Softest Zoysia variety in south Florida?

Rick D – posted 02 March 2003 23:54

I’d like to sod with Zoysia, but I’m concerned that it will be to prickly to walk on barefoot. What is the softest Zoysia that will grow well in south Florida?

Lex – posted 30 March 2003 12:35

There are several new versions of zoysia now. The wide blade (empire) might be a good choice. I live in E Central FL and just put in empress zoysia which is similar to emerald in appearance/coloer. It is soft, and feels great (not like the old emerald versions that were very prickly). Also, if you water and lightly fertilize then even emerald is not too (key word is “too”) prickly.

theplantation2860 – posted 30 March 2003 18:43

Hey Lex, i’ve also planted empress zoysia, is your’s growing much now? I’m in Merritt Island, where about it central east FL are ya***********************@ya***.com

randallcun – posted 31 March 2003 08:26

I’m planting empire zoysia plugs in my yard also, in an attempt to eventually take over my St. Augustine grass. Where are you guys getting your plugs from here in Central Florida? I have to special order mine from my local Lowe’s. They are getting the plugs from Bethel Farms. I would like to know if there is a place where I can pick them up with out having to special order when I need them. Thanks for the help and good luck with your yards!!!

Lex – posted 24 August 2003 09:00

I live in Merritt Island Fl. Bought pallets of empress from Bethel Farms. Made my own “plugs” by cutting sod into 4-6 strips. Duda now has both empire and empress zoysia available. Will, of Bethel Farms, was very helpful later on when billbugs got into my zoysia.

wickedpete – posted 24 August 2003 13:56

I went ahead and just layed empire zoysia sod, since I have a pretty small yard. 7 pallets ran me about $700 and got it from http://www.sunshinefarmsturf.com/turf_varieties.htm

Legarreta – posted 08 September 2007 18:13

If you guys ever need grass, any kind, my brother has a company.

VALUESOD & LANDSCAPING SUPPLY.

You can contact him any time at 321.299.2000.

brevard – posted 23 September 2007 19:06

Does your brother have Empire/Empress Zoysia?

How about Seashore Paspalum?

I’m in Melbourne Beach and want to redo my whole backyard.

I’ve got St. Aug in there now and its looking crappy.. could be from some shade I’ve got going now, the untalented lawn guys would scalp the heck out of it on a regular basis, or maybe some virus/rot.

Either way, its bad, and I’d rather get a nice soft grass thatn keep going with St. Aug