Stenotaphrum secundatum ‘Floratine’ Floratine St. Augustinegrass
Origin
Floratine was released in 1962 by the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station.
Growth
Floratine spreads horizontally with stolons.
Establishment
Floratine can be established by sod, plugs, or sprigs. Sodding is by far the most common method. Plugging is sometimes used in smaller areas for patching in or refurbishing. Sprigging is most often done on sod farms when establishing a new field.
Floratine does not produce a viable seed.
Color
Dark Green
Texture
Coarse, but slightly finer than some other varieties.
Density
Although considered to have good density in comparison with some other St. Augustine varieties, it is would be moderate when placed next to some other fine bladed species.
Size
Shade
Floratine has fair tolerance to light and moderate shade.
Mowing
Mow at a height of 2 to 3 inches with either a rotary or reel mower. Floratine has a lower growth habit than some other St. Augustine cultivars.
Salt
It has good salt tolerance.
Cold
Floratine has fair cold tolerance.
Heat
Floratine has good heat tolerance.
Soil
Floratine will grow on a wide variety of soils. Its preferred pH range is 6.0 to 7.5.
Drought/Watering
There are many variables that can affect the drought tolerance and watering requirements. Generally speaking, Floratine is probably in the moderate range. It will usually require more frequent watering to maintain vigor during dry spells, so an irrigation system is usually recommended.
Wear
Floratine could be considered moderate in wear tolerance. Its leaf softness and texture reduce wear tolerance, but its good density is a plus.
Pests
Chinch Bugs – yes
Tropical sod webworms – yes
Armyworms - yes
Grass loopers – yes, but more rare
Grubs - yes
Mole Crickets – yes, but more rare
Billbugs – yes, but more rare
Bermudagrass Mite – No
Banks Grass Mite – yes, but rare
Ground Pearls – yes, but rare
Scales –
Plant Hoppers – yes
Spittlebugs – yes, but St. Augustine seem to show more resistance than some other species
Nematodes – yes, with higher susceptibility to sting and lance nematodes. The St. Augustine cyst nematode only damages St. Augustine grasses.
Diseases
SADV –yes
Gray Leaf Spot – moderately susceptible
Brown Patch – yes
Helminthosporium Leaf Spot –yes, but more rare
Fairy Rings –yes
Take-All Root Rot – yes
Pythium Root Rot – yes
Downy Mildew – yes, but more rare
Dollar Spot – yes, but more rare
Leaf Rust – yes
Anthracnose – yes, but rare
Weeds
When healthy, Floratine is very competitive with weeds because of its horizontal growth.
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