15-015 fertilizer is ideal for established Centipede grass lawns because it delivers the nitrogen and potassium that Centipede grass needs without any of the phosphorus that impedes mature Centipede grass growth. Apply 15-0-15 twice per year to Centipede lawns during the growing season. This will keep your established Centipede lawn apple-green and thriving.
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Why is 15-0-15 The Best Centipede Grass Fertilizer?
The numbers on 15-0-15 fertilizer indicate that it contains 15% nitrogen, 0% phosphorous, and 15% potassium. Since Centipede lawns thrive in high-nitrogen, high-potassium soil with low phosphorus content, it delivers exactly what your lawn needs.
- 15-0-15 delivers nitrogen and potassium without any added phosphorus.
- Centipede grass thrives best when it receives nitrogen and is grown in potassium-rich soil.
- Established Centipede grass performs poorly when the soil contains high phosphorus content.
In essence, 15-0-15 provides everything Centipede grass needs without any added ingredients that may hinder its growth. It’s the best choice when maintaining Centipede grass.
What Does 15-0-15 Mean?
The three numbers on all fertilizers indicate their nutrient percentages. The numbers, in order, always refer to nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium percentage by weight. So, 15-0-15 contains 15% nitrogen, 0% phosphorus, and 15% potassium. This means each pound of fertilizer contains 2.4 ounces of nitrogen, 0 ounces of phosphorus, and 2.4 ounces of Potassium. The rest of the weight is taken up by ingredients that aid absorption and fertilizer uptake by grass.
- Number 1: Percentage of Nitrogen by weight.
- Number 2: Percentage of Phosphorus by weight.
- Number 3: Percentage of Potassium by weight.
You will sometimes see fertilizers referred to by their nutrient ratio. 15-0-15 has a 1:0:1 ratio. However, the percentage is the most useful number when calculating how much fertilizer to spread on your Centipede turf.
How to Use 15-0-15 Fertilizer on Centipede Grass Lawns
15-0-15 fertilizer should be applied twice per year, for a total of 2 pounds of nitrogen and 2 pounds of potassium added to the soil annually. This supports the best blade growth for your lawn without risking a harmful fertilizer overload that may dry out and damage your grass.
When is the Best Time to Apply 15-0-15 to Centipede Grass?
Perform 2 yearly applications of 15-0-15 on Centipede grass. The first application should be made in May, 2 weeks after grass green-up. The second application should be performed in late summer, typically between mid-August and mid-September.
- Make your first application of 15-0-15 fertilizer in May.
- Perform a second application of 15-0-15 fertilizer from mid-August—mid-September.
In regions with frosty or freezing winters, aim for a second fertilizer application in mid-August. If you live in an area where winters rarely bring frost or hard freezes, time your second fertilizer application in early to mid-September.
How Much 15-0-15 Fertilizer Does Centipede Grass Need?
Centipede grass requires 2 pounds of Nitrogen and 2 pounds of Potassium per 1,000 square feet annually for optimal growth and health. This should be delivered in 2 applications. To get the rates correct, all that’s required is that you know the square footage of your lawn. This can be found using a tape measure and calculator. Once you know how many square feet of grass you’re fertilizing, simply follow our guide:
- May: Apply 6.66 pounds of 15-0-15 fertilizer per 1,000 square feet of lawn.
- Mid-August—Mid-September: Apply 6.66 pounds of 15-0-15 fertilizer per 1,000 square feet of lawn.
By applying 6 and 2/3 pounds of Nitrogen per 1,000 square feet, you deliver 1 pound of Nitrogen and 1 pound of Potassium to the area. This is an ideal rate to feed Centipede grass without overloading the soil and causing fertilizer burn.
When Should you Not Use 15-0-15 Fertilizer for Centipede Grass?
New Centipede Grass grown from sod or seed should be treated with a lawn starter fertilizer, not 15-0-15. This is because lawn starter fertilizers contain phosphorus, which is a necessary nutrient that helps new Centipede grass develop roots. A new Centipede lawn treated with 15-0-15 will struggle to take root.
- When establishing new Centipede grass sod or seed, use this lawn starter fertilizer.
- Lawn starter is essential to encourage new Centipede grass to root.
- Once Centipede grass is established (has been mowed 3–4 times) switch to 15-0-15 fertilizer.
Centipede grass only needs phosphorus at the early point in its life cycle. Once your sod or seed is mature enough that it has taken root and been mowed 3–4 times, transition to a 15-0-15 fertilizer schedule. If you sod or seed Centipede grass in spring, it will be established and ready for 15-0-15 in fall.
15-0-15: The Best Centipede Grass Fertilizer
15-0-15 delivers exactly what Centipede grass needs for healthy color, blade growth, and disease resistance. For best results:
- Use 15-0-15 on established Centipede grass twice per year.
- Apply 15-0-15 to Centipede grass in May.
- Make a second 15-0-15 application in summer, between mid-August and mid-September.
- Apply 6 and 2/3 pounds of 15-0-15 per 1,000 square feet at the time of application.
When establishing new Centipede grass lawns, use a lawn starter fertilizer. Then, switch to 15-0-15.
Treated with 15-0-15, Centipede grass will grow quickly, stay green, and resist weeds. A good 15-0-15 fertilizer schedule, ample water, and healthy soil will keep your Centipede lawn healthy and easy to care for.
