Pemba Grass Prices (2025) – Cost Per Bag, Acre & Where to Buy
BeyondForest- Nov 24, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: 11 hours ago
2.)Pemba Grass Seeds
3.)Pemba grass price List on JIJI
9.)Disadvantage of Pemba Grass
Pemba Grass is scientifically known as Stenotaphrum secundatum or commonly known as St. Augustine grass it is a popular warm-season turf grass valued for its dense growth, adaptability, and tolerance to various conditions.
Image of 200 bags of Pemba Grass by Caren Muthoni on Facebook
Stenotaphrum secundatum is known by several names worldwide, often reflecting its regional use and popularity. In Australia, it is often referred to as Buffalo grass while in the United States, it is widely called St. Augustine grass.
A 50 kg bag Is able to fit 10 square meters while a 90 kg sack is able to fit 30square meters.
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Pemba Grass gets its name from Pemba Island, part of the Zanzibar Archipelago in Tanzania.
Image of Pemba grass by Gracy Gituku
Pemba Grass Seeds
Pemba grass is commonly established using sod, plugs, or stolon (horizontal stems that root at nodes) If seeds are available, they are often used in controlled breeding programs rather than for commercial or residential turf establishment. Vegetative propagation ensures faster establishment and maintains the desirable traits of specific cultivars.
50 Kilogram Pemba Grass | 1500Ksh |
90 Kg Variegated Pemba Grass | 1500 Ksh |
50 Kg Pemba Grass | 1500 Ksh |
50 Kg Pemba Grass | 1500 Ksh |
Image of Caren Muthoni a Pro Landscaper posing on Pemba Grass
50 kg Pemba grass | 1500 Ksh |
90 Kg Pemba grass | 1500 Ksh |
90 Kg Pemba Grass | 1500 Ksh |
Green 50 Kg Pemba Grass | 800Ksh |
50Kg Pemba Grass | 800 Ksh |
90 Kg Pemba Grass | 2200 Ksh |
Variegated 50 Kg Pemba Grass | 1000 Ksh |
50 Kilogram Green Pemba Grass | 600Ksh |
Green Pemba grass covers in a few months, is drought tolerant , and grows even in shaded areas. Once it covers ,weeds don't grow in between. Pemba Grass rolls can compete well with weeds, because of its spreads well and covers the whole ground without leaving any gap
Image of green Pemba grass
Buy Pemba Grass From Caren Muthoni a Pro Landscaper along Northern Bypass
Image of Coast Pemba grass
Variegated Pemba Grass
The variegated variety of Stenotaphrum secundatum, often used for ornamental purposes, features Striped Leaves green leaves with white or cream-colored streaks, adding aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes .Variegated Pemba Thrives in partially shaded areas, making it an attractive choice for under-canopy planting However, variegated varieties are less vigorous and may require more care and maintenance compared to standard types.
Image of Variegated Pemba
How to Grow Pemba Grass
Image of Henry Ke holding Pemba green grass ready for planting
Sod: Instant establishment by laying down mature grass.
Plugs: Small sections of sod planted at intervals to spread and cover the ground over time.
Stolons: Sprigs or runners are planted to root and grow.
b) Site Preparation
Soil Testing: Ensure the soil pH is between 6.0 and 7.5. Amend with lime or sulfur if necessary.
Clearing the Area: Remove existing vegetation and debris.
Leveling: Grade the area to improve drainage and prevent waterlogging.
c) Planting
Time: Best planted during spring or early summer when temperatures are warm and there is adequate rainfall.
Spacing: For plugs or stolon, space 15–30 cm apart to allow for spreading.
Watering: Ensure consistent moisture during the establishment phase.
Image of Henry Ke Landscaper on Facebook tending to Pemba grass
d) Maintenance
Watering: Deep watering once or twice a week promotes deep root growth.
Mowing: Maintain at a height of 5–10 cm, depending on the variety.
Fertilization: Use nitrogen-rich fertilizers during the growing season to enhance growth and color.
Pest and Disease Control: Watch for chinch bugs, brown patch disease, and take preventive measures as needed.
e) Light Requirements
Pemba Grass thrives in full sun but tolerates moderate shade. Shade-tolerant cultivars like ‘Palmetto’ can handle up to 40% shade.
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St. Augustine grass is widely used due to its versatility and numerous benefits such as Erosion Control .The dense root system stabilizes soil on slopes and prevents erosion. For Aesthetic Appeal as it Provides a lush, green lawn that enhances landscape beauty. Pemba grass is also Salt Tolerance and Ideal for coastal and saline environments.
FAQ about Pemba Grass
What is the Difference Between Green Pemba and Variegated Pemba
The difference between Pemba green and Pemba variegated is Pemba green is dark green in color while Pemba variegated has white stripes at the end of the leaf
Image of a 50 kilogram Pemba grass sack
Pemba grass gets its name from Pemba Island in Tanzania, where this hardy, drought-resistant grass was first cultivated and popularized. The grass thrives in tropical coastal climates like Kenya’s, earning its regional identity.
Is Pemba Grass drought resistant?
Pemba Grass or the St. Augustine grass exhibits moderate drought tolerance but is not as drought-resistant as some other warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) or Zoysia grass also known as Arabica grass. Its ability to withstand dry conditions depends on factors such as soil type, maintenance practices, and cultivar selection
What Are the Different Types of Pemba Grass?
There are two main varieties of Pemba grass:
Pemba Green – This variety has a rich, dark green 💚 color and is loved for its lush, uniform look. It’s ideal for creating a soft, natural carpet-like ground cover.
Pemba Variegated – This type is easily recognizable by the white stripes at the edge of each leaf, giving it a more decorative and colorful appearance. It’s perfect for adding a touch of brightness to your landscape.
How often should I water Pemba grass
The frequency of watering St. Augustine grass depends on various factors, including your region's climate, soil type, and the season. Proper watering practices ensure healthy growth and help the grass withstand stress, such as heat and drought . For Newly Planted Grass Frequency of Watering daily for the first 7–10 days to keep the soil consistently moist. After establishment, gradually reduce the frequency. Duration: Aim to wet the top 1–2 inches of soil. While For established St. Augustine grass, the general rule is to water deeply once or twice a week, providing a total of 1–1.5 inches of water, including rainfall. Monitor weather conditions and soil moisture to adjust watering schedules.
Image of Kenn Landscaper Preparing 200 bags of green pemba grass for a client in Isinya, kajiado county
What is the best grass for dry areas in Kenya?
For dry areas in Kenya, Rhodes Grass and Buffalo Grass stand out as the best options due to their drought tolerance, fast growth, and versatility. For livestock farmers, Napier Grass and Sudan Grass are excellent choices.
Image of Pemba Grass By Landscaper Maggie
The best time of the day to water grass is early in the morning, typically between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.. This timing ensures that the water can penetrate the soil and be absorbed by the grass roots before it evaporates under the heat of the sun.
While Pemba Grass (St. Augustine grass) is widely valued for its durability, adaptability, and aesthetic appeal, it does have several disadvantages that may limit its use in certain situations
Facebook post on Kenyan Landscapers requesting for Pemba grass from different suppliers
1. Thatch Build-Up
Problem
St. Augustine grass is prone to excessive thatch accumulation, which can hinder water penetration, root growth, and overall lawn health.
Solution
Regular dethatching or aeration is necessary, which can increase maintenance efforts and costs.
2. Cold Sensitivity
Problem
St. Augustine grass struggles in cooler climates and is susceptible to frost damage. Prolonged exposure to low temperatures can cause dormancy or death.
Solution
This limits its use to warm-season climates, making it unsuitable for regions with harsh winters.
3. High Water Demand
Problem
Requires regular irrigation to maintain its lush green appearance, especially during dry periods.
Impact
It is less drought-tolerant than some other warm-season grasses like Bermuda grass or Zoysia grass, making it less suitable for areas with water restrictions or prolonged droughts.
4. Pest Susceptibility
Common Pests
St. Augustine grass is highly susceptible to chinch bugs, which can cause significant damage, especially in hot and dry conditions. Other pests include sod webworms and armyworms.
Impact
Managing pests may require chemical treatments, increasing maintenance costs and potential environmental concerns.
5. Disease Susceptibility
Key Diseases
It is prone to fungal infections such as gray leaf spot, brown patch, and take-all root rot.
Solution
Diseases are more common in poorly drained soils or during prolonged wet conditions, requiring fungicides and vigilant care.
6. Nutrient Requirements
Problem
St. Augustine grass requires regular fertilization, particularly nitrogen, to maintain its health and color.
Impact
High nutrient demands increase costs and labor, and improper fertilization can contribute to environmental issues like nutrient runoff.
7. Invasiveness
Problem
Its aggressive growth habit, particularly through stolons, can make it invasive in garden beds and surrounding areas.
Solution
Containment measures are needed to prevent it from overtaking desired plants or landscapes.
8. Poor Wear Tolerance
Problem
St. Augustine grass does not tolerate heavy foot traffic well compared to other turf grasses like Bermuda grass.
Solution
It may not be the best choice for high-traffic areas such as sports fields or playgrounds.
Problem
Although it is more shade-tolerant than many other grasses, excessive shade or poor sunlight conditions can result in thinning and patchy growth.
Requires balanced light conditions for optimal performance, limiting its use in very shaded areas.
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