Bethel Farms Introduces Gateway Zoysiagrass—Here's Everything You Need to Know

Bethel Farms has recently unveiled its latest innovation—Gateway Zoysiagrass, a game-changing turfgrass cultivar designed to elevate the way we think about warm-season grass. Cultivated to exhibit remarkable resilience and superior turf quality, Gateway Zoysiagrass is set to redefine expectations for lawns, sports fields, golf courses, and landscaping across a range of climates.

Gateway is part of our ongoing commitment to innovation in turfgrass solutions, underscoring our partnership with MVP Genetics, a leader in high-performance vegetative turfgrass breeding. Together, Bethel Farms and MVP Genetics aim to provide sustainable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing options for all turfgrass needs.

Why Gateway Zoysiagrass?

Gateway Zoysiagrass is a new cultivar that boasts some truly exceptional qualities that set it apart from traditional zoysiagrass types.

1. Minimal Seed Heads

One of the key selling features of Gateway Zoysia is its incredibly low seed head production. While some zoysia varieties tend to produce seed heads that can detract from the unique appearance of your turf, Gateway remains pristine with minimal seed head formation. This characteristic gives a cleaner look, ideal for highly maintained areas such as golf course fairways and roughs, sports fields, and high-end residential lawns.

2. Aggressive Recovery from High Traffic

Gateway Zoysiagrass excels in areas with high foot traffic, offering superior recovery even after heavy use. Whether it's a backyard gathering, sports practice, or the general hustle and bustle in a landscape, this zoysia cultivar can bounce back quickly. Its aggressive growth habit makes it one of the most durable options for spaces that need to maintain a vibrant appearance despite consistent wear.

3. Fast Establishment

Gateway’s aggressive growth habit also translates to rapid establishment. It means you can expect faster results whether you’re looking to replace an old lawn or lay down new turf. It can go from completely stripped ground to a fully established lawn in just 200 days, making it a time-efficient option for homeowners and landscapers alike.

4. Superior Turf Quality

Gateway Zoysiagrass is known for its fine-textured, dense turf, creating a lush, high-quality lawn that’s visually appealing and feels soft underfoot. Whether it's for a residential yard or a professional sports field, the quality of the turf is top-notch, providing both beauty and durability.

5. Class-Leading Cold Tolerance

What truly sets Gateway apart is its exceptional cold tolerance. Many common zoysia varieties usually go dormant when temperatures drop, losing their lush green color until the weather is warmer. However, Gateway is bred to withstand colder conditions without sacrificing color or health. This makes it an excellent option for the transition zone, where winters can be unpredictable. For areas with occasional temperature drops, its resilience can help keep your lawn vibrant through the cooler months—without the risk of winterkill.

How Gateway Zoysiagrass Compares to Other Zoysiagrass Varieties

While zoysiagrass is widely recognized for its durability and drought tolerance, it is generally slower-growing than Bermuda and other warm-season grasses. However, Gateway Zoysiagrass raises the bar with faster establishment and superior resilience. Many traditional zoysia cultivars require more intensive care and extended recovery periods after heavy use. Meanwhile, Gateway’s rapid recovery and aggressive growth make it a standout choice for residential and commercial applications.

Another key advantage is its ability to thrive at a broad range of cutting heights, offering flexibility in maintenance routines and applications—whether for golf courses, sports fields, professional landscapes, or home lawns.

Additionally, its improved cold tolerance and adaptability across various climates—from transition zones to hot summer regions—make it a more versatile choice than other varieties, which may struggle in lower temperatures or require more resources and upkeep to thrive.

Bethel Farms and Its Commitment to Innovation

The introduction of Gateway Zoysiagrass reflects our commitment to pushing the boundaries of turfgrass technology. Through our strategic alignment with MVP Genetics, we expand our range of high-performance turfgrasses that are tailored for modern landscaping needs.

This partnership combines MVP Genetics’ cutting-edge research and breeding expertise with Bethel Farms' 65 years of experience in sod cultivation and market development. Together, we aim to create a new standard for climate-resilient, low-input, and high-quality turfgrasses that meet the evolving demands of the industry.

Adam Russell, Vice President of MVP Genetics, shares, "This partnership with Bethel Farms is a major milestone in our purpose to deliver products that build health and enjoyment in all people through the planting of natural grass.”

Gateway Zoysia Sod at Bethel Farms

For homeowners and turf professionals eager to transform their lawns or landscapes with this remarkable cultivar, Gateway Zoysiagrass will be available for commercial sales in 2026. This allows for quick and easy installation, facilitating a seamless transition to an aesthetically appealing, low-maintenance lawn that will thrive for years to come.

With its rapid establishment, outstanding recovery, and lower maintenance requirements, Gateway Zoysia is poised to become one of the go-to choices for those seeking a durable, sustainable, and visually appealing turfgrass solution.

As Bethel Farms continues to innovate and expand its offerings, Gateway Zoysiagrass stands as a testament to our dedication to quality and excellence in turfgrass solutions. Visit our website today to learn more.