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Raleigh St. Augustinegrass

Raleigh grass is a cold-hardy cultivar released by North Carolina State University in 1980. It has a medium green color with a coarse texture. It is susceptible to chinch bugs, but this variety of St. Augustinegrass can be planted in northern Florida due to its tolerance to lower temperatures. It is also susceptible to brown patch disease. During peak summertime heat, Raleigh has been noted to yellow and to not grow as aggressively as during cooler temperatures. Supplemental iron applications can reduce this yellowing tendency. Raleigh is best adapted to the heavier, organic, clay soils with medium to low soil pH in central and north Florida.

Raleigh was well received by sod growers throughout the southeast, but, unfortunately, little university research has been done to date on this cultivar. It is often described as highly tolerant of shade, drought, and cold, but no impartial evidence of these claims exists at this time.

During peak summertime heat, Raleigh grass has been noted to yellow and to not grow as aggressively as during cooler temperatures. Supplemental iron applications can reduce this yellowing tendency. Raleigh grass is best adapted to the heavier, organic, clay soils with medium to low soil pH in central and north Florida.