Floratam St. Augustine Grass

The Standard for Florida Lawns

Floratam is the most widely used St. Augustine cultivar in Florida and has been the industry standard since its release by the University of Florida and Texas A&M in 1973. If you see a thick, green lawn in a Jacksonville neighborhood with full sun exposure, there is a good chance it is Floratam.

Its popularity comes from a combination of aggressive growth, dark green color, and strong performance in Florida's heat and humidity. Floratam establishes quickly after installation, fills in gaps fast, and creates a dense turf that naturally resists weed encroachment.

Characteristics

• Blade width: Broad, coarse-textured blades that create a thick, carpet-like lawn
• Color: Dark green during the growing season
• Growth habit: Aggressive stolon (runner) growth that fills in bare areas quickly
• Sun requirement: Minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight per day
• Heat tolerance: Excellent — bred specifically for the Deep South
• Cold tolerance: Relatively poor — can suffer damage below 25°F, though Jacksonville rarely sees sustained freezes
• Shade tolerance: Poor — thins significantly in shaded areas
• Drought tolerance: Moderate — will go dormant during extended dry periods but recovers with irrigation

Floratam in Jacksonville

Jacksonville sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, which is well within Floratam's comfort zone. The long, hot growing season from April through October gives Floratam ample time to establish and thicken. Winter cold snaps occasionally cause temporary browning, but Floratam recovers reliably each spring.

The biggest challenge for Floratam in Jacksonville is shade. Many established neighborhoods have mature live oaks, water oaks, and magnolias that cast heavy shade. If your yard has significant tree cover, Palmetto or CitraBlue will outperform Floratam in those shaded zones.

Pest Considerations

Chinch bugs are the primary pest threat for Floratam lawns in Jacksonville. These small insects feed on grass blades and are most active during hot, dry periods from June through September. Damage typically appears first near sidewalks, driveways, and other heat-reflecting surfaces as irregular brown patches that spread outward.

Newer Floratam production from some sod farms includes improved chinch bug resistance compared to older plantings. Regular irrigation during dry spells and proper mowing height are the best preventive measures.

Maintenance Requirements

• Mowing height: 3.5 to 4 inches. This is critical for Floratam — cutting too short weakens the root system and invites weeds and disease.
• Mowing frequency: Weekly during the growing season (April through October). Every 10-14 days during cooler months.
• Watering: 1 inch per week during the growing season. Water early in the morning to reduce disease pressure.
• Fertilizing: 2 to 4 applications per year using a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer. First application in March when the grass breaks dormancy.
• Weed control: Pre-emergent herbicide in late February and again in early fall. Post-emergent products as needed, but always check the label for St. Augustine safety.