If you’re looking for a solution to maintain green and healthy lawns in Southern California’s dry weather conditions, then look no further. With drought tolerant grass varieties, maintaining a lush lawn with less water is possible. But before buying any products, there are several factors you should consider.
Firstly, consider the type of soil you have, as some varieties of drought tolerant grass work better with certain soil types. Additionally, take into account the amount of sun exposure your lawn receives, as certain varieties require more sun than others. Lastly, think about the level of foot traffic your lawn receives, as some varieties are more durable than others.
Are you tired of constantly watering your lawn to no avail? Are you looking for a way to conserve water and still have a beautiful green lawn? Do you want to learn more about drought tolerant grass options for Southern California? If so, then keep reading to discover the best ways to maintain a green and healthy lawn in these dry and hot conditions.
10 Best Drought Tolerant Grass For Southern California
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Ideal for planting healthy and low-maintenance Zoysia grass in drought-prone areas.
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Ideal for creating a lush and durable lawn that can withstand high temperatures and drought conditions.
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The product is ideal for growing bermudagrass in hot and drought-prone areas.
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Ideal for growing healthy grass in hot and dry climates, requiring minimal maintenance and irrigation.
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5
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Ideal for creating low maintenance, dense turf in hard to mow areas that are shade tolerant and drought resistant.
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6
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This product is ideal for establishing a drought tolerant and fast growing Bermuda lawn or turf grass.
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7
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Ideal for growing a lush and thick lawn in areas with both sun and shade conditions in the southern region.
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8
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Ideal for quickly growing lush, green grass in both sunny and shady areas of your lawn.
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9
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Ideal for cool season lawns and providing a thick, dark green and drought-resistant grass.
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10
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This product is ideal for growing Kentucky bluegrass in areas that receive full sun, light shade, and have medium drought resistance.
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1. Zoysia Plugs – 200 Large Grass Plugs – Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Looking for a low maintenance lawn solution? Zoysia grass is the perfect choice for you! This drought-resistant and sun-loving grass requires minimal watering and mowing, making it a convenient option for busy homeowners. Zoysia grass can provide you the greenest lawn in the neighborhood, even during the hot summer days. This traffic-friendly grass has a lush and thick carpet-like texture, which is soft to the touch and perfect for bare feet. Moreover, Zoysia grass is known for its ability to crowd out weeds, which means that you will not have to worry about weeds taking over your lawn.
Zoysia grass is grown and shipped directly from the farm to your doorstep, ensuring its freshness and quality. This grass requires at least six hours of sunlight each day to thrive. During the colder months, Zoysia grass goes dormant, but it will green up again when temperatures reach 70 degrees. For best results, it is recommended to plant Zoysia grass in the spring or summer. Plant the plugs 12 inches apart to achieve a coverage of 200 square feet. A care guide is included with your order, which will help you take care of your Zoysia grass properly. To ensure its establishment, water your Zoysia grass daily for the first 14 days after planting for one hour per day.
- Low maintenance, requires minimal watering and mowing
- Drought-resistant and sun-loving, stays green during hot summer days
- Traffic-friendly, has a lush and thick carpet-like texture
- Crowds out weeds, no need to worry about weeds taking over your lawn
- Grown and shipped directly from the farm, ensuring freshness and quality
- – Requires at least six hours of sunlight each day to thrive
- – Goes dormant during colder months, but greens up again when temperatures reach 70 degrees
- – Recommended to plant in the spring or summer
- – Daily watering for the first 14 days after planting
2. Outsidepride Spf-30 Heat & Drought Tolerant Hybrid Bluegrass Lawn Grass Seed – 10 Lbs
Introducing a new hybrid bluegrass called SPF 30 (HB 128), a cross between Texas Bluegrass and Kentucky Bluegrass, designed to provide genetic diversity to professional turf managers. This hybrid type expands the area of adaptation for bluegrasses and has shown success in areas farther south than traditional Kentucky bluegrasses. It also adds heat tolerance and summer performance to northern zone turf.
SPF 30 (HB 128) produces a high percentage of living ground cover throughout the summer, recovers quickly from drought, and is resistant to brown patch. With its aggressive rhizomes, SPF 30 (HB 128) can improve the ability of tall fescue turf to recover when combined in a mixture. This elite and medium-bladed bluegrass is perfect for landscape contractors, sports turf managers, and golf course superintendents who are looking for a solution to the stress of summer heat.
Hybrid bluegrass germinates from seed slightly faster than Kentucky bluegrass, but the differences in overall establishment rate have not been significant. While it establishes slower than tall fescue, it can survive prolonged heat and drought periods. One of the most noteworthy features of this hybrid bluegrass is its disease tolerance.
Sow 2-3 pounds per 1,000 square feet or 80-100 lbs per acre to begin growing your soft, fine-bladed, and drought-tolerant lawn grass today. Use SPF 30 hybrid bluegrass in sod, sports, golf roughs, and lawns. SPF 30 (HB 128) is a sister to HB 129 TX x KBG.
- High percentage of living ground cover throughout the summer
- Recovers quickly from drought
- Resistant to brown patch
- Aggressive rhizomes improve the ability of tall fescue turf to recover
- Hybrid bluegrass germinates from seed slightly faster than Kentucky bluegrass
- Can survive prolonged heat and drought periods
- Noteworthy disease tolerance
- Soft and fine-bladed texture for a beautiful lawn
- – Establishes slower than tall fescue
3. Bermudagrass Builder: Drought-Resistant Seed For Heat
The Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Southern Gold Mix is specially designed for full sun, high traffic areas, and drought resistance. This premium grass seed mix is coated with an exclusive 4 in 1 WaterSmart PLUS Coating, which has the ability to absorb more water, feed the seedlings with essential nutrients, and protect them from disease. The package includes Scotts' best seed, which offers excellent protection against disease, keeps the seed moist 2x longer, and feeds to jumpstart growth for thicker, greener grass, guaranteed.
The Southern Gold Mix aggressively spreads to fill in bare spots and crowd out weeds, making it a perfect choice for lawns that are challenged by long periods of scorching southern heat, drought, and bare spots. This premium grass seed mix is a perfect choice for anyone who is looking to achieve a lush, green, and healthy lawn. The high-quality blend of grass seeds in this mix ensures that your lawn will have a uniform texture and color throughout the year.
This premium grass seed mix is easy to apply, and it germinates quickly, ensuring that you will see results in just a few days. The Southern Gold Mix is a perfect choice for anyone who is looking to enhance the beauty of their lawn while providing it with the essential nutrients that it needs to thrive. So, if you are looking for a high-quality grass seed mix that will help you achieve the lawn of your dreams, look no further than the Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Southern Gold Mix.
Note: The bag contains 7 lbs of grass seed, which is enough to cover up to 2,800 sq. ft. of lawn area.
- Designed for full sun, high traffic areas, and drought resistance
- Exclusive 4 in 1 WaterSmart PLUS Coating absorbs more water, feeds with essential nutrients and protects seedlings from disease
- Includes Scotts best seed, protects against disease, keeps seed moist 2x longer & feeds to jumpstart growth for thicker, greener grass, guaranteed
- Aggressively spreads to fill in bare spots and crowd out weeds
- Great for lawns challenged by long periods of scorching southern heat, drought, and bare spots
- Easy to apply and germinates quickly
- – The bag contains only 7 lbs of grass seed
4. Bonide Heat & Drought Grass Seed, 7 Lbs
The product with model number 60254 is made in the United States. Its item package dimensions are 12.44 inches in length, 11.57 inches in width, and 1.57 inches in height. The total weight of the package is 7.01 pounds.
This product is perfect for those who are looking for a high-quality item that is made in the USA. It has a sturdy construction and comes in a well-designed package.
Experience the convenience of using this product with its compact size that does not take up too much space. Its weight is also manageable, making it easy to carry around.
- Made in the USA
- Sturdy construction
- Well-designed package
- Compact size
- Manageable weight
5. Low-Mow Grass Blend For Hard Areas
The 25lb bag of low grow fine fescue grass seed mix covers a spread of 5000 sq. ft. and is viable for up to 1 year. It is an ideal solution for those who do not want to mow, fertilize or water their lawns, as well as those who are interested in wildflower beds and berms, residential, commercial, institutional, or municipal lawns, yards, sidewalk medians, parks, sports fields, right of ways, and landscaping.
This seed mix is low maintenance, requiring mowing biweekly to monthly to a height of 3 inches. If left unmowed, it can reach a maximum height of 10-12 inches. Fertilizer is not recommended or necessary, and once established, there is no need to water.
This seed mix is also able to grow under tough conditions. It grows in most soil types, from very sandy to somewhat heavy clay soils, and accepts most sun conditions, from full sun to heavy shade. This seed mix is also drought tolerant, making it an excellent choice for regions with limited rainfall.
The seed is certified, of high quality, and comes from Oregon Certified Seed. It is 99% weed-free, contains no noxious weeds and is non-GMO.
- Can cover a large spread of up to 5000 sq. ft.
- Low maintenance, no need to water once established.
- Grows in most soil types and sun conditions, making it a versatile option.
- Drought tolerant, making it an excellent choice for regions with limited rainfall.
- High quality and certified seed.
- – May not be suitable for those who prefer a perfectly manicured lawn.
6. Blackjack Bermuda: Fast & Drought-Tolerant Grass Seed
The Blackjack Bermuda seed is a high-quality seeded Bermuda grass that produces a fine-textured, carpet-like, dark green turf that is perfect for home lawns, parks, or sports fields. It is also ideal for over-seeding already established Bermuda turf. The vigorous, fine-bladed cultivar adds color and density to any warm-season blend. This grass seed produces a sun-loving turf that performs well even in the hottest summer months, while displaying remarkable cold tolerance in cold winter areas. With a Blackjack Bermuda Grass lawn, customers can enjoy a dense green lawn all summer long. The coated seeds are easier to spread and retain moisture better, which improves germination. The recommended seeding rate for new turf is 2-3 lbs. of coated Blackjack Bermuda Grass seed per 1000 sq. ft. This grass can be maintained at mowing heights from 0.5 inches to 2 inches, and it is recommended to apply 3 to 5 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet per growing season. It is vital not to remove over 1/3 of the leaf blade per mowing for healthy turf. Blackjack Bermuda Grass is adaptable to the Southern 1/3 of the U.S., including Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Hawaii.
- Produces a high-quality, fine-textured, carpet-like, dark green turf that is perfect for home lawns, parks, or sports fields.
- Ideal for over-seeding already established Bermuda turf.
- Dense green lawn all summer long.
- Coated seeds are easier to spread and retain moisture better, which improves germination.
- Cold-tolerant grass that performs well even in cold winter areas.
- Adaptable to the Southern 1/3 of the U.S., including Hawaii.
- Can be maintained at mowing heights from 0.5 inches to 2 inches.
- Recommended to apply 3 to 5 pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet per growing season.
- – Not adaptable to areas outside the Southern 1/3 of the U.S.
- – Seeding rate may vary depending on the soil type and climate.
- – Not suitable for areas with a lot of shade.
- – May require more maintenance than other types of grasses.
7. Pennington Smart Seed Sun And Shade Tall Fescue Grass Seed Mix For Southern Lawns 20 Lb
Maintain a lush and healthy lawn all year round with this Grass Seed and Fertilizer Mix. The ideal choice for Southern Tall Fescue lawns that receive a moderate amount of shade and sun exposure. This premium mix contains the perfect blend of grass seed and fertilizer to help your lawn thrive and succeed.
With its advanced formula, this grass seed and fertilizer mix is designed to withstand hot, humid, and harsh weather conditions. It requires just 4 to 6 hours of sunlight and can help you save up to 30% more water every year compared to ordinary grass seed. You can trust this mix to grow and see results in as little as 8 to 21 days.
This bag covers up to 5,000 sq. ft, making it perfect for larger lawns. Whether you're a professional landscaper or a homeowner looking to improve the look of your lawn, this grass seed and fertilizer mix is an excellent choice.
Take the first step towards a healthy and beautiful lawn today with this Grass Seed and Fertilizer Mix for Southern Tall Fescue lawns.
- Ideal for Southern Tall Fescue lawns with moderate shade and sun exposure
- Contains just the right amount of fertilizer to help your lawn thrive
- Can save up to 30% more water compared to ordinary grass seed
- Survives in hot, humid, and harsh weather conditions
- Guaranteed to grow with visible results in as little as 8 to 21 days
- Covers up to 5,000 sq. ft, perfect for larger lawns
8. Rapid Green 16lbs: Sun & Shade Grass Mix
Achieve a lush lawn in just a few weeks with Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Sun & Shade Mix. The combination of seed and fertilizer in this proprietary mix grows up to 2x faster than seed alone when applied at the new lawn rate and with proper care. This unique blend of sun and shade mix of seed and fertilizer produces a full green lawn that grows in just weeks. The grass will start to grow in as little as 12 days and will reach full maturity in 21 days. Scotts Turf Builder Rapid Grass Sun & Shade Mix is the perfect solution for problematic areas in your lawn that need extra attention as well as establishing new grass.
The best time to plant grass seed is during the fall or spring when temperatures are between 60°F and 80°F and the threat of frost has passed. To ensure optimal results, prepare the soil by lightly raking it to remove debris. Apply the grass seed using a Scotts spreader and water daily or as needed to keep the soil surface moist until the seedlings reach 2 to 3 inches tall. With one 16-lb. bag, you can seed up to 8,000 sq. ft. of lawn. Please note that this product may not be available in all states.
- Produces a full green lawn that grows in just weeks
- Grows up to 2x faster than seed alone when applied at the new lawn rate and with proper care
- Ideal for problematic areas in your lawn as well as establishing new grass
- One 16-lb. bag can seed up to 8,000 sq. ft. of lawn
- – May not be available in all states
9. Jonathan Green (10323) Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed – Cool Season Lawn Seed (25 Lb)
Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed is the perfect solution for those who want to establish new lawns or fill in bare spots quickly. This grass seed mix is specifically designed to grow rapidly for the speedy establishment of newly seeded lawns. It also fills in patches and invigorates thin or damaged lawns.
The grass seed mix produces healthy, dense, and attractive turf with a dark-green color. It consists of a blend of tall fescues, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass. With roots that can grow up to 4-feet deep and a waxy leaf coating, Black Beauty Ultra preserves moisture and limits evaporation, making it an ideal choice for areas with limited water availability. Additionally, it can withstand heavy traffic, making it a great option for high-use areas.
For optimal growth, Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed requires full sun to partial shade. The best time to apply it is mid-August to mid-October when the ground is still warm, and the nights are cooler. The next best time to plant is mid-March through mid-May.
This 25 lb bag of Black Beauty Ultra Grass Seed will seed up to 5,000 sq. ft. for new lawns and up to 10,000 sq. ft. for overseeding. The germination time is 7-14 days, and it is perfect for those who want a lush, green lawn in a short amount of time.
- Quickly establishes new lawns and fills in bare spots
- Produces healthy, dense, and attractive turf with a dark-green color
- Preserves moisture and limits evaporation
- Withstands heavy traffic
- Ideal for areas with limited water availability
- – Requires full sun to partial shade, may not be suitable for areas with extreme sunlight or shade
- – The best time to apply is limited to specific months, may not be suitable for year-round planting
10. Kentucky Bluegrass Mix: Drought-Proof Full Sun Seeds
Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Kentucky Bluegrass Mix is the perfect solution for those who want to grow a thick and durable lawn. This seed mix is designed for full sun and light shade, making it an ideal choice for most lawns. With its fine bladed texture and medium drought resistance, this seed mix is sure to impress.
One of the key features of this seed mix is its ability to continuously self-repair, which means it can withstand wear and tear. This makes it an excellent choice for those who have an active family or pets. The 4 in 1 WaterSmart PLUS Coating is another great feature of this seed mix, which absorbs more water, feeds with essential nutrients, and protects seedlings from disease. This coating ensures that the seedlings have the best possible chance of growing into a healthy lawn.
This seed mix can cover up to 4,660 sq. ft., making it an excellent value for the money. However, it should be noted that this product is not available in LA.
Overall, Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Kentucky Bluegrass Mix is an excellent choice for those who want a thick and durable lawn that can withstand wear and tear. Its fine bladed texture and medium drought resistance make it a great choice for most lawns. With the 4 in 1 WaterSmart PLUS Coating, this seed mix is sure to impress and give the best possible chance for a healthy lawn.
- Self-repairing ability
- Designed for full sun and light shade
- Fine bladed texture and medium drought resistance
- 4 in 1 WaterSmart PLUS Coating for better growth
- Can cover up to 4,660 sq. ft.
- – Not available in LA
Best Drought Tolerant Grass For Southern California FAQs
Can I replace my current grass with a drought tolerant option in Southern California?
Yes, it is possible to replace your current grass with a drought-tolerant option in Southern California. With the ongoing water scarcity issues in the region, many homeowners are opting for drought-tolerant landscapes to save water and reduce maintenance costs. There are numerous options available for drought-tolerant grasses that can thrive in the dry, hot climate of Southern California, including Bermuda grass, buffalo grass, and zoysia grass.
However, before replacing your grass, it is important to research the various options and choose the one that best fits your needs and preferences. You should also consult with a landscaper or gardening expert to ensure that you are selecting the right type of grass and that it will grow well in your specific location. Additionally, you may need to make changes to your irrigation system and soil to support a drought-tolerant landscape.
Overall, switching to a drought-tolerant grass can be a smart decision for homeowners in Southern California who want to conserve water and create a more sustainable landscape.
How do I maintain a drought tolerant grass lawn in Southern California?
Maintaining a drought tolerant grass lawn in Southern California can be challenging, but there are several things you can do to ensure that your lawn stays healthy and green even during times of drought. Firstly, it's important to choose the right type of grass for your lawn – there are several species of grass that are well-suited to hot and dry climates, such as Bermuda grass, St. Augustine grass and Zoysia grass. Once you've chosen the right type of grass, make sure to water it deeply and infrequently, rather than giving it shallow, frequent waterings. This will encourage the roots to grow deeper and make the grass more resilient to drought. Additionally, it's important to mow your lawn regularly, but not too short – leaving the grass a bit longer can help it retain moisture and stay healthier during dry periods. Finally, consider using a natural or organic fertilizer to help your lawn stay healthy and strong without relying on synthetic chemicals. With these tips and a little bit of effort, you can maintain a beautiful, drought tolerant grass lawn in Southern California.
What are the benefits of using drought tolerant grass in Southern California?
Drought tolerant grasses have become a popular choice for homeowners and commercial properties in Southern California due to their many benefits. One of the greatest benefits of using drought tolerant grass is its ability to conserve water. Southern California has long been plagued by droughts and water shortages, making it essential to find ways to reduce water usage. Drought tolerant grass requires less water than traditional grass, which helps to conserve water resources.
Another benefit of using drought tolerant grass is that it requires less maintenance. Traditional grasses need constant watering, mowing, and fertilizing to stay healthy and green. Drought tolerant grass, on the other hand, can survive with minimal watering and upkeep. This means that property owners can save time and money on lawn maintenance.
Drought tolerant grass also helps to reduce the amount of chemical fertilizers and pesticides needed to keep a lawn healthy. Traditional grasses require a lot of chemicals to stay green and free of pests. Drought tolerant grass, on the other hand, is more resistant to pests and disease, which means that it needs fewer chemicals to stay healthy.
Overall, using drought tolerant grass in Southern California is a smart choice for property owners who want to conserve water, reduce maintenance costs, and minimize their impact on the environment.
What are the best drought tolerant grasses for Southern California?
When it comes to selecting the best drought tolerant grasses for Southern California, there are some options that stand out. One of the most popular choices is Bermuda grass, which is known for its ability to thrive in hot and dry conditions. This grass type is also low maintenance and can be used for both residential and commercial landscapes. Another great option is Zoysia grass, which is a warm-season grass that is drought tolerant and can withstand foot traffic. This grass type has a thick texture that makes it ideal for lawns and athletic fields. Other good choices include Buffalo grass, which is a native grass that can survive on minimal water, and St. Augustine grass, which is a shade-tolerant grass that can also handle drought conditions. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on factors such as the specific location, soil type, and amount of sunlight the grass will receive. It's important to consult with a professional landscaper to determine the best option for your specific needs.
Where can I purchase drought tolerant grass seed or sod in Southern California?
If you're looking to purchase drought tolerant grass seed or sod in Southern California, there are several options available to you. One of the best places to start your search is at a local nursery or garden center. These establishments typically carry a variety of grass seeds and sod that are specifically designed to thrive in the arid climate of Southern California.
Another option is to check with a landscaping company or contractor that specializes in drought tolerant landscaping. They may be able to recommend specific types of grass seed or sod that are best suited for your particular needs and climate.
You can also search online for retailers that specialize in drought tolerant grass seed and sod. Many of these retailers offer a wide variety of options, including native grasses that are well-adapted to the unique climate of Southern California.
No matter where you choose to purchase your drought tolerant grass seed or sod, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable supplier with a proven track record of success. With the right grass seed or sod, you can enjoy a beautiful, lush lawn that is both beautiful and environmentally friendly.