Kikuyu Grass Summer Care in Cape Town

Kikuyu Grass Summer Care in Cape Town

Summer is the peak growing season for Kikuyu grass in Cape Town. With the right care, your lawn can look its absolute best during the warm months. Here is our guide to summer lawn care.

Watering in Summer

Summer is when your Kikuyu lawn needs the most water. Water deeply twice a week rather than lightly every day — deep watering encourages deep root growth and makes the lawn more drought-resistant. Water in the early morning to reduce evaporation. Always check Cape Town's current water restrictions before setting up an irrigation schedule.

Mowing in Summer

Kikuyu grows fast in summer and will need mowing every 7-10 days. Keep your mower blade sharp and never remove more than one-third of the grass blade in a single cut. The ideal mowing height in summer is 25-35mm. Avoid mowing in the heat of the day — early morning or late afternoon is best.

Fertilising in Summer

Apply a balanced lawn fertiliser in early summer (December) and again in mid-summer (January-February). Use a slow-release fertiliser for best results. Always water in fertiliser well after application.

Edging in Summer

Kikuyu spreads vigorously in summer and will quickly invade garden beds and paving if not edged regularly. Edge your lawn every 2-3 weeks during the summer months.

Dealing with Heat Stress

During extreme heat waves, Kikuyu may show signs of heat stress — the grass blades may curl and the colour may dull. Increase watering frequency during heat waves and avoid mowing during the hottest part of the day.