How to propagate Zoysia?

Zoysia or Korean velvet grass is a small grass that forms a fine mat and is ideal for replacing lawn! Moreover, it is drought-resistant, very low-maintenance, and can even withstand heavy foot traffic. It creates a beautiful soft green carpet that is both fine and dense. It has the advantage of staying green even in the height of summer. The most well-known is Zoysia tenuifolia, also called Mauritius Grass, but Zoysia japonica, or Japanese Grass, is also cultivated, which has wider leaves and grows a bit faster. Discover all our tips for multiplying Zoysia, whether to expand or create new lawn areas!

By division

Division is a simple and effective method for multiplying Zoysia, as it is a plant that naturally tends to spread through its stolons.

When to divide Zoysia?

The best time to divide Zoysia is early spring, when the plant starts to grow again.

How to do?

Choose a location where Zoysia is particularly dense, for example, where it forms bumps. You can also select an edge area to avoid creating a gap in the ground cover.
Use a spade to dig up the clump of Zoysia.
Separate it into several sections using your hands or a sharp, disinfected knife. Ensure that each section retains enough roots.
Prepare the new location for each plant: carefully remove weeds, dig and loosen the soil with a spade, and possibly add some potting soil. You can also pot them until they establish and grow a bit before planting them in their final location. In this case, prepare pots by filling them with potting soil.
Plant the young plants, then firm the soil around them to ensure good contact between the soil and the roots.
Water generously.

How to Divide Zoysia — Zoysia's stolons allow it to spread easily; to multiply it, simply take sections and replant them (photo: Elizabeth Bush). On the right, young plants ready to be planted in the ground.

Necessary equipment

A spade
A trowel
A sharp knife
A watering can
Pots

By sowing

This technique is ideal for establishing large lawn areas, particularly with the species Zoysia japonica. The true Mauritius Grass, Zoysia tenuifolia, does not produce seeds: it multiplies only by division.

When to sow Zoysia?

Sow Zoysia seeds preferably in spring, between April and June, but it is also possible to sow in late summer to early autumn. Choose a windless day; otherwise, some seeds may blow away, making it difficult to achieve an even sowing.

How to do?

Sowing is done in the same way as a traditional lawn sowing. 100 grams of seeds can cover 10 m².

Mark the area you wish to sow using stakes.
Start by working the soil and loosening it with a spade, to a depth of 15 to 20 cm. Break up clumps, remove weeds and larger stones to ensure the seedbed is fine enough. Use a tiller if you have a large area to seed.
Then use a rake to refine and level the soil.
Sow the seeds evenly by broadcasting them.
Lightly cover them with potting soil.
Then roll the lawn roller to firm and press the seeds into the soil. If you don't have one, you can use the back of the rake.
Water with a fine spray.
Continue to water regularly until germination, which occurs in 15 to 20 days.