Eureka Kikuyu Lawn Care

How to install and maintain your Eureka Kikuyu

Eureka Kikuyu is a fast growing hardy, economic all-rounder which is good for a range of applications from home lawns to racecourses, parks and reserves, even planting out larger areas and erosion control.

Preferring a sunny aspect, Eureka Kikuyu is a dense, rapid growing lawn.  Its vigorous growth habit allows it to repair very quickly if damaged and is able to establish a strong, deep root base to help it stand up to the hottest summer days.  Eureka Kikuyu enjoys a long growing season and with regular mowing will hold a good tight growth mat.  It holds its colour well into winter, browning off when frost affected, however bouncing back with full vigour in spring.

Installation

Eureka Kikuyu has medium-coarse bright green leaves which spreads by its vigorous growth from stolons and rhizomes;

Important points for Eureka Kikuyu installation:

• Install the grass immediately after delivery/pick up as it will easily dry out, and there is also the risk that it may heat up resulting in burn on the leaves inside the rolls.
• Lay on a bed of 50-100mm of quality turf underlay
• Use Lawn Solutions Australia Lawn Launcher at label rates to give the grass a head start and retain moisture in the new soil bed
• Roll to compact new turf to improve contact with the soil
• Soak the newly laid turf thoroughly for 10-14 days after installation or until established
• Reduce irrigation once established and water only when the grass appears to be dry
• Mow lightly as soon as the grass has rooted in to promote lateral growth (should be in 7-10 days after installation)

Fertilising

Eureka Kikuyu will perform at its best when fertilised regularly throughout the year with a good slow release fertiliser.

Important points for fertilising Eureka Kikuyu:

• Apply Lawn Solutions Australia fertiliser at a rate of 25g/m² or 2.5kg/100m²
• Fertilise 3-4 times per year in spring, early summer and autumn to improve overall health

Weed and Pest Control

Eureka Kikuyu has a tight growth habit which will inhibit the growth of weeds to a certain extent, but there will be times when weed control will be necessary.

Most commercially available pest control products can be used on Eureka Kikuyu, however you’ll need to be careful when using chemical herbicides, particularly those containing Endothal, such as Winter Grass Killer.  It is always best to read the label and check with your Lawn Solutions Australia grower for recommended products before any application.

Watering

Eureka Kikuyu is a hardy grass which can survive fairly dry conditions once established.  Important points for watering of Eureka Kikuyu:

• Water every 7-10 days during the warmer months, only minimal watering during winter
• When watering, deeply soak the top 100mm of soil
• Water early morning for improved efficiency and plant health

Mowing

Eureka Kikuyu grows quickly meaning it will require more frequent mowing than other varieties.  Mowing Eureka Kikuyu at the right height and frequency promotes root growth and prevents thatch build up.

Important points for mowing Eureka Kikuyu:

• Ensure that mower blades are sharp to prevent tearing of the leaf
• Never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade at any one time unless dethatching
• Dethatch to remove any sponginess in spring for best results
• Maintain a height of 30-40mm for best coverage and presentation

Shady Areas

Eureka Kikuyu thrives in warm weather and direct sunlight and will not perform well at all in areas which do not receive enough light.