Are you dreaming of a picture-perfect lawn, sports field, or pasture but worried about the cost?
Introducing Kikuyu Runners, the affordable way to transform your outdoor space without breaking the bank.
What are Kikuyu Runners?
Kikuyu Runners, also known as Kikuyu Roots, are the splitting of root runners of Pennisetum clandestinum (Kikuyu) into separate plants, each with its own set of roots, that when planted out, leads to increased density and coverage of your area as a cheaper alternative to instant lawn.
While instant lawn provides an immediate green coverage of an area, Kikuyu Runners require some time to grow and establish a full coverage. Typically, it takes approximately 3-4 months for Kikuyu Runners to reach their full coverage potential.
During this period, the Kikuyu Runners will undergo active growth, sending out runners and producing new shoots. These runners will spread horizontally, gradually filling in the gaps and creating a dense turf. With proper watering, adequate sunlight, and appropriate maintenance practices, the Kikuyu Runners will develop into a complete and lush coverage within the mentioned timeframe.
It’s important to note that the exact time required for full coverage may vary depending on various factors such as climate, soil conditions, and maintenance practices. Patience and consistent care are key during the establishment phase to ensure the Kikuyu Runners achieve their maximum coverage potential and develop into a healthy, vibrant turf.
Why Kikuyu Runners?
- Cost-effectiveness: Kikuyu runners are generally more cost-effective compared to instant lawn. By growing the grass from runners, you can establish a large turf area at a lower cost compared to purchasing and installing pre-grown instant turf sods.
- Rapid coverage and regeneration: Kikuyu runners allow for quick coverage of bare areas, patches and regrowth in damaged areas. The runners quickly establish new shoots and roots, enabling the turf to recover rapidly. This characteristic makes Kikuyu runners suitable for high-traffic areas or places where the grass is likely to undergo wear and tear.
- Adaptability and resilience: Kikuyu grass, propagated through runners, exhibits excellent adaptability and resilience to diverse environmental conditions. It can tolerate heat, drought, and wear, making it a robust choice for regions with challenging climates or intense use.
- Environmental benefits: Kikuyu grass is known for its ability to reduce erosion and improve soil stability. The dense root system of Kikuyu runners helps prevent soil erosion and enhances water infiltration, making it an environmentally friendly option.
Cost of Kikuyu Runners:
1 bag of Kikuyu Runners costs R150.00 ex VAT and plants out an area of 30m2.
Eg. If your area is 1000m2, you will need 34 bags of runners = R5 865.00
How to plant Kikuyu Roots in Rows:
Preparation
- Remove any existing vegetation, weeds, rocks, and debris from the area.
- Till the soil to a depth of about 15 cm to loosen it and improve drainage.
- Incorporate Duzi Turf’s Organic Garden Mix into the soil to enhance fertility.
- Create neat furrows 30cm apart.
Installation
- Start by laying the turf runners into the furrows of prepared soil.
- Carefully press the root portion of the runners into the soil, ensuring good contact with the soil using your hands. Allow the stems of the runners to remain above the soil surface, allowing sunlight to reach them for optimal growth.
Irrigation
- After planting, it is important to water the Kikuyu roots thoroughly. This helps to provide initial hydration to the newly planted roots in rows, and promotes proper root establishment.
- Watering should be done regularly, ideally every day or as needed, depending on weather conditions. The goal is to keep the top 15 cm (6 inches) of the soil consistently moist.
Maintenance
- Mow the Kikuyu grass when it reaches a height of about 5 to 7.5 cm to encourage lateral growth and density. Avoid using brush cutters and mow on the highest blade setting.
- Never mow more than a third of the leaf blade at a time.
- For more mowing tips, click here.
For more information and advice, drop us a comment below or email us on info@duziturf.co.za.
For for more of our organic range, visit our Kikuyu Runners Page.