Introducing Durban Seashore Paspalum

Maintaining a lush, green lawn near the coast or in areas with poor-quality water can be challenging. High salinity in the soil or irrigation water can weaken most turfgrasses, leading to thinning, yellowing, and poor growth. Besides drought tolerance, salt tolerance is one of the most sought-after traits, especially in regions where soil and water salinity pose long-term challenges.

A new standout option available today is Durban Seashore Paspalum. This cutting-edge turfgrass variety features the natural salt tolerance of seashore paspalum with improved traits for durability, drought resistance, and a rich green color. Available at Bethel Farms, this turfgrass offers a sustainable, high-performance solution for various applications, from residential lawns to professional landscapes.

What is Seashore Paspalum Grass?

Seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum) is a warm-season grass known for its high tolerance to saline conditions. Native to coastal regions, it naturally withstands salt spray, brackish water, and poor-quality irrigation sources that would damage most other grasses.

This fine-textured grass spreads through stolons and rhizomes, creating a dense, uniform lawn that is as visually appealing as highly durable. It is commonly used for golf courses, sports fields, and beachfront properties, where traditional turfgrass struggles. With proper maintenance, seashore paspalum remains lush and green even in challenging environments, making it a preferred choice for coastal landscapes.

Key Features of Seashore Paspalum

Highly salt-tolerant – Naturally adapted to high-salinity conditions, ideal for coastal properties.

Thrives in coastal and waterfront settings – Grows well near beaches, golf courses, and poolsides where salt exposure is high.

Handles swampy and wet soils – Performs better than many turfgrasses in waterlogged areas.

Maintains a rich green color – Even in challenging conditions, seashore paspalum stays vibrant with proper care.

What is Durban Seashore Paspalum?

Durban Seashore Paspalum is a premium new variety introduced by Bethel Farms in partnership with MVP Genetics, a pioneer in high-performance vegetative turfgrass cultivars. Originating from the renowned Durban Country Club in South Africa, this exceptional turfgrass was selected for its superior color retention, drought resistance, and wear tolerance, even under low-input maintenance.

This medium-fine-bladed, high-density turfgrass is an excellent choice for golf courses, sports fields, and estate homes. Its introduction to the Florida market means landscapers, homeowners, and facility managers now have access to one of the most resilient and visually striking turf options available today. Whether you’re dealing with high heat, heavy foot traffic, or saline irrigation water, Durban Seashore Paspalum offers an eco-friendly and long-lasting solution.

Choosing the Right Conditions for Seashore Paspalum

Seashore paspalum thrives in warm, humid environments and is well-suited for Florida's coastal and inland regions. If you’re considering this grass for your lawn or landscape, here’s what you need to know:

• Performs best in warm-season climates – Grows actively in temperatures above 75°F.

• Tolerates a range of soils – Adapts to sandy, loamy, and even clay soils, provided good drainage exists.

• Handles various pH levels– Can grow in soil with a pH between 4.5 and 9.0, making it highly adaptable.

• Resistant to salt spray and brackish water – Ideal for properties near the ocean or saltwater bodies.

Establishing and Maintaining Durban Seashore Paspalum

Durban Seashore Paspalum can be established successfully through sod, providing a faster, more uniform lawn compared to seeding. While sod can be installed almost any time of the year—especially in Florida’s temperate climate—it’s best to avoid periods of extreme heat or freezing temperatures. Late spring through early fall is the ideal time for establishment, as it aligns with the grass’s active growing season, supporting strong root development and quicker adaptation to its new environment.

Key Maintenance Practices

• Frequent mowing – Maintain a height of 0.5 to 1.5 inches for optimal density.

• Proper fertilization – Apply balanced fertilizers during active growth periods for sustained color and health.

• Efficient irrigation – While Durban Seashore Paspalum tolerates saline water, proper watering practices are essential for optimal growth. To minimize salt buildup, occasionally flush the soil with fresh water to leach excess salts away from the root zone.

What Happens When There's Too Much Salt in the Soil?

Salt is a natural component of soil, but excessive levels can hinder plant growth. In regions where evaporation exceeds rainfall—meaning there isn’t enough precipitation to flush out accumulated salts—saline soils can develop. This issue is prevalent in dry climates but can also occur in poorly drained areas where salts build up over time. The problem is often worsened by:

• Poor irrigation practices that leave behind concentrated salt deposits.

• High water tables and poor drainage, trapping salt near the surface.

• Use of low-quality irrigation water with high salt content.

When salt levels rise, turfgrass struggles to absorb water, leading to dehydration, nutrient imbalances, and poor growth. If left unmanaged, excessive salt buildup can severely affect the lawn's health.

Best Practices for Managing Salt Levels

While Durban Seashore Paspalum has one of the highest salt tolerances among warm-season grasses, proper management is still essential for long-term health.

Periodically leach the lawn by applying deep irrigation to flush out excess salts.

Deep watering helps push accumulated salts below the root zone, preventing them from interfering with nutrient absorption. This practice is especially important in areas with high evaporation rates, where salts tend to rise to the surface over time.

Conduct soil tests to monitor pH, nutrient levels, and salinity.

Regular soil testing provides insight into salt buildup and helps determine if corrective actions, such as soil amendments or irrigation adjustments, are needed. Testing also ensures that essential nutrients remain available for healthy turf growth despite saline conditions.

Improve drainage to prevent salt buildup, especially in wet soils.

Poorly drained soils allow salts to concentrate near the surface, making it harder for grass to access water and nutrients. Improving drainage with aeration, organic matter, or proper grading helps prevent salt buildup and promotes healthier root development.

Implementing these strategies can help keep your seashore paspalum lawn healthy and resilient in even the most challenging conditions.

Final Thoughts

Durban Seashore Paspalum is a game-changing turfgrass that offers exceptional durability, salt tolerance, and visual appeal for homeowners, landscapers, and sports field managers alike. Whether you're looking to elevate a coastal property, upgrade a golf course, or establish a resilient home lawn, Durban is a proven performer that meets modern turfgrass demands.

Now available as sod grass for sale at Bethel Farms, Durban Seashore Paspalum is ready to transform your landscape. Visit our website to learn more about this revolutionary turfgrass and how it can elevate your outdoor space.