Best Grasses for Sale - Top Lawn, Pasture & Ornamental Varieties
BeyondForest- Jun 3, 2024
- 8 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Image of Pemba Grass lawn by Martin Kihara
By the end of this section you will learn
0.)About Grass
2.)Grass Price List
3.)Kikuyu Grass Vs Bermuda Grass
4.)Zimbambwe Grass Vs Pemba Grass
5.)FAQ About Grass
Image of a facebook post by Juma Alex on Kenyan Landscapers
Grass scientific name Poaceae, or Gramineae, is a large and very large family of monocotyledonous flowering plants commonly known as grasses. Grasses are essential for landscaping, agriculture, erosion control, and animal fodder. Whether you're looking for turfgrass for a lawn, pasture grass for livestock, or ornamental grass for aesthetic appeal, there's a variety to choose from.
Image of Napier Grass by Steve Kip
It includes the cereal grasses, bamboos, the grasses of natural grassland and species cultivated in lawns and pasture. The latter are commonly referred to collectively as grass Of all crops grown, 70% are grasses
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Lawn Grass
Ideal for home gardens, golf courses, and sports fields. Popular varieties of Lawn grass include
Kikuyu Grass
Kikuyu grass can withstand heavy foot traffic
Image of a 250 grams SIMLAW Lawn grass kikuyu grass seeds costing 4,800Ksh-7,800Ksh
Kikuyu Grass scientifically known as Pennisetum clandestinum is one of the most popular lawn grasses in Kenya and many parts of East Africa due to its rapid growth, lush green color, and excellent ground coverage. Native to the highland regions of East Africa, it thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, particularly in well-drained soils and full sun conditions.
Image of a post on Kikuyu grass by Sabelo on X
Kikuyu grass spreads aggressively through stolons (above-ground runners) and rhizomes (underground stems), allowing it to quickly cover bare ground and suppress weed growth. Its dense mat formation makes it ideal for lawns, public parks, golf courses, and even erosion control on slopes.
Image of Kikuyu grass by Pam Luper
It is best suited for areas that receive moderate to high rainfall, although once established, it can withstand dry spells. Regular mowing is necessary to maintain a neat appearance and prevent it from becoming invasive. Kikuyu requires moderate fertilization for a rich, deep green color and benefits from occasional dethatching to remove dead material.
However when watered too much Pemba grass retains a lot of water and the compound is always wet.
Pemba grass, also called Buffalo grass or St. Augustine grass is a broad-leafed grass, suitable for sports pitches and public amenities .Pemba Grass is extremely tolerant to drought and wear.
Being an instant grass, it is available for use immediately after laying. Most of the time Pemba is sold in splits but not seeds ,It is already grown grass that is uprooted then replanted to your compound
Pemba grass is available in 3 varieties, Green Pemba grass, Coast Pemba grass and Variegated Pemba Grass .It Grows to cover ground within 2 to 4 months.
Pemba Grass requires minimal watering and can grows in Hot areas and Cool area .The good thing with Pemba grass is that it grows in black cotton soil and After covering the whole area no weeds can grow as it forms a very thick sod hence keeps weeds away
Image of 1 month old Pemba Grass planted by Landscaper Caren Muthoni
Cost of Pemba Grass is 700 Ksh per 50 Kilo gram sack .For one acre of Land you would require 250 bags of 50Kg splits that equals to 175,000Ksh .
For a 90kg bag of Pemba the cost is 1800Ksh as a 90 Kg sack can fit 4 50 Kgs bags
Image of Pemba grass sold by Irene Kariuki Kariuki
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Arabic grass
One of its major advantages is its soft feel underfoot, which makes it suitable for children’s play areas and home gardens.
Arabic Grass scientifically known as Zoysia matrella and referred to as Arabica grass or sweet smother grass, is a fine-bladed, low-growing lawn grass popular in landscaping due to its soft texture, carpet-like appearance, and minimal maintenance requirements.
To maintain Arabica grass very green Top dressing is required.
Arabic grass thrives in warm climates with partial to full sunlight and does well in loamy, well-drained soils. While it is not as aggressive as Kikuyu or Zimbabwe grass, it forms a neat, uniform lawn over time with proper care. It requires less mowing than faster-growing species, making it perfect for urban homeowners or commercial landscaping where a clean, manicured look is desired with minimal upkeep.
Buy Arabica Grass From Top Vendors Along Northern Bypass
Arabica grass is so sensitive to what is underneath the soil. It's so needy and not resilient to a lot of things. Very expensive as well. Only thing is that it's very gorgeous & carpety -Wanguthuku
Image of Arabica grass planted by Landscaper Gracy Gituku
However Arabica grass needs quite a lot of water though one of the best grasses if well maintained.
Arabica is often confused with other creeping grasses, but it is distinct in its compact growth and slow, non-invasive spreading habit, making it ideal for decorative lawns, pathways, and garden edges.
Image of Arabica grass affected by weeds
Arabica grass is very prone to weed attack thus it is recommended to spray weed selector a 50kilogram bag of Arabica grass cost 1000Ksh
One of its biggest strengths for Maadi River is its ability to bounce back quickly after wear, making it suitable for high-traffic areas.
Image of maadi River by Rustic Garden
Maadi River grass is a locally recognized variant of Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) known for its fast growth, hardiness, and excellent drought tolerance. It is especially popular in Kenya and other parts of East Africa, where it is used extensively in landscaping for lawns, public parks, school grounds, and sports fields.
Image of Maadi River grass by Rustic Garden on X
Maadi River grass is a Bermuda grass species
Named after the Maadi River region, this grass is adapted to thrive in hot, sunny climates and low-rainfall areas, making it a preferred choice for low-maintenance, water-efficient turf.
Maadi River grass has a medium to coarse leaf texture and spreads rapidly through stolons and rhizomes, forming a thick, durable mat that resists erosion and suppresses weed growth. Its fast establishment rate makes it ideal for areas that require quick ground coverage. While it performs exceptionally well in full sun, it has limited tolerance for heavy shade.
Zimbabwean grass
Zimbabwe grass, sometimes referred to in landscaping as African star grass or locally by its botanical relatives like Cynodon nlemfuensis, is a fast-spreading, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance grass species widely used across Southern and East Africa. Despite the common name “Zimbabwe grass,” it is not exclusive to Zimbabwe; it thrives in diverse tropical and subtropical climates and is popular in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Botswana, among other regions.
Zimbabwe grass is a perennial warm-season grass that spreads by stolons (above-ground runners), allowing it to quickly establish a dense mat over soil. It has fine-textured blades, usually dark green, and grows to a moderate height unless regularly mown. Its root system is relatively shallow but widespread, aiding in water retention and erosion control.
Zimbabwean grass cost 800Ksh for a 50kg bag
Bermuda Grass
One downside of Bermuda grass is its poor shade tolerance, meaning it struggles under trees or in areas with limited sunlight.
Bermuda is a family of 2 types of grass ,maadliver and caperoyal. Go for any of this 2 types they are drought tolerant grass for your lawn
Bermuda Grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a warm-season perennial grass widely used for lawns, sports fields, golf courses, and pastures across tropical and subtropical regions. Known for its fine texture, dense growth, and vibrant green color, it thrives in full sunlight and well-drained soils. Native to Africa and parts of Asia,
Bermuda grass is drought-tolerant, making it suitable for dry regions. However, it responds well to irrigation and fertilization, especially with nitrogen, for maximum greenness and lushness. Its growth slows significantly in cold temperatures and may turn brown during cool seasons unless over seeded with a cool-season grass.
Bermuda got very thin soft leaves which makes it feel spongy when you step on it.
The cost of Bermuda grass 50 Kilogram bag is 1600 Ksh
With Bermuda grass, make sure you got plenty water especially during the dry season. Those small small ants that bite when you relax on the grass love bermuda grass. But with enough water, they can't live there -King Espoir
Variegated Pemba
Variegated pemba has broad leaves and white colour at the ends of the leaf, the grass is drought tolerant
and by Its dense growth habit means it Competes well with weeds .It is Shade tolerant and is a low maintenance lawn that withstand wear and tear
variegated Pemba grass cost 600Ksh for a 50kg bag
Paspalum vaginatum (commonly known as seashore paspalum) or EsKondi being the most popular variety used in landscaping, sports fields, and coastal turf applications. This grass is highly valued for its salt tolerance, making it ideal for areas with salty irrigation water, coastal environments, or golf courses near the ocean.
Image of Paspalum grass grown in Kitale by Jakie
Paspalum grass has a medium to fine texture, grows low to the ground, and forms a dense, carpet-like cover. It thrives in full sun but can also tolerate light shade. What makes it unique is its ability to stay green and healthy even when irrigated with brackish or recycled water, a major advantage in regions with water quality challenges. It also performs well in sandy soils and can be mowed short, which is why it's used on putting greens and fairways.
Image of Paspalum grass by Jakie
Pasture and Fodder Grasses
Used for feeding livestock. Common pasture and Fodder grasses include
Napier Grass
Rhodes Grass
Brachiaria Grass
Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grass are used for landscaping and decorative purposes:
Pampas Grass
Tall, feathery plumes for gardens.
Fountain Grass
Adds texture and movement to landscapes.
Lemongrass
Has culinary and medicinal uses.
Erosion Control and Cover Crops
Vetiver Grass
Deep-rooted and used for soil conservation.
Sudan Grass
Fast-growing and excellent for soil improvement.
Lawn Grass Price List
Arabic grass 50kg bag | 1000Ksh |
Pemba green 50kg bag | 800Ksh |
Variegated Pemba 50Kg bag | 900Ksh |
Bermuda grass 50Kg bag | 1500Ksh |
Paspalum grass 50Kg bag | 800Ksh |
Zimbabwe grass 50Kg bag | 800Ksh |
Maadi River 50Kg bag | 1500Ksh |
Madriver grass outstands heavy traffic and is done at NYS headquarters playgrounds
Maadi river is the best because it can outstands heat it is a drought resistance grass and even green making a thick carpet
Is Pemba grass the same as Zimbabwe grass
No, Pemba grass is not the same as Zimbabwe grass, though they are sometimes confused due to their similar uses in landscaping and ground cover
Which grass is good to plant in Kisii or Meru
Since Kisii has enough rain and any grass can do well both Pemba green and Arabic as Philip Mutua states he planted some in Milimani Estate and doing great
Which grass does well in shaded areas.
Zimbabwe grass or Variegated/green pemba does well in shaded areas.
Application of selective weed killer works on all grass types as long as you follow the instructions properly for instance don't apply 4 days before or 4 days after mowing of the lawn which is one of the most common mistake people do while using this selective. This is because the chemical will enter injured grass blade killing the grass as well as the weeds.
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