How to Care for Kikuyu Grass in Cape Town

Kikuyu grass is one of the easiest lawns to maintain in Cape Town, but it does need some regular attention to stay lush and green. Here is our complete guide to caring for your Kikuyu lawn throughout the year.

Watering

Newly laid Kikuyu grass needs to be watered twice daily for the first two weeks to help it establish. After that, reduce to once daily for another two weeks, then water every two to three days as needed. Once fully established (usually after 6-8 weeks), Kikuyu is quite drought-tolerant and can survive on Cape Town's natural rainfall during winter.

Mowing

Kikuyu grows fast, especially in summer, and will need mowing every 7-10 days during the growing season. Keep your mower blade sharp and never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single cut. The ideal mowing height for Kikuyu is 25-40mm. Avoid scalping the lawn as this can stress the grass and create bare patches.

Fertilising

Feed your Kikuyu lawn with a balanced lawn fertiliser in spring (September) and again in mid-summer (January). Use a slow-release fertiliser for best results. Avoid fertilising in winter when the grass is dormant or growing slowly.

Edging

Kikuyu is an aggressive spreader and will invade garden beds, paving and driveways if not edged regularly. Edge your lawn every 2-3 weeks during the growing season using a half-moon edger or a string trimmer.

Aeration

Aerate your Kikuyu lawn once a year in spring to improve drainage and reduce compaction. You can use a garden fork or hire a mechanical aerator for larger lawns.

Weed Control

A healthy, dense Kikuyu lawn will naturally suppress most weeds. If weeds do appear, remove them by hand or use a selective lawn herbicide. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using herbicides.

Winter Care

Kikuyu grass goes semi-dormant in winter and may turn slightly yellow or brown. This is normal. Reduce watering and stop fertilising. The lawn will green up again in spring as temperatures rise.