CitraBlue St. Augustine Grass - Complete Homeowner Guide
What is CitraBlue St. Augustine Grass?
CitraBlue St Augustine grass is a newer cultivar of St. Augustine developed for improved color, disease resistance, drought tolerance, and less mowing requirements. It is known for its deep blue-green tone and its ability to establish into a thick, attractive lawn when properly maintained.
Like all St. Augustine grasses, CitraBlue spreads through above ground runners called stolons. These runners allow the grass to naturally fill in over time, which is why many homeowners install CitraBlue as plugs instead of sod.
CitraBlue St Augustine grass performs best in warm climates. It likes full sun and partial shade.
If you’re looking for a lawn that has a rich color, less mowing, and moderate drought tolerance once established, CitraBlue is becoming a popular choice.
How to Identify CitraBlue Grass
If you're trying to ID CitraBlue St. Augustine grass, here are some characteristics to look for:
- Color: Deep blue-green
- Blade width: Medium width, slightly finer than traditional St. Augustine
- Texture: Softer and dense feel underfoot
- Growth habit: Spreads through visible above ground stolons (runners)
- Mowing height: Performs best maintained at 2.5-4 inches
- Density: Forms a thick, uniform lawn with proper care
Because CitraBlue spreads laterally, small planted areas can eventually grow together into a seamless lawn when spaced properly.
Water Requirements
CitraBlue St Augustine grass is not extremely drought tolerant, but it can perform well as a lower-water lawn when properly established.
During Establishment (First 4–6 Weeks)
When installing CitraBlue plugs, consistent moisture is important. Newly planted plugs need regular watering to help roots establish into the surrounding soil. Light, frequent watering during the first few weeks helps reduce transplant stress and encourages lateral growth.
After Establishment
Once established, CitraBlue benefits from deeper, less frequent irrigation. This encourages deeper rooting and improves overall resilience.
Overwatering can lead to shallow roots and disease pressure, so allowing the lawn to dry slightly between waterings is generally beneficial.
Compared to tall fescues and traditional St. Augustine, CitraBlue requires less water once rooted, but proper soil preparation and irrigation management are key.
Sun and Shade Tolerance
CitraBlue St Augustine grass performs in full sun to partial shade, making it suitable for variable conditions and yards with some shade, tree cover, or filtered light.
Mowing and Maintenance
CitraBlue should typically be maintained at a height of 2-3 inches. Keeping St. Augustine grasses slightly taller helps shade the soil, reduce weed pressure, and support stronger root systems.
Additional maintenance tips:
- Fertilize during the active growing season as needed
- Avoid cutting more than one-third of the grass lenght at a time
- Overseeding is not required
- Dethatching is rarely necessary with proper mowing practices
A well-maintained CitraBlue lawn develops into a dense, uniform surface over time.
CitraBlue Plugs vs. Sod
CitraBlue St. Augustine grass can be installed as sod or plugs.
Many homeowners choose CitraBlue plugs because:
- They are typically more affordable than sod
- Easier to transport and install
- Ideal for smaller or irregularly shaped areas
- Allow gradual, natural fill-in through runners
Plugs are especially popular for DIY installations where homeowners want flexibility in spacing, timing, and cost control.
How Long Do CitraBlue Plugs Take to Fill In?
Fill-in time depends on spacing, season, and soil preparation.
Typical spacing options:
- 9": Quicker fill in
- 12": More economical, slower coverage
During warm growing months, plugs can begin spreading quickly. With good soil prep and proper watering, noticeable coverage often develops within one growing season.
Where to Buy CitraBlue Plugs
If you’re considering installing CitraBlue St Augustine grass, plugs offer a practical and efficient option for establishing a new lawn.
Homeowners often prefer plugs because they are easier to ship, easier to DIY install, and more cost-effective compared to sod.
If you're interested in installing this variety, you can purchase CitraBlue plugs here.