Homeowners residing in warmer climates, especially Southern California, can’t just plant any grass type. They must grow a lawn that can tolerate diseases, salty air, heat, and drought for the rest of the year. Imagining any turf variety that can perfectly handle these conditions is challenging. However, one popular grass type ideal for such areas is a blend of fescue grasses, Hubbard 87 and Baja. Here’s the ultimate guide to growing and maintaining marathon grass.
To grow marathon grass, install sod or establish it from scratch by planting grass seeds, mowing, fertilizing, and watering it appropriately. Although the sod is expensive, most gardeners prefer it since it requires low maintenance and is easy to install. Marathon seeds germinate within 14 days if you plant during fall or spring. You can maintain your lawn’s health by watering deeply, mowing appropriately, and fertilizing with a high-nitrogen fertilizer.
Marathon Grass Varieties
Marathon grass is a warm-season, heat and drought-resistant turf created by blending two tall fescues – Hubbard 87 and Baja. It originated in Southland Sod Farms and is particularly for Southern California lawns.
The sod comes in three varieties;
i. Marathon I (original marathon)
ii. Marathon II
iii. Marathon III
Most homeowners prefer planting the original marathon as it’s durable, ornamental, and evergreen throughout the year. Those who love an easy-to-care, disease-resistant, and durable lawn go for Marathon 2 grass seed.
On the other hand, marathon III grass is not suitable for heavy foot traffic areas. It is the most delicate of all marathon grass varieties.
How to Plant Marathon Grass Seed
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You can establish a marathon lawn by installing sod or laying seeds. When planting the grass seed, begin by preparing the yard. Remove the existing grass and weeds and clear the area of all debris and rocks. Loosen the soil and check its pH to ensure it’s between 5.0 and 8.5 for optimal results. After that, make the soil damp by watering it evenly.
Next, spread about 10-12 lb. of seeds per 1,000 square feet of lawn. This damp soil will speed up the germination process.
After laying the seeds, cover them with any mulch, like mushroom soil, straw, or screened compost. Your seeds will germinate within two weeks. Water the lawn frequently until the new grass gets established.
When to plant Grass Marathon
The ideal period for growing this turf is during fall or spring. There is enough rainfall during these seasons to boost grass seed germination and growth. So, planting this grass at this time helps it develop deep roots, making it resistant to drought and heat.
How to Care for Marathon Grass
Follow this process to grow a healthy lawn of this warm-season grass:
1. Watering deeply
The grass has a deep root system and requires adequate water to thrive. Water it deeply and 2-3 times weekly.
2. Fertilizing
Feed your marathon lawn with high-nitrogen fertilizer all year round to maintain its health and green color.
3. Mowing
Start mowing your grass at least eight weeks after planting. The recommended mowing height for Marathon I is 2.5-3.5 inches, 2-3 inches for Marathon 2 grass, and 1.5-3 inches for Marathon III.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What time should I water my marathon grass?
A: To maintain your new marathon sod after planting, water your lawn at 7 am, 11 am, and 2 pm. This is the watering schedule for the first week. For the second week, irrigate the grass at 7 am and 2 pm, and water only at 7 am for the third week. Once your new grass establishes fully, start watering once every three days.
Q: Is the grass marathon a fescue?
A: Marathon grass is a fescue, as all its three varieties are a blend of tall fescue grass. The difference is that marathon is more heat and drought-resistant and durable than fescues. The grass is also mainly for South California and other regions with similar climates.
Final Words
Grass marathon is a warm-season turf ideal for warmer regions, especially Southern California. Most homeowners grow it as it revitalizes their backyard appearance and is resistant to drought, heat, pests, and diseases.
If you need to grow this grass, you can buy the sod or plant the grass seeds during fall or spring. Maintain this lawn’s health by watering deeply, mowing appropriately, and fertilizing with a high-nitrogen fertilizer.