St. Augustine Grass Fertilization Timing Across Florida Regions
Soil test results guide the number of fertilizer applications for St. Augustine grass, which can range from two to six between spring and fall. How often you fertilize also depends on how much upkeep you want for your lawn.
By Robin Hill
Some Florida lawns do not need phosphorous.
Soil analysis results help determine the appropriate fertilization schedule for St. Augustine grass, with recommendations calling for anywhere between two and six applications spanning spring through fall. The homeowner's desired level of lawn maintenance plays a role in how frequently fertilizer is applied.
North Florida
Untimely fertilization results in water pollution.
For lawns under a high-maintenance regimen in North Florida, a complete fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (NPK) is applied in March and September. Iron is added in June, and a slow-release nitrogen product goes down in May and June. Those aiming for moderate maintenance apply a complete NPK fertilizer in March and September, use slow-release nitrogen in May, and add iron in June. A low-maintenance approach involves applying a complete NPK fertilizer in March and September, plus iron in June.
Central Florida
Timely fertilization increases resilience to pests and diseases.
High-maintenance St. Augustine lawns in Central Florida receive a complete NPK fertilizer in February and October, nitrogen in April, slow-release nitrogen in both April and May, and iron in July. For moderate maintenance, the schedule includes a complete NPK fertilizer in March, September and October, iron in July, and slow-release nitrogen in May and August. Low-maintenance lawns get a complete NPK fertilizer in March and September, along with iron in July.
South Florida
Grass clippings provide nitrogen to Florida lawns.
In South Florida, high-maintenance lawns are fertilized with a complete NPK product in February and November, nitrogen in April, and slow-release nitrogen in May, July and September. Moderate maintenance calls for a complete NPK fertilizer in February and November, nitrogen in April, and slow-release nitrogen in June and August. For low maintenance, a complete NPK fertilizer is applied in March and October, with slow-release nitrogen in May and July.
