How Often to Water Kikuyu Grass (Proper Watering Schedule + Lawn Health Guide)

Kikuyu is known for being tough, drought-tolerant, and fast-growing — but it still needs the right watering rhythm to stay green, soft, and dense. Watering too lightly encourages shallow roots and weak growth, while overwatering leads to disease, yellowing, and patchiness. The goal is to train Kikuyu to grow deep roots. Deep-rooted Kikuyu is:

Greener for longer, even in heat
More drought resilient
Thicker & softer underfoot

General Watering Rule for Established Kikuyu

Water deeply but infrequently:

2–3 deep waters per week in warm seasons
1 deep water per week in mild seasons
Minimal watering in winter (unless lawn is in full sun and still actively growing)

A deep watering means the moisture reaches at least:

100–150mm into the soil — where Kikuyu roots want to grow

Shallow sprinkling encourages a weak, yellowing lawn.

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How Often to Water Kikuyu by Season

Spring & Summer (Active Growth):

Water 2–3 times per week
Each session: 20–30 minutes to ensure deep penetration

Autumn:

Water 1–2 times per week, depending on weather

Winter:

Water every 10–14 days or only when showing stress

Best Time of Day to Water Kikuyu

The ideal watering time is:

Early morning (6–9am)

This reduces fungal risk and prevents water loss through evaporation.

Watering New Kikuyu (Seed or Roll-Out Turf)

Weeks 1–2: Water daily to keep topsoil lightly moist. Weeks 3–4: Water every 2–3 days as roots begin to establish. After Week 4: Transition to the deep-watering schedule.

Fertilising Schedule to Support Watering

To keep Kikuyu green, thick, and soft, pair your watering with consistent nutrition. Use:

CompleteGrow Lawn Grow — Hose-On Liquid Lawn Fertiliser

Apply:

Every 3 weeks during the active growing season (spring–autumn)

This supports:

Fast green-up after heat or wear
Thicker runner spread for a dense lawn
Improved drought resilience and reduced yellowing

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Signs of Overwatering

Yellowing that spreads across even areas
Spongey feel underfoot
Mushrooms appearing after rain

Signs of Underwatering

Grass blades fold into thin needles
Crunchy or brittle texture
Pale or patchy colour

FAQ

Should I water Kikuyu at night?
No — night watering increases fungal risk. Morning is always best.

Why is my Kikuyu yellow even though I water it regularly?
Watering does not supply nutrients. Yellowing almost always indicates low nitrogen or iron — feed with CompleteGrow Lawn Grow every 3 weeks during growth season to restore deep green colour.

How quickly will it improve once fertilised?
Most lawns show visible colour improvement within 7–14 days after feeding.