Floratam grass is a distinct variety of St. Augustine that demands specific care to stay healthy and thick. The single most important factor is avoiding herbicides that are too harsh for this sensitive cultivar.
Choosing the Best Fertilizers for Floratam Grass requires balancing nutrients with the specific chemical needs of your lawn. A thoughtful selection prevents yellowing and promotes strong root growth throughout the season. Read on to see which options match your lawn needs.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize fertilizers specifically labeled as safe for St. Augustine to prevent chemical damage.
- Check the herbicide active ingredients to ensure they are compatible with the sensitive Floratam variety.
- Choose a high nitrogen formulation for consistent color if your soil test does not show a deficiency in phosphorus.
- Consider the application method, as liquid sprays provide faster absorption compared to granular slow release formulas.
- Match the package size to your total square footage to avoid having too much leftover material in your garage.
| Professional Grade Solution |  |
LESCO St. Augustine Weed and Feed | Controls stubborn broadleaf weeds | Professional strength nutrient blend | Promotes dense turf growth | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Reliable Base Fertilizer |  |
Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food | Easy to spread evenly | Encourages deep root growth | Improves overall grass density | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Triple Action Defender |  |
BioAdvanced Southern Weed and Feed | Kills weeds and insects | Fertilizes for quick greening | Specifically for Southern lawns | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Rapid Color Booster |  |
Scotts Green Max Lawn Food | Provides rapid greening | Contains high iron content | Visible results in days | View on Amazon | Read Review |
| Precision Liquid Feed |  |
Simple Lawn Solutions Balanced Liquid | Easy hose-end application | Fast nutrient absorption | Balanced NPK ratio | View on Amazon | Read Review |
More Details on Our Top Picks
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LESCO St. Augustine Weed and Feed
If you want your Floratam lawn to look like a golf course fairway, this is your primary choice. It combines a heavy-duty fertilizer with Penoxsulam, which is a specialized herbicide that targets broadleaf weeds without stressing your grass.
You should apply this when the soil temperature is warm and the weeds are actively growing. Because it acts as both a nutrient delivery system and a defensive barrier, you get a clean, thick lawn that crowds out unwanted invaders. Just be careful to water it in well, as this concentrated formula is potent and can burn tender blades if left to sit on the surface.
- Brand Name:LESCO
- Product Type:Granular Weed and Feed
- Net Weight:50 lbs.
- Application Method:Broadcast spreader
- Key Function:Weed control and fertilization
- Additional Feature:Contains systemic Penoxsulam herbicide
- Additional Feature:High nitrogen content for color
- Additional Feature:Slow release feeding cycle
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Scotts Turf Builder Lawn Food
Think of this as the staple diet for your lawn. It provides a standard, dependable mix of nutrients that encourages consistent growth throughout the growing season.
This is an excellent option if you are happy with your weed situation and just want to boost grass vigor and color. It works by building deep, strong roots that help your Floratam survive the heat of mid-summer. However, it does not contain any pesticides, so you will need to handle weed management separately.
- Brand Name:Scotts
- Product Type:Granular Lawn Food
- Net Weight:12.5 lbs.
- Application Method:Broadcast spreader
- Key Function:General lawn nutrition
- Additional Feature:Builds thick turf
- Additional Feature:Works in all seasons
- Additional Feature:Safe for all grass types
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BioAdvanced Southern Weed and Feed
When you have bugs, weeds, and hungry grass all at once, this is your all-in-one remedy. It tackles invasive plants while simultaneously killing damaging insects like chinch bugs that often plague Southern lawns.
This formula is designed to work quickly to protect your turf from multiple threats. Because it is so multifaceted, you must be precise with your application timing to avoid harming beneficial garden life. It is the perfect tool for someone who prefers a streamlined approach to lawn maintenance.
- Brand Name:BioAdvanced
- Product Type:3-in-1 Granular
- Net Weight:10 lbs.
- Application Method:Broadcast spreader
- Key Function:Weed and insect control
- Additional Feature:Targets chinch bugs
- Additional Feature:Protects against broadleaf weeds
- Additional Feature:Fast acting nutrient absorption
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Scotts Green Max Lawn Food
If your lawn looks a bit yellow or tired, this product acts like a jolt of caffeine for your grass. It is packed with extra iron, which is the specific mineral responsible for that deep, dark green color everyone wants.
You will see results quite fast, as the iron is formulated to be absorbed easily by the grass blades. Use this when you have an important event coming up or just want to fix discoloration caused by a lack of nutrients. Keep in mind that this is strictly a fertilizer for color and strength rather than a weed control product.
- Brand Name:Scotts
- Product Type:Granular Lawn Food
- Net Weight:16.67 lbs.
- Application Method:Broadcast spreader
- Key Function:Enhances turf color
- Additional Feature:Iron-rich formula
- Additional Feature:Non-staining application
- Additional Feature:Fast nutrient uptake
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Simple Lawn Solutions Balanced Liquid
Liquid fertilizer is like a fast-acting tonic for your soil. This balanced 16-4-8 blend is absorbed directly through the leaves and roots, making it perfect for a quick recovery or a mid-season pick-me-up.
Because it comes in a spray bottle, you have complete control over where the product goes. This is helpful if you have specific areas of your lawn that are struggling more than others. Just remember that liquid fertilizers wash away faster than granular ones, so you will need to apply it more frequently to maintain the same results.
- Brand Name:Simple Lawn Solutions
- Product Type:Liquid Fertilizer
- Net Weight:32 oz.
- Primary Nutrients:16-4-8 NPK
- Application Method:Hose-end spray
- Key Function:Foliar nutrient delivery
- Additional Feature:Highly concentrated formula
- Additional Feature:Works for all grass types
- Additional Feature:Convenient ready-to-spray bottle
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I fertilize my Floratam lawn?
You should aim to feed your lawn four times per year. Space these applications about eight weeks apart during the growing season.
Can I use a standard weed and feed on my grass?
No, you should avoid generic weed and feed products at all costs. Many of these contain atrazine or 2,4-D formulations that will cause severe damage or death to Floratam grass.
Why is my Floratam turning yellow?
Yellowing often points to an iron deficiency or high soil pH levels. You can apply a chelated iron supplement to correct the color without over-fertilizing the grass.
Should I water after applying fertilizer?
Yes, you should always water the lawn lightly after application. This helps the granules dissolve and move the nutrients down to the root zone where they are needed most.
What is the best NPK ratio for St. Augustine?
Look for a ratio that emphasizes nitrogen and potassium, like 15-0-15. This balance promotes healthy leaf growth while strengthening the plant against environmental stress.
