776082868_4763350438897424599_n (1)

Watering Kikuyu Grass

Kikuyu prefers deep, occasional watering rather than frequent light watering. Deep watering encourages roots to grow downwards, making the lawn more drought-tolerant and resistant to stress.

Spring–Summer: Water 2–3 times per week, long and deep.
Autumn: Reduce watering to once or twice weekly.
Winter: Water sparingly — only when the lawn shows dryness.
Best Time of Day: Early morning to avoid fungal disease.

If you notice yellowing, dry soil patches, or uneven colouring — check watering first.

Mowing Kikuyu Grass

Mowing is essential for Kikuyu. Because it grows fast, mowing guides its density and shape.

Mow every 7–10 days during peak spring and summer growth.
Never remove more than one-third of the leaf blade in a single mow.
Raise the mower height slightly during drought or stress.
Use a catcher if thatch builds up — use mulch mode when lawn is healthy.

Seasonal Kikuyu Lawn Care Schedule

Spring: Repair bare patches, begin feeding, increase mowing frequency.
Summer: Maintain deep watering + fertiliser for rich green colour.
Autumn: Apply a strengthening feed to improve winter colour.
Winter: Growth slows; reduce mowing and avoid heavy fertilising in cold regions.

155299201_1040408843147219_3407639585912828270_n (1)

164156083_845007706370853_247911258240743712_n (1)

Fertilising Kikuyu Grass

Kikuyu responds quickly to fertiliser, especially liquids. To maintain consistent colour and density, feed regularly during the warmer months. A balanced liquid lawn fertiliser such as CompleteGrow Lawn Grow — Hose-On provides fast leaf colour, strengthens root growth, and supports continuous recovery. Fertilising Schedule:

Spring: Apply every 4–6 weeks.
Summer: Continue every 4–6 weeks to sustain strong colour.
Autumn: Apply a final strengthening feed.
Winter: Light feeding only in warm climates; skip in cold dormancy.

FAQ

Does Kikuyu go yellow in winter?
Yes, Kikuyu naturally slows down in cold weather and may lose some colour. A strong autumn feed helps it stay greener longer.

How do I make Kikuyu thicker?
Mow more frequently, water deeply, and fertilise consistently — this encourages new lateral runner growth.

Does Kikuyu grow in shade?
It tolerates light shade, but heavy shade will cause thinning. Raise mowing height to help maintain leaf area.

How fast does Kikuyu spread?
Very fast in warm conditions — runners can extend several centimetres per day in peak growth.